When it comes to the Space Wolves, their fierce and valorous nature is legendary. We are showcasing some of the armies we have painted, so we thought you might want to see the Blackmanes army. The Blackmanes are a Space Wolves great company. Our artist Thymos.Theos was the best choice for this project of painting grimdark Space Wolves because of his fondness of the grimdark style.

This project, completed in two waves, achieved a gritty, grimdark aesthetic that encapsulates the chapter’s ferocity and history. Full of pop culture references and character homages, this army tells a rich story both on and off the battlefield. Let’s look into the details of this incredible project.

What is Grimdark?

The term “grimdark” originates from the Warhammer 40,000 universe, describing a setting that is dark, dystopian, and morally complex. In miniature painting, grimdark refers to a style that emphasizes weathering, battle-worn details, muted colors, and an overall sense of bleakness. Achieving this look requires a mastery of techniques such as washes, dry-brushing, and stippling. Thymos.Theos expertly applied these methods to create a truly immersive and realistic Space Wolves army.

Painting Grimdark Space Wolves: The Blackmanes Overview

The Space Wolves Blackmanes chapter is renowned for being the first to cleanse heretics, with their deeds often overlooked for the greater good of the Imperium. In this commissioned project, Thymos.Theos captured their brutal efficiency and fierce loyalty through a lens of the grimdark style. Complete with deliberate weathering and battle wear.

First Wave: Unleashing the Wolves

As we have mentioned, the project was split into two waves. The first one included all the more urgently needed units. Like the following:

• Thunderwolf Cavalry: This unit features a reference to Max Rockatansky from Mad Max. The gritty, battle-worn aesthetic complements the grimdark style, and the weapon and bare arm make the reference more visible.
• Venerable Dreadnought: Homage to Enter the Dragon is evident in the stylized claws. Weathering techniques make this dreadnought look like a veteran of countless battles.
• Wolf Guard Terminators: With nods to Blain from Predator and Logan / Wolverine from Marvel comics, these terminators boast a fierce and rugged appearance. Their armor is chipped and battle-tested, reflecting their veteran status.
• Grey Hunters: Featuring tributes to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and He-Man, these units highlight individualistic traits while maintaining a cohesive battle-worn look.
• Ragnar Blackmane: The leader of the first wave, painted with detailed attention to his armor and weaponry, showcasing a lord ready to lead his pack into the fray.

Second Wave: Expanding the Legends

Obviously, the first wave was only the beginning. So the army soon became expanded with:

• Wulfen Units: References to Daniel LaRusso from Karate Kid and Ken Masters from Street Fighter make these feral warriors stand out. Their torn, grimdark appearance emphasizes their bestial transformation.
• Thunderwolf Cavalry: With inspirations from Viking heroes and gods like Odin, Thor, Ull the Hunter and Erik the Red, these units capture the ferocity of ancient warriors reimagined for the 41st millennium.
• Terminator Units: These terminators are some of the most unique concepts in this army, as they match 15 Knights of the Round Table. Thymos.Theos converted them using Grey-Knights-themed parts, and gave each legendary knight his personal heraldry. The grimdark style emphasizes their valorous and heroic past.
• Assault Centurions: Now, these are an unusual addition to the army. They are supposed to become leaders for the Terminator units, and they feature homages to Hulk Hogan, Zawisza the Black, and King Arthur, these leaders command attention with their detailed and weathered armor.
• Rune Priest: Basically a shaman of this pack. His mystical aura is captured through subtle, elemental detailing fitting the grimdark theme.
• Arjac Rockfist: Paying tribute to Mr. T as Clubber Lang from Rocky 3 and B. A. Baracus, this dark-skinned warrior emanates raw power and determination.
• Wolf Lord Krom: Converted to Cyber-Conan, this homage combines Conan the Barbarian’s savagery with cybernetic enhancements, making him a formidable presence.

Done, Not Based?

