Ooh, shiny!

[Sumo]

The monochrome thread got me thinking... (don't you hate it when that happens? )
There are some models that have all but monochrome paintjobs to begin with, and just look dull. However, if you  try to repaint them it becomes clear that a richly shaded, elaborate color makes them look even worse. So what to do?

Well, how about this?

It was the small Schleich rex that gave me the idea. It's so hopelessly outdated it's almost cool, while at the same time being a really unappealing shade of crap brown. He thinks the metallics make him look more sophisticated. I was going for a sort of "oil slick" effect, but don't think I quite succeeded... he'll be touched up at some point.

The Collecta Styracosaurus I think turned out better. Of course it's a really nice model to begin with, and the great thing about the pose is it looks cool from every angle. Come to think of it, I should've gone with a round base.
The basecoat is GW's "tin" (really a darkish bronze color) mixed with metallic green, black gesso, and then a little white to dull it down. Over that I drybrushed bronze with added copper and gold to try and bring out all the surface detail, something the camera completely refuses to show.

[attachment msg=5728][/attachment]

[DinoToyForum]

Very nice work! I looked at the pictures before I read your post, it took a few moments to recognise them 

[Himmapaan]

Bronze effects + bases = instant uplift for poor toys! 

[Weaver]

Wow, these look like bronzes! Love the effect, especially on the ol' T. rex. This is a neat idea.

[copper]

these are absolutely great!

[CityRaptor]

Talk about enhancements. From horribly outdated to Retro Classic!
Seeing the Schleich Rex like that nearly makes me regret not picking it up when I saw it for cheap. But only nearly...

[ZoPteryx]

You could turn drab toys into trophies!  Really cool!

[Primeval12]

You should sell those, all I can say is wow.

[Sumo]

Thanks, everyone! I may eventually make some for sale, we'll see.
I do have a Collecta Dilophosaurus that's nice and wrinkly and could do with a new look...

[Gryphoceratops]

Very Clever Idea!

[Primeval12]

I think you should make them with dinosaurs more on the inaccurate side so they look older.

[Sumo]

That could work, I have some nice Bullyland minis that look like they're from about 1930... the trike is practically Knightian.

[Sumo]

Today's addition: Collecta Stegosaurus.
Obviously he had to be greenish with red plates, who am I to argue with the most pervasive paleoart meme? 

[attachment msg=5973][/attachment]

[Himmapaan]

Where do you find these wonderful bases?

[Sumo]

Where do you find these wonderful bases?

They're not as wonderful as you think... All three are really made from plain, untreated white wood and I got them quite cheaply in my local hobby shop. The first two I painted, woodgrain pattern and all (painting wood to look like wood... yeah, that makes perfect sense). The Stego's base had holes in it, presumably meant to be used as a sign of some sort, and filling them was a bit of a hassle. However, it had much better texture than the other two, which meant I could dye it with a couple washes of acrylic burnt sienna rather than go through the whole process of painting it from scratch.  I finished all three with a coat of GW sepia wash mixed with gloss, and happily it seems to work fine on wood.

[Takama]

Today's addition: Collecta Stegosaurus.
Obviously he had to be greenish with red plates, who am I to argue with the most pervasive paleoart meme? 

Did that used to be the original black one?

or was it the newer one released this year

[ITewan]

I really like the Styracosaurus and the Stegosaurus!

[Himmapaan]

Where do you find these wonderful bases?

They're not as wonderful as you think... All three are really made from plain, untreated white wood and I got them quite cheaply in my local hobby shop. The first two I painted, woodgrain pattern and all (painting wood to look like wood... yeah, that makes perfect sense). The Stego's base had holes in it, presumably meant to be used as a sign of some sort, and filling them was a bit of a hassle. However, it had much better texture than the other two, which meant I could dye it with a couple washes of acrylic burnt sienna rather than go through the whole process of painting it from scratch.  I finished all three with a coat of GW sepia wash mixed with gloss, and happily it seems to work fine on wood.

Ah, so it was you who made them wonderful.  Excellent.

[Seijun]

Paint an old carnegie brachiosaurus in faux bronze!