by Morph Mode
My shadow dragons were long neglected while other figures got painted up. I finally decided enough was enough and resolved to get them completed. I wrote about the initial basecoating and black spray overcoat a few days ago. Since then I decided the master shadow dragon needed it's own custom base, so I cut it off and built up the one it is on now.
(Enlarge for full detail - picture taken outside in the sunlight for the best natural lighting)
The base is made with sheets of cork for large rocks, then sand and gravel. Simple paint/drybrush on the base:
fortress gray and white for the rocks;
graveyard earth and bleached bone for the sand.
Then the fun part, gluing on the static grass flocking.
For the dragon itself I added some strong highlights in a single lighter color. Contrast is so important in tabletop minis so lately I've started using more distinct bold highlights rather than the more natural gradual blended highlights that the pros use. Plus it's faster!
Kommando khaki is used on the spines and claws, and hawk turquoise is used for the eyes and tongue. You can see a little blending detail on the main horns and the tongue.
I have to say I really like the way it turned out. I'm happy to be able to put this guy and his minion buddy (painted but not on a fancy base) on the table the next time shadow dragons are called for.