Thymos.Theos’ stunning work on the Blackmanes chapter is an outstanding example of painting grimdark Space Wolves. Each miniature, rich with pop culture references and grimdark detailing, tells a story of valor, brutality, and resilience.

Though left blank at the customer’s request, the bases further immerse these figures in their harsh, war-torn reality. Who knows, maybe some of you are lucky enough to encounter this army in battle and see it with completed bases? Something we couldn’t see and show.

Grimdark Space Wolves Can Look Impressive

We are thrilled to present Thymos.Theos’ completed Space Wolves Blackmanes army, a project that beautifully captures the grimdark aesthetic. We really wish more people requested this style for their armies, because all the clean and factory-new armies are becoming boring, aren’t they?

If you’re inspired by this incredible display and wish to see your own miniatures transformed with such meticulous detail, consider our miniature painting service.

Join the Conversation

What do you think of Thymos.Theos’ grimdark take on the Blackmanes chapter? Have you tried painting Space Wolves in a grimdark style yourself? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

The Death Guard is a Chaos Space Marine Legion that has turned its allegiance to the Chaos God Nurgle. Their decayed and grotesque appearance is the signature feature of the Death Guard. This legion, once loyal to the Emperor of Mankind, sows now feared across the galaxy for their resilience and tenacity.
Some time ago, Vaeroun completed an impressive commissioned project: painting a Death Guard army. The customer’s request was to make the army bright and eyecatching, despite going only with gaming-quality painting. Although Vaeroun’s less active these days, we would like to cast some light on one of his more recognizable projects. So in this post, we delve into his work on this formidable army.

Painting a Death Guard Army For Gaming

Vaeroun took on the ambitious task of painting a complete Death Guard army for Warhammer 40,000. This army features iconic units such as Mortarion, the Great Unclean One, Plague Marines, Pox Walkers, Fetid Bloat Drones, Plagueburst Crawlers, Blightlords, Typhus, Scribbus Wretch, and Nauseous Rotbone. The bright, sickly colors used here, combined with enough detailing for high gaming quality standard, created a cohesive force that both intimidates and impresses.

Style and Techniques

Vaeroun’s approach to painting the Death Guard emphasizes their diseased nature. He used a combination of weathering techniques, washes, and airbrushing to achieve a sickly, toxic appearance. It was the customer’s request to make the army bright and eyecatching on the tabletop, so Vaeroun followed this suggestion. The use of various shades of green helped create the daunting, corrupted look that makes Death Guard armies easily recognizable.

Vaeroun used true metallics for this project because they look great on gaming miniatures. Especially with the weathering, so typical for Death Guard armies.

Key Units of the Army

• Mortarion: The towering Primarch of the Death Guard, Mortarion is holding with his signature scythe and. You can easily recognize him thank to his formidable presence. Vaeroun made him the natural centerpiece of the army.

• Great Unclean One: Vaeroun painted this grotesque daemon of Nurgle to highlight its bloated and diseased form. Vaeroun’s application of bright, toxic colors brings out the sickening details, making it a true representation of Nurgle’s corruption.
• Plague Marines: These elite Chaos Space Marines have multiple mutations and are immune to disease. The painting emphasises their resilience and accentuates the intricate details and mutations on each model.

• Pox Walkers: As mindless zombies that serve Nurgle, these miniatures are painted with a dirty, rotten appearance. Vaeroun’s went for fast-painting techniques to create a horde or horrifying servants.
• Fetid Bloat Drones and Plagueburst Crawlers: These daemon engines and armored vehicles are painted to emphasize their role in spreading disease and decay. The weathering, chipped paint and rust effects applied by Vaeroun give them a battle-worn, corrupted look.

• Blightlords: Clad in Terminator armor, these elite troops are equipped with deadly weapons. Vaeroun made sure they would look proud among other units, emphasizing their menacing presence even more.
• Typhus and Support Characters: Typhus, along with Scribbus Wretch and Nauseous Rotbone, are painted to highlight their roles within the Death Guard. Vaeroun’s attention to their unique characteristics, from Typhus’ massive scythe to Scribbus Wretch’s meticulous tools, brings each character to life.

• Chaos Spawns: Those Creatures are the results of receiving too many mutations as either blessings or curses from their gods, turning them into mindless but dangerous monsters.

The Painted Army

The final result is nothing short of spectacular. Vaeroun’s painted Death Guard army is not only a formidable force on the battlefield but also a sight to behold. Each miniature, from the imposing Mortarion to the lowliest Pox Walker, is a piece in the big picture that the army became thanks to Vaeroun’s skill and dedication to the craft.

How Do You Like It?

We’re thrilled to showcase Vaeroun’s impressive work on this Death Guard army. His decidation, knowledge of various painting techniques and attention to detail have resulted in a truly breathtaking force. If you’re inspired by this project and would like to have your own miniatures professionally painted, check out our miniature painting service for more information.

Join the Conversation

What do you think of Vaeroun’s take on painting Death Guard? Have you tried painting your own Death Guard miniatures? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

We are excited to introduce our new team member, Kamil, whose unique style makes him a highly recognizable painter. You will easily identify his work when you see pictures of his precisely painted miniatures. Instead of writing an introductory post, we’ve decided to showcase him through one of his most spectacular projects. And the “Breaking of the Fellowship” diorama surely is one of them!

The Concept

Kamil took on the ambitious task of painting the nine members of the Fellowship of the Ring (or eight footmen and a treestump, for post-Moria scenarios). Each miniature was based and mounted on a scenic display tray, designed to resemble a sparse forest with ruins scattered around. This thoughtful arrangement captures the essence of the pivotal scene from the movie.

Picking the Style

Kamil’s approach was to paint the miniatures in a naturalistic, down-to-earth style, adjusting the detail intensity for each character. A distinctive feature of Kamil’s style is his focus on facial features that is also a highlight of this project. He spent considerable time studying multiple images of each character to replicate their expressions accurately.

His detailed work captures the characteristic facial features of each character and actually allows to see the resemblance. Despite all the difficulties caused by the poses or underwhelming sculpt quality, the overall quality remains impressive from most viewing angles.

Kamil also delved into the complexities of painting metallic objects using the non-metallic metal (NMM) technique, obviously in his own way.

Creating the display tray was a significant step outside Kamil’s comfort zone. Crafting a diorama that matched his vision involved more detailed modeling than he’d previously undertaken. However, the end result—a diorama that evokes the scene’s atmosphere from the movie—speaks volumes about his skill and creativity.

The Finished “Breaking of the Fellowship” Diorama

The completed “Breaking of the Fellowship” diorama is nothing short of spectacular. The naturalistic paintwork, striking NMM techniques, and the atmospheric base and tray come together to create a piece that any collector would be proud to own. Each miniature tells a story of its own, yet is part of a cohesive whole.

For fans of The Lord of the Rings and miniature painting enthusiasts alike, Kamil’s “Breaking of the Fellowship” diorama offers a glimpse into the potential of skilled artistry applied to our beloved hobby.

So Are You Inspired?

Kamil’s exceptional work on the “Breaking of the Fellowship” diorama highlights his talent. Yet it also showcases the artistry we pride ourselves on here at Chest of Colors.

If this breathtaking diorama has sparked your imagination and you’d like to see your own miniatures brought to life with such intricate detail, consider our miniature painting service.

Join the Conversation

What do you think of Kamil’s take on the Fellowship of the Ring? Have you ever tried your hand at painting The Lord of the Rings miniatures? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

The Kingdom Death Monster tabletop game is famous for its beautifully disturbing miniatures, each telling a story of their own. Our latest feature is the Dragon King, expertly painted by none other than our artist Ana. While we’ve showcased a different version of this beast before, Ana made her version pretty unconventional, primarily for display but with some occasional gaming in mind.

The Project

When a collector approached Chest of Colors with the request of adding the Dragon King to his ongoing commission of several Kingdom Death Monster miniatures, we knew we had to deliver something special. Ana took on the challenge, aiming to create a piece that not only looked fierce on the battlefield but could also serve as a striking display piece.

Technique Highlight

Ana’s interpretation of this model utilizes a blend of airbrushing and meticulous hand-painting. It allowed her to achieve a unique and vibrant color scheme. She decided to combine the usual dark and gritty approach typically associated with KDM with a vivid palette that transitions seamlessly between hues of blue, purple, and pink. This choice adds a layer of surrealism, making the Dragon King appear even more otherworldly.

One standout technique Ana employed was her use of lighting effects, simulating a mystical glow emanating from within the creature. This effect was achieved through precise layering and glazing, enhancing the model’s depth and bringing it to life.

Challenges and Solutions

One of the main challenges Ana faced was maintaining a balance between the scary and the fantastical. The Dragon King’s multiple textures required different painting approaches, all while ensuring the colors remained cohesive. The decision to give the Dragon King an eerie but frightening face, with an effect similar to some fantastic facepaint, and heavily textured, rough teeth, allowed to add a touch of horror to this otherwise fantasy-like miniature.

The Final Result

The end result is nothing short of breathtaking. Ana’s Dragon King stands as an imposing figure, its colors and unusual interpretation making it a centerpiece in any collection. The removable display base, painted with cosmic scenery to complement the model’s color scheme, adds an extra layer of narrative to the piece. It makes the dragon look like the Dragon King is stepping out of another dimension.

Kingdom Death Monster players and collectors alike will appreciate this model. The level of detail and the artistic liberties taken with this piece definitely can leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re looking to intimidate your opponents on the gaming table or adorn your display shelves with a work of art, such Dragon King would be a perfect addition.

Conclusion

We’re thrilled to have had the opportunity to work on such an intricate and fascinating model. If this Dragon King has captured your imagination, why not consider having your own miniatures transformed by our team of skilled artists? Visit our painting service page to learn more or send us a message to arrange free consultation.

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What do you think of Ana’s vibrant take on the Dragon King? Have you ever painted a Kingdom Death Monster miniature? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

While painting is the core of our work, sometimes we get to work on larger projects, like dioramas. Today, we are thrilled to showcase a unique diorama titled “Marine Life,” masterfully crafted by our talented artist Marta. This vibrant underwater scene features the head of Yundun, a dragon from Karol Rudyk Art. It reimagines the formidable creature as an underwater predator reminiscent of a barracuda or moray eel. This piece was part of Marta’s display at the Kontrast 2024 painting festival, where it earned her an honorable mention.

The Concept

Creating an intricate and lively diorama like “Marine Life” is no small feat. When Marta set out to bring this underwater world to life, her goal was to fuse the fantastical elements of the dragon with the vivid realism of a thriving coral reef. The result is a breathtaking composition that captures the imagination and showcases her artistry.

Marine Life with a Multitude of Colors

Marta employed a variety of advanced painting techniques and materials to achieve the stunning depth and vibrancy of this diorama. The base elements of the coral reefs were meticulously sculpted and painted to mimic the diverse textures and colors found in real marine ecosystems. The palette of colors is bright and saturated, and it reflects the richness of the underwater world.

The colors change from a broad palette to shades of blue as we look deeper into the sea.

Challenges

Building “Marine Life” posed several challenges. The most significant of them was the integration of the fantastical dragon head into a realistic underwater environment. Maintaining the balance between realism and fantasy required careful planning and execution.

Marta overcame this by using a cohesive color palette and ensuring that the textures of the dragon head matched those of the surrounding corals and marine life. This approach not only unified the scene but also highlighted the otherworldly presence of the dragon without making it feel out of place.

Conclusion

We’re excited to share this extraordinary diorama with our community and potential clients. If “Marine Life” has inspired you to commission your own custom diorama or miniature, visit our painting service page to discover how our team of skilled artists can bring your vision to life.

Join the Conversation

What do you think of Marta’s “Marine Life”? Have you ever built or painted a diorama? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!