2 Reaper Dragons - Painting and Basing

[prysmatyk]

Hey all,

Earlier last week I ordered these two dragons from Reaper for my next painting project and to finally put my airbrush to good use. Tracking shows they'll arrive Next Wednesday. I'd like some input into possible color schemes and bases to make.


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These will be used for display and only brought to the table top once in a great while. After all, your party can't always fight a Great or Temple Dragon.
I've never done basing before and am looking forward to making something cool and unique for these and I also have never filled and sealed joints on a model. (much reading ahead)

I believe I want one of them to be evil and sinister while the other will be good but that's not set in stone. Maybe even a diorama where both dragons oppose one another would be cool as if they're fighting of the horde of treasure or for their lair.

If anyone has any tips on painting larger pieces or pitfalls to watch out for or comments too, I'd love to hear. I'd really like these pieces to be quality and be a focal point for the place they'll reside.

Thanks

 

[Dragonsreach]

A a longtime Hoarder of Dragons (you’d never have guessed by my handle) i’d suggest the one on the plinth would look best as a Red Dragon. But consider adding tiger like stripes down it’s back of a very dark mix of Red/Purple/Black.

Now if you have an airbrush use it to put in the initial colours and shadow forms that will save you a bucket load of effort.

As for assembly, pin , pin and PIN!
You may need to consider araldite, 5min version,for strength and shock durability but also once glued leave for 24 hours then go back to seek out gaps to fill.

 

[prysmatyk]

I too have always held an affinity for dragons. For me they hold a mystic and magical feeling and awaken something inside of me that was always there as a child. Maybe the sense of awe and wonder. . .

I like the idea of a red dragon, with the darker stripes down it's back. It differs from the picture posted on Reapers site which is what I want, something different than what someone else painted.

I've been thinking about the base since I posted and think I may want to try out tiny jewels and gems for the treasure horde. I think the ones used for nail art might work as they're super small and if glued together back to back may prove to be that little something extra but I'll need to see how it looks before committing to it.
Possibly, I would deconstruct some minis and use their weapons and shields (1 or 2) as magical items. Maybe even a wand or staff tossed in.

Would you have any other ideas for the treasure.

I don't plan on having this done quickly either. All I have is time and the more time spent preparing and planning, the better the final product will be. Especially since I'm still honing my techniques.

As always, thank you for your input. It is respected and appreciated.

 

[Dragonsreach]

In regard to the nail painting gems, I’d suggest that you paint them as the reflection index looks waaaay off if you don’t.
In a similar vein sequins (the smallest you can get hold of) work as bulk coins, and there’s a few manufacturers out there that do equipment sets so you don’t necessarily needs to cut up figures.

 

[prysmatyk]

Great idea on the sequins. I'll look into finding some.
Yesterday I was out and found a crystal shop that had a ton of stuff to use for the treasure. One particular interesting piece was something I think would be great for melted silver/platinum. Since the diorama I want to make is inside a lair the walls might contain veins of silver, gold or platinum. I bought it but may or may not use it considering your first sentence about reflection index and the difficulty of making the walls have the veins of metal showing inside them.
Equipment sets sound good too.
I am very excited to receive these and am greatly looking forward to working on them. Hopefully, my enthusiasm won't inhibit my patience as I truly want these to come out display quality.
As always, thank you for your input and advice!