Kitbash: Nazgul Dragon; Finished 2024-05-27

[bucketfoot-al]

Like that base.
The green is a nice contrast to the dragon, and dialing it down a little will make it less eye catching (which is what you want)

100% AGREE!! (Beat me to it). Green just needs to be toned down a bit, completely agree.

[barad_dur]

Tried lighter green but did not like it, so going in opposite direction for ancient moss covered ruin.

[bucketfoot-al]

Yeah, moss is darker green, and whatever is under it is usually darker. Are you going to try to just put some darker oil washes over what you have there now? That's the way that I would go, but I don't have your level of expertise. That would be my compromise to get there.

[bucketfoot-al]

PS don't forget to paint that wooden door!

[barad_dur]

Adding some woodland scenics moss to the base. Will brush some of this off after glue dries.
Just need to dry brush the base a little more and then I will finally call it done.

[barad_dur]

Toning down and darkening the base colors

[bucketfoot-al]

That is looking fantastic Joe!

I would caution you to leave a few stones here and there in a lighter green, that contrast is absolute killer!

[Squidy53]

Hi Joe,
I think the darkening of the base is a considerable improvement. The use of the complementary colors of red and green is very effective. The green ruin gives a lot of information about the environment this dragon inhabits. It's ancient and very damp. I tend to think Wales, Scotland or Ireland, or perhaps an island off those, but this is undoubtedly a bias of my heritage. In any regards the composition and colors are very striking and extremely effective.

With respect, I feel the head would benefit from a more nuanced, detailed treatment, particularly the teeth and perhaps the horns.

I'm sure this will be a great crowd pleaser at WF.

[barad_dur]

Thanks Vlad and Steve.

I am still working the base. Not quite right yet.
But countdown clock is ticking fast, so I may just have to stop messing with it.

Steve, please elaborate and be more specific on suggestions for more “nuanced” teeth and horns. Thanks!

[Squidy53]

Joe, I think the teeth, given their scale, could be more finely/precisely painted though it is hard to tell from the latest photos. The horns seem a bit featureless from what I can see. I think they would benefit from more texture.

I hope you don't mind these comments. I feel a bit picky and presumptuous making them - the build is, after all, spectacular.

[barad_dur]

Thanks Steve! Your honest and constructive feedback is ALWAYS welcome!

The teeth actually are pretty detailed, they fade from tan at the tip to redish brown near the base and then black at the base.
They are done same color scheme as the spikes, but since they are so small it’s very hard to see that from the pics.
I can definitely see and agree with your concern based on these pics.

You are right about the horns. I currently just have them simply painted all gloss black.
I originally painted them like the spikes but they kind of got “lost” against the neck and head.
The black scheme makes them clearly stand out but you are right that they need some color variation to make them more realistic.
I will see if I can some details and variation but keep them sharply defined.

Vlad, you are right about the base needing some contrast, as it got a bit too monotone with the dark green.
I am adding some faux moss to the sides of the ruin, and will also try to lighten up some of the blocks, to hopefully achieve more visual interest and realism.

I highly value your guys keen observations and helpful inputs.
Please keep em coming!
And everyone else following this build is absolutely welcome to provide suggestions and concerns too. Thanks!

[barad_dur]

Went heavy with army painter faux grass and I am pretty happy with it as it looks fairly realistic as a castle ruin.
Almost done!

[bucketfoot-al]

Great job Joe!! That looks much, much, much more realistic!!

[barad_dur]

BEFORE




NOW

[Squidy53]

Nailed it. Wow. Be proud my man. And Wonderfest, prepared to be dazzled.

Does the tail need a little attention? Buildup wear-and-tear?

[barad_dur]

Thanks Vlad and Steve.

Steve , I addd some red to the horns so they are not totally black anymore, but it’s hard to see that in these pics.

But I do wonder how much of the faux moss will be left on the base after the 9 hour drive to Wonderfest….

[barad_dur]

I am calling it done….for now

[bucketfoot-al]

What Steve said. The folks at WF are in for a real treat!

[Squidy53]

I am calling it done….for now

The subtle red added to the horns did the trick.

Joe, you probably can't see this build as we can anymore. It's incredibly impressive. Are you pleased with it?

[barad_dur]

Thank you Vlad and Steve!

That’s a very insightful question Steve!

Truth be told, at this point I am very tired of looking at it given all the hours that I have put in working on it over the past couple weeks.

But yes, I am much happier with it now than with the red and black color scheme that it had before.
And I think all the time and effort it took to replace all the spikes was especially well worth it.

I know and sincerely appreciate that you guys think this bash will do very well at Wonderfest, but having been to Wonderfest several times and seen some of the mind-blowing build ups and paint jobs first hand, I have to keep my expectations in check. And As Clint Eastwood once said “a man’s got to know his limitations”.

Thank you guys for the well wishes though!