Orctober comes to an end and what do I have to show for it? Two orcs.
![](http://angrypiper.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/otb1-1024x768.jpg)
If you recall, I was intending to paint this entire classic Grenadier Orcs’ Lair set last month. Sadly, I ran out of gas about halfway through and couldn’t get back into gear. The wheels fell off this project of mine, and my motivation engine stalled. I could maybe come up with more vehicular metaphors, but basically I lost interest and gave up.
![](http://angrypiper.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2orc-1024x768.jpg)
I did manage to complete two, however: this Orc Captain and the Standard Bearer. If you count the standard (it takes up its own slot in the box), then I painted three.
![](http://angrypiper.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/orcap1-1024x768.jpg)
![](http://angrypiper.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/orcap2-1024x768.jpg)
The problem was the skin tone. I didn’t want to go green; I was looking for a more “Tolkien-esque” orc; so I YouTubed a few videos on how to paint orc skin for the GW LOTR game. I found a few good tutorials that utilize Camoshade, Sepia or Agrax Earthshade washes over an Ivory base, and I used them. The problem is, in the end they all kind of look the same no matter which wash is used. There’s not much variety.
![](http://angrypiper.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/orcap-1024x768.jpg)
Since orcs aren’t known for being snappy dressers, most of their kit is dull colors as well. This just looks terrible with the pale skin tone I chose, and I couldn’t see past how the models looked in the moment to what they might look like at the end. I got bored and moved on to other things, none of them paint-related.
![](http://angrypiper.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/osta1-1024x768.jpg)
![](http://angrypiper.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/osta-1024x768.jpg)
The remaining seven orcs in the box have all been based and base-coated, and they’re presently sitting on my desk in the side-pile, so maybe I’ll clean them up in December, my traditional side-pile month. Or maybe not.
Anyway, Dwarvember kicks off today, and it’s looking to be a somewhat subdued challenge. I’ll post the official participant list in a few days, just in case more folks want to throw in. If interested, let me know in the comments or email me at angrypiper@angrypiper.com.
Although I prefer green orcs (I’ve always been more of a Warhammer than a Tolkien guy), I think you did a great job! I especially like the standard, the verdigris looks great.
Thanks! Just a bit of Nihilakh Oxide over some bronze. I figured the standard wouldn’t be something the orcs would spend a lot of time polishing. 🙂