Imperial Fists

The Imperial Fists are another of the First Founding Legions and together with the Ultramarines are considered the epitome of the Legiones Astartes. All colours and markings are from Codex: Ultramarines.

Ever since I read the novel Space Marine by Ian Watson I've had a soft spot for these big yellow coated lugs. Their background is also cool with their pivotal involvement in the Defense of Terra during the Horus Heresy plus their grudge against the Iron Warriors (my favourite Chaos Space Marines).

Click for larger image.

Imperial Fists Tactical Marine with Bolter

HA! Who says I can't paint yellow? Bloody hard work though. 4 layers of vomit brown, followed by 2 of 40/60 Vomit Brown/Golden Yellow, plus 3 or 4 layered highlights...whew! Nothing really unusual here, I used a metal IF shoulder pad for the Chapter Insignia, so I decided to balance that out with a Green Stuffed Tactical Squad symbol on the right pad. It could be a bit smoother and maybe a little thinner, but I'll know better for next time at least.

Painting Recipe

Black Undercoat

3-4 thin layers of Vomit Brown

Followed by 2 of 40/60 Vomit Brown/Golden Yellow - that's your basic yellow colour

Now add more Golden Yellow to the mixof VB/GY for your highlights a work near the following mixes 60/40, 20/80 then straight Golden Yellow for the layered highlights. Final highlights are a couple of mixes of 80/20 Golden Yellow/Bad Moon Yellow and maybe a touch of 50/50 GY/BMY for the high points. Wash that with a yellow ink gaze 5:1 water:ink to help tie the layers together.

It takes a bit of time and a little bit of practice, but it's certainly striking on the tabletop...