Free Style
Dreadfin Tide-Reaper
by @Nathaniel • 23/06/2026
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Master's Recipe
This guide details the process for painting a massive aquatic sea-serpent emerging from dark, churning waters. It focuses on achieving a high-contrast look between the dark, iridescent scales and the pale, segmented underbelly, finished with vibrant red accents and realistic water effects.
Colors By Part
Main Body Scales
Abaddon Black
Standard
Leviadon Blue
Contrast
Sigvald Burgundy
Contrast
Underbelly Segments
Rakarth Flesh
Standard
Seraphim Sepia
Wash
Pallid Wych Flesh
Standard
Fins and Spikes
Khorne Red
Standard
Mephiston Red
Standard
Evil Sunz Scarlet
Standard
Churning Water Base
Stegadon Scale Green
Standard
Coelia Greenshade
Wash
Baharroth Blue
Standard
White Scar
Standard
Eyes and Tongue
Averland Sunset
Standard
Fire Dragon Bright
Standard
Khorne Red
Standard
Banner and Post
Corvus Black
Standard
Dryad Bark
Standard
Agrax Earthshade
Wash
Retributor Armour
Metallic
Painting Steps
Abyssal Basecoating
- • Prime the entire model with Abaddon Black to provide a deep shadow for the scales.
- • Apply a heavy wash of Leviadon Blue over all the scales to give them a dark, oceanic tint.
- • Glaze Sigvald Burgundy into the recessed areas near the neck and fins to add depth and color variation.
The Pale Underbelly
- • Basecoat the segmented underbelly with Rakarth Flesh .
- • Apply Seraphim Sepia into the cracks between the scales for shading.
- • Layer each segment with Pallid Wych Flesh , focusing on the central raised areas to create a 3D effect.
Crimson Accents
- • Paint the edges of the fins and the webbing with Khorne Red .
- • Layer Mephiston Red towards the tips to create a gradient.
- • Edge highlight the very tips of the fins and spikes with Evil Sunz Scarlet for a burning look.
Stormy Waters
- • Basecoat the water with Stegadon Scale Green .
- • Apply Coelia Greenshade all over the water to deepen the teal tones.
- • Drybrush the wave crests with Baharroth Blue .
- • Lightly drybrush the foam and spray with White Scar to represent splashing water.
Facial Details and Banner
- • Paint the eyes with Averland Sunset and add a tiny dot of Fire Dragon Bright for the pupil glow.
- • Basecoat the banner in Corvus Black and the post in Dryad Bark .
- • Apply Agrax Earthshade to the wood and banner folds.
- • Use Retributor Armour to paint the sigil on the banner and the metallic fittings on the post.
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