In this step-by-step tutorial I show you how I paint Dwarf faces and skin, using four iconic models from Ulther’s Dragon Warriors as examples. These are pretty typical Dwarf sculpts, with little skin showing, and faces and eyes obscured by beards and eyebrows.
The Skin
We start with a typical base, wash, and three highlight layers approach for the overall skin tone, using the following colours:
- Base: Citadel: Cadian Fleshtone
- Wash: Citadel: Reikland Fleshshade
- Highlight 1: Citadel: Cadian Fleshtone
- Highlight 2: Citadel: Kislev Flesh
- Highlight 3: Vallejo: Pale Flesh
Undercoat
As always we start with a white undercoat, so as to maximise the vibrancy of the final result.
Base Coat
The base skin colour we use is Citadel: Cadian Fleshtone.
Shading
To apply shades, we use Citadel: Reikland Fleshshade.
First Highlight
As a first highlight, we re-apply the base colour of Citadel: Cadian Fleshtone over the majority of the skin surfaces. At this stage, we only leave the shade colour visible in the deepest recesses.
Second Highlight
As the second highlight layer we use Citadel: Kislev Flesh, covering a smaller area and focusing the application of this colour on surfaces facing the top (facing the light).
Third Highlight
As the third and final highlight we apply Vallejo: Pale Flesh to the most pronounced features of the skin and face (e.g. dot the knuckles of hands, dot the noses, and apply a line on the top of the cheekbones).
Face Details
Now that the skin tones are done, we focus on the details of the face, bringing the models to life.
Additional Shading
First we apply additional shading to the eye sockets using Citadel: Nuln Oil, and a red shade to the inside of the mouth (if models have their mouth open), using Citadel: Flesh Tearers Red.
Eyes and Mouth Layer #1
Next, we use Vallejo: Dead White to paint the eyes of the models. Approach the model from the side to draw a horizontal “oval” shape. Make this big enough that you can paint the pupil in the next step, but also make sure there is a dark line visible around it. In this stage, we also apply Citadel: Pink Horror to the tongue of Prince Ulther Stonehammer.
Eyes and Mouth Layer #2
Next we use Citadel: Abaddon Black to paint a small dot in each eye. Make sure their is some white still visible on the left- and right side of the pupil, but not above and below the pupil (otherwise the model will look as if terrified – unsuitable for a Dwarf). At this stage we also highlight Ulther’s tongue with some Citadel: Emperor’s Children.
Finishing Touches
As the finishing touch, we apply some Vallejo: Polyurethane Gloss Varnish inside Ulther’s mouth for a glistening wet look. We also apply a “filter” of Citadel: Pink Horror to the noses of our Dwarfs for a “ruddy nose” effect. A “filter” is a layer of paint that is extremely thinned down with water – it should barely stain the surface that you’re painting. If the effect isn’t pronounced enough, it’s easy to apply multiple layers (just make sure that each layer has fully dried before applying the next).
That’s it. Let me know if you like these type of “partial” tutorials in the comments below. If you’re interested in how I tackle the rest of these models, check out my tutorials on Painting Dwarf Beards and Painting Prince Ulther’s Dragon Company. Until then, happy face-painting!
Closing Words…
If you have any question, feel free to leave a comment below, or drop me an email at harm@harmsworkshop.com. If you found this very useful and want to show some support, you can do so via my Ko-Fi page.