Plastic Orcs quick and easy painting tutorial (part 1)

I am currently painting up the old plastic Orc regiment. They are one of the earliest forays into plastic miniatures by GW and as such are very static, monopose miniatures. So they are not a range of models I have ever liked all that much. But they do still have a soft spot in my heart being some of the models I originally bought (or more accurately begged my parents to buy for me via the old mail order system after I studied the catalogues and worked out how to get the most bang for my very limited buck). 

So what the hell, lets paint them up in a simple and quick paint job and get them ready for gaming. Turns out they are in all likely hood the easiest miniatures I have ever painted. The simplicity of the poses and lack of any fiddly details on the models make them a breeze to paint. So while going through the basics of getting them done my mind kept referring back to the images of these miniatures in the WFB 3rd Edition rulebook and the simple painting tutorial they were featured in. Thus I decided to show my very own painting tutorial. (nice and presumptuous to assume anyone cares how I paint but its my blog and I will do what I want!) ;)

The basics in 3 easy steps.

I use Vallejo paints (so no authentic 80's era GW paints I'm afraid). All photos are taken with my iPhone so please excuse the quality.

Step 1: Starting with a white undercoat instead of my usual black undercoat as I want the base coat colours to be bright.



Step 2: I then painted the skin with Livery Green (72033), the metal areas with Silver (72052) and the belt, pouch and edging of the chain mail with Cobra Leather (72040)

 

Step 3: I gave the skin a wash of un-watered down Green Shade (73205), adding a second wash on the face, hands and feet if needed to get the definition required. Then I mixed together about 5 parts Smokey Ink (72068) to 2 parts Black Shade (73201) which I watered down approximately 50:50. This I then painted over all the metal and brown bits to create a slightly dirty/rusted feel to the metal. I applied 2 or 3 washes to get the definition I wanted. I also selectively used this mix to wash the face, hands and feet of the model for added definition in those parts.

And thats all there is to it. The model is now perfectly good for gaming with. Base according to your preference and get out on the battlefield. Of course I can't leave it there so I am going to add another step at least where I add a few highlights and details (eyes and teeth mostly) oh and the shields of course! 

Ok, maybe I was a little hasty putting up a tutorial now... this needs a part 2 now! :D

(quick edit to the title)