How to paint Games Workshop miniatures? In this tutorial we will show you different painting techniques for decorating your Citadel miniatures. In this new guide we will see which steps to follow to paint Gandalf the White's model!
Welcome back to Painting workshop by techigames! After the previous tutorial on Grishnákh, which you can view on this page, here we are with a new guide in which we will illustrate how to paint your own miniature of Gandalf the White on Ombromanto with very simple techniques using colors Citadel and be able to expand your collection of models Games Workshop than undertake the Strategic Battle Game in Middle-earth.
We remind you that the miniatures, the colors and all the tools for modeling are available on the website www.games-workshop.com.
Tutorial 30: Gandalf the White - How to paint Games Workshop (Citadel) miniatures
After falling with the Balrog from the bridge of Khazad-dûm, Gandalf the Gray is believed dead by the rest of the Fellowship of the Ring; in fact, during the descent into the abyss of Moria, Gandalf fought relentlessly with his mighty enemy, reaching the top of the Endless Staircase, where the Sorcerer defeated the Balrog on Durin's Tower, throwing the demon's carcass on its side of the cliff. After this long duel, Gandalf became the most powerful Sorcerer in Middle-earth, leaving behind the name of Gray Pilgrim and taking the name of Gandalf the White. He meets Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli in Fangorn Forest when the three hunters are on the trail of Merry and Pippin and later leads the knights of Rohan to the aid of King Théoden during the Uruk-hai siege of Helm's Deep.
In this tutorial we will show you how to assemble and paint Gandalf's model on Ombromanto. Regarding the miniature of Pippin with the armor of Gondor, in one of the next guides we will analyze all the steps necessary to paint it.
Set Games Workshop "Gandalf the White and Peregrino Tuc"
to know more on Gandalf the White we refer you to the Wikipedia page.
To know the different basic painting techniques, which are essential for all Games Workshop miniatures, we recommend that you visit this page.
Phase 1: Cleaning and Assembling Gandalf the White | How to paint Games Workshop (Citadel) miniatures
Compared to the previous tutorials, this time the first thing to do before starting to paint your plastic miniature of Gandalf the White is to gently remove it from the frame with a precision cutter, being careful not to damage the many components present. To clean the different pieces, you can gently use a utility knife.
Sprue with Gandalf the White and Pippin
Before assembling your Gandalf model on Ombromanto, make sure you have removed all components from the frame (step 0). At this point, you can begin the assembly phase and we recommend using plastic glue. First, join Gandalf's body with the underlying part where Ombromanto's head is also present (step 1), then glue the back side and the shoes as well (step 2). Once this is done, add the stick (step 3). Before gluing the miniature to the base, apply the green stuff to fill the cracks and thus create continuity of material (step 4). Finally, fix the model on its base (step 5). Once this is done, we can proceed with the base color.
Steps to follow to correctly assemble Gandalf the White on Ombromanto
Gandalf the White on Ombromanto - Step 5
Phase 2: Gandalf the White Base Color | How to paint Games Workshop (Citadel) miniatures
Once the assembly phase is complete, you will need to give a color base to have a base color on which the shades you will apply in the next steps will adhere correctly. Always remember that the important thing is to completely cover the material your miniatures are made of. To get a uniform layer of color use Citadel Corax White spray, as Gandalf the White is characterized by very light shades. Be very careful when using the spray and be sure to use this technique in well-ventilated areas.
Spray Citadel Corax White
Practical tip: to ensure that the color reaches even the most hidden areas, fix the miniature on a sheet of cardboard using repositionable glue or double-sided tape, to be able to remove it easily after having painted it; while using the white spray, rotate the cardboard, so as to apply a uniform color base all over the model.
Alternative: If you have no way to find Corax White spray, you can apply Citadel Ceramite White paint in a bottle. If this is too thick, add a drop of water and dilute it slightly on the palette, but be careful not to overdo it or it won't be enough to cover your miniature!
Step 3: Paint Gandalf the White's Inner Robes and Boots | How to paint Games Workshop (Citadel) miniatures
Gandalf's inner garments are very light and to paint them you can certainly use the basic white, so create a compound in equal parts of Administratum Gray and Lahmian Medium, in order to obtain a light gray ink that will be deposited in the recesses of the pattern, creating slight shadows. At this point, highlight the outer folds with White Scar using the ruling technique.
To decorate the boots, on the other hand, apply Rakarth Flesh as a base, shade with Nuln Oil and, when the ink is dry, lighten the reliefs with Pallid Wych Flesh.
Citadel paints recommended for decorating Gandalf the White's inner robe and boots
Step 4: Paint Gandalf the White's Outer Robes and Cloak | How to paint Games Workshop (Citadel) miniatures
To paint Gandalf the White's outer tunic, you can apply the Ushabti Bone as a background of color for the upper part, while the Karak Stone for the lower one, the latter being darker. Once this is done, apply a very light layer of Agrax Earthshade to darken the model's grooves, then restore each base color where necessary and then highlight the fabric on the chest with the Screaming Skull, while the lower area with an equal mix of Karak Stone and Pallid Wych Flesh.
For the coat you can use the layering technique: apply Karak Stone as a base color, then create the shadows by applying a wash of Agrax Earthshade and let it dry well; once this is done, restore the base tone and then use the ruling technique with a mix consisting of 50% Karak Stone and 50% Ushabti Bone in order to lighten all the external folds, and then create a further luminous effect by applying the only Ushabti Bone. For an extreme highlight, add a little Screaming Skull to the mix, and if you want an even lighter almost white color, use White Scar as well.
To decorate the brooch use Runefang Steel and add a small amount of Nuln Oil to define the details.
Citadel shade to decorate Gandalf's outer garment and cloak
Step 5: Paint the Weapons of Gandalf the White | How to paint Games Workshop (Citadel) miniatures
Gandalf's stick should already be white due to the base color, but if stained you can repaint it with Ceramite White. To detail the top, mix a small amount of Administratum Gray and Lahmian Medium in equal parts, then spread this color all over the affected area, so that it reaches all the internal areas. To complete, apply the White Scar with a dry brush to highlight the decorations.
For Glamdring, Gandalf's sword, first use the Leadbelcher on all metal parts to get a uniform color coat. Then highlight all areas on the surface with Runefang Steel. To decorate the central part of the hilt, use Kantor Blue as the base color, then wash with Nuln Oil and finally highlight with Alaitoc Blue with a dry brush, being careful not to stain the surrounding areas.
For the metal areas of the sword sheath you can apply the Leadbelcher again and lighten the reliefs with the Ironbreaker or Runefang Steel, while for the leather part use the Stormvermin Fur as a base and then perform a black wash, then highlight the details. with the Dawnstone. Finally, use Administrator Gray with the ruling technique.
The belt can be painted with Gorthor Brown, lightly shaded with Nuln Oil and lightened with Baneblade Brown using the beading technique.
Gandalf at the end of phase 5
Step 6: Paint Gandalf the White's Skin, Beard and Hair | How to paint Games Workshop (Citadel) miniatures
Gandalf's face and hands should first be painted with Cadian Fleshtone as the base color. When the flesh color is dry, apply a wash of Reikland Fleshshade to darken the recesses of the model and thus create a shading effect. This technique is very effective for accentuating Gandalf's elderly face. Finally, apply Kislev Flesh to highlight all the raised parts such as cheekbones, forehead and nose.
To paint the eyes first use Ceramite White. Since Gandalf has blue eyes, he uses Kantor Blue for the pupil with an XS Artificer Layer brush. For the teeth you can apply the White Scar, while for the eyebrows the Gorthor Brown.
For hair and beard, on the other hand, differently from Gandalf the Gray, this time it is better to use the white of the primer as a base, obviously restoring it with Ceramite White in the points where other colors can be smudged. For the gray wash, once again you should mix Administratum Gray and Lahmian Medium and apply this compound evenly and, when this is dry, dry-brush highlight with White Scar.
Step 7: Paint Ombromanthus | How to paint Games Workshop (Citadel) miniatures
Ombromanthus is the best steed of all the horses of Middle-earth and is characterized by a white color like its master. First make sure that the body is completely white and eventually restore the spots that may be stained with Ceramite White. Now, prepare a light gray shade, mixing Administratum Gray and Lahmian Medium in equal parts, then apply the wash all over your body, so that you get light shading. Let it dry well, then highlight all the muscles with the White Scar and the ruling technique. Paint the face with Mechanicus Standard Gray, blending it where it meets the white, to achieve a more natural finish. Lighten the reliefs on the nose with Adminatum Gray, using the ruling technique. To decorate the teeth you can use the Ushabti Bone, while for the eyes Abaddon Black and a very small tip of White Scar are good.
For the mane and tail, on the other hand, spread the Dawnstone evenly, perform a very light wash of Nuln Oil and to highlight use the Adminatum Gray, the Screaming Skull and the White Scar with the dry brush technique. You can paint the clogs with Abaddon Black and blend them with Mechanicus Standard Gray.
Citadel paints recommended for Ombromanto
Step 8: Decorate Gandalf the White's base | How to paint Games Workshop (Citadel) miniatures
The last step to complete your Gandalf the White model on Ombromanto is to decorate the base: to do this, you can paint it totally Mournfang Brown and then apply a small amount of static grass or modeling flock with glue. vinyl, with the aim of recreating a grassy surface. If you prefer, add some crushed stone for a classy effect.
Static modeling grass
Practical tip: to apply the static grass or flock, first spread the glue on the upper part of the base, then immerse it in a jar containing the grass, so that it adheres perfectly.
Alternatively you can apply a Citadel Texture such as Stirland Mud or Astrogranite to create a rocky brown or gray effect. Whichever you choose, paint the edges of the base with XV-88 or Mechanicus Standard Gray accordingly. When the Texture is dry, gently drybrush a lighter color to highlight, such as Terminatus Stone (Dry) in the first case or Slaneesh Gray (Dry) in the second. Finally, to complete you can add the Clods of Mordheim or Middenland, available on the website, in order to enrich the base with tufts of grass and remember for example the wide valleys of Rohan or Gondor.
Citadel Texture Stirland Mud e Astrogranite
Clods of Middenland and Mordheim
Once this stage is completed, your Gandalf the White miniature on Ombromanthus is ready to take on the armies of the Dark Lord!
Gandalf the White on Ombromanto completed
How to paint Games Workshop (Citadel) miniatures - Tutorial 30: Gandalf the White
You can follow this tutorial to paint the different versions of Gandalf the White's walking models as well, including both the one in the same pack as Gandalf and Pippin and the previous metal miniatures.
Also this guide of the Techigames Painting Workshop dedicated to the decoration of Games Workshop miniatures (eg Warhammer or Lord of the Rings) ends here. For any questions or requests we are available via the comments box below!
The Triplets next Sunday with a new tutorial!
