How I paint - Disciples of Tzeentch - Kairic Acoyltes
How to Paint Kairic Acolytes
In this guide, I will take you through how to paint Kairic Acolytes, Human cultists from the Disciples of Tzeentch, with a focus on rich cloths, vibrant metallics, and smooth flesh tones.
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These followers of Tzeentch are full of contrasting textures and colours, making them an excellent project for developing layering and highlighting techniques. This method balances efficiency with detail, allowing you to achieve striking tabletop results while still enjoying the process of painting individual features such as cloth, gold trim, and magical weapons. The guide is suitable for both beginners and more experienced painters looking to refine their technique.
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Paints Required
- Wight Bone Spray (Amazon Associate link)
- Steel Legion Drab
- Xerus Purple
- Cadian Fleshtone
- Ushabti Bone
- Reikland Fleshshade
- Lahmian Medium
- Abaddon Black
- Iron Hands Steel
- Ironbreaker
- Stormhost Silver
- Druchii Violet
- Coelia Greenshade
- Black Templar
- Retributor Armour
- Liberator Gold
- Naggaroth Night
- Genestealer Purple
- Dechala Lilac
- Corax White
- Blue Horror
- Army Painter Matt White (Amazon Associate link)
- Zandri Dust
- Karak Stone
- Screaming Skull
- Mournfang Brown
- Skrag Brown
- Agrax Earthshade
Step 1 – Undercoat
Begin by undercoating the miniature with Wight Bone spray. This provides a warm, light base that works well for both flesh tones and brighter colours such as cloth and gold.
Step 2 – Painting the Flesh
The flesh was basecoated using a 4:1 mix of Steel Legion Drab and Xerus Purple. Apply two thin coats for a smooth finish.
The first highlight was applied using a 1:1 mix of Steel Legion Drab and Cadian Fleshtone, focusing on raised areas while leaving recesses shaded.
A second highlight of Cadian Fleshtone was added, followed by a final highlight of Cadian Fleshtone mixed with Ushabti Bone on key details such as knuckles and shoulders. The key is to paint with the area of the previous highlight.
The transitions were unified with a glaze of Reikland Fleshshade mixed 1:1 with Lahmian Medium. Take care with this step, if unsure, it is better for the glaze to contain more Lahmian Medium, making the colour less saturated.
Step 3 – Painting the Weapon
The blade and haft were first basecoated with thinned Abaddon Black. This was done just to provide a darker base for the colours that would be painted over the top.
The blade was then painted with Iron Hands Steel, followed by shading with Druchii Violet near the base and Coelia Greenshade toward the tip. These were blended together using a damp brush.
Once dry, the blade was lightly drybrushed with Ironbreaker and edge highlighted with Stormhost Silver. Glazes of the shades can be reapplied to restore colour if needed.
Step 4 – Painting the Gold Details
The haft of the weapon was painted with Black Templar. Larger gold details such as the mask and ornaments were painted with Retributor Armour and shaded with Reikland Fleshshade. Smaller gold details will be completed later.
Step 5 – Painting the Purple Cloth
The cloth was basecoated with Naggaroth Night.
Recesses were shaded using a 2:1 mix of Naggaroth Night and Abaddon Black.
Highlights were built up using Naggaroth Night, followed by Xerus Purple, Genestealer Purple, and finally sparing highlights of Dechala Lilac on sharp edges.
Step 6 – Painting the White Cloth
The white cloth was first cleaned up with Corax White, then painted with Blue Horror. Highlights were gradually built up using Army Painter Matt White (I find White Scar too chalky) applied in thin layers to achieve a smooth, bright finish.
Step 7 – Painting Remaining Details
Belts and straps were painted Abaddon Black.
Skulls were basecoated with Zandri Dust, washed with Agrax Earthshade, and highlighted with Karak Stone and Screaming Skull. The leather pouch was painted Mournfang Brown, washed, and highlighted with Skrag Brown.
Step 8 – Finishing the Gold
Remaining gold details were painted with Retributor Armour and shaded with Reikland Fleshshade. All gold was then highlighted with Liberator Gold and finished with a 1:1 mix of Liberator Gold and Stormhost Silver.
Step 9 – Basing
Finish the miniature by basing