In this Masterclass we find out how the 'Eavy Metal team painted the famous Tau Ethereal, Aun'shi, designed by Michael Perry.

ASSEMBLING THE MODEL

The model was assembled and then given an undercoat spray of Chaos Black. Any areas which the paint had failed to cover were then touched up with thinned Chaos Black paint.

PAINTING THE MODEL

Areas of flesh and clothing - Click to enlarge.

For the skin, a basecoat of Shadow Grey was highlighted by adding equal parts Elf Flesh. Small quantities of Space Wolves Grey were then added to this mix for successive highlight stages.

The loincloth, outer jacket and cloak were painted with a basecoat of Vomit Brown. An equal quantity of Bleached Bone was then added to the mix for the first highlight stage, followed by small amounts of Bleached Bone for each successive highlight. The model was then given a final highlight with pure Skull White.

Aun'shi's belt and the inside of the cloak were painted with a basecoat of Scorched Brown. This was highlighted with Vermin Brown to which a small amount of Bleached Bone was added for the final highlights.

FINE DETAIL

The metal jewellery and hair braids were painted with a basecoat of Shining Gold. They were then given a wash with Brown Ink and highlighted with Mithril Silver.

Aun'shi's armbands, coat edging, the bands on the halberd and his various glyphs were painted with a basecoat of Brazen Brass. This was then given a wash with thinned Brown Ink before highlights of Mithril Silver were applied.

The blades of his weapon were painted with a basecoat of Boltgun Metal which was highlighted with Chainmail, followed by Mithril Silver. The markings on the blade were taken from Codex Tau. They were achieved by drawing two thin pencil lines with a ruler. Lines of the same size were then drawn onto a piece of paper and the inscription was drawn between these. This method ensures that the lettering will fit neatly on the model. The lettering was then applied to the model itself painting the central letter first and working outwards.

Fine details and finishing touches - Click on each image to enlarge.

FINISHING TOUCHES

The tattoos were painted with a basecoat of Chaos Black. Blood Red was then painted over this, leaving a thin outline of Chaos Black showing before a final highlight of Skull White was applied.

The diamond stone at the centre of Aun'shi's forehead was painted with a basecoat of Red Gore. This was then highlighted with Blood Red followed by Blazing Orange, before a small dot of Skull White was finally painted on.

The eyes were painted with a basecoat of Red Gore which was highlighted with Blood Red.