Dark Eldar: An exercise in speed painting

[dagonis]

I have decided to start a new Dark Eldar army and want to actually have it painted somewhat soon (wife mandates that I don't buy anything new until what I have is painted), so I have been utilizing some speed painting techniques I have picked up over the years.

I am happy with my progress. In 12 days I have completed 48 infantry size models and two raiders.

Not super happy with the first Archon, but he does look better than his photo here would lead you to believe. The second Archon is a bit better imo. Lelith blends in well with the rest of my wyches.

I am distinguishing warrior squads by their left knee pad color. The squads here use Gold and Boltgun, future colors will likely be blue, red, maybe grey.

Wyches and Incubi are distinguished by the color of their cloth. The first squad is purple, the second is deep green.

The Sybarites and Klaivex are delineated from the squad by their right breast plate being red.

For your (possible) enjoyment here are the results:

17Nov Update:
Finished 2 raiders
20 Wyches
5 Incubi
An Archon
Leltith
http://i54.tinypic.com/ruxod0.jpg

I am not the biggest fan of the guys hanging off the raider. It makes it look very cluttered. To indicate that a squad is embarked, I will have the "leader" in the command portion. Also, the dry fit hanger-ons don't seem to be that secure.

I have 4 more raiders on the way. I am trying to decide what else to paint while I wait for them.

[dagonis]

Here are some closer shots of my Dark Eldar

http://i51.tinypic.com/wwg42e.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/jhde8o.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/zmifxs.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/5z2ses.jpg

[BuFFo]

Looking good!

I love the trays.

Do you play 40k with those trays?

[dagonis]

Looking good!

I love the trays.

Do you pay 40k with those trays?

I don't, but it makes putting them in my display case and transporting them a lot easier. This is actually my first army that I am doing trays for (I know a guy in town who makes them), and I am pretty happy with them so far. The back row second from the left slot is a bit tight, but nothing too bad.

Edit: Also! Thanks for the good words :) They aren't golden demon winners by a long shot, but I'm at about 20 mins/model paint time, which is pretty damn fast for me.

[phoenix01]

Is all Dark Eldar armor black? Or is there any fluff for them having other colors of armor, like white or grey?

[dagonis]

In the DE codex there is a red based army shown, and on the GW website I have seen Metal and Blue ones.

So I don't think they are all black, but I really like the look of the green on black, plus if I can use primer as my base coat it speeds up my painting time!

[Agent of Change]

Is all Dark Eldar armor black? Or is there any fluff for them having other colors of armor, like white or grey?

They are going to prefer dark colored armor per the fluff, but really one would assume given the diversity and independence of the Kabals and Cults that it would really come down to each individual Archon or Succubi.

Personally i went with a (as far as i know) non-standard DE look with a deep sea greenish look for the armor of my DE (inspired by the Deep Ones of the Cthulu Mythos) and all the fast moving stuff (Bikes, Raiders, etc...) painted a bone white broken up by freehand tentacles (representing The fangs and claws of Horrors from the deep).

But yeah If you stuck with an over all Coldish (base color) look you'll probably be okay. Bright warm colors would probably be more outside the scope of traditional DE paint jobs but there is room for everything if it's executed well.

For the record In reference to using your base coat to speed along painting, I'm actually basing white and washing heavily with Thraka green and once that dries washing heavily with Asuramen Blue. That combo creates a very pleasing marbled deep bluish green effect which i then highlight.

[BuFFo]

Is all Dark Eldar armor black? Or is there any fluff for them having other colors of armor, like white or grey?

You buy the models. You can paint them pink if you want.

Kabal of the My Little Ponies

[dagonis]

You buy the models. You can paint them pink if you want.

Kabal of the My Little Ponies

Most Best Kabal

[DrBored]

Looking awesome! And you're pumping them out really fast. I only today finished my second test model for the color scheme I'm going for XP

[Agent of Change]

You buy the models. You can paint them pink if you want.

Kabal of the My Little Ponies

They will Frolic gaily into your heart... and then through it... and then eat it. But with brightly colored style!.

[dagonis]

Updated the OP. Check it out if you like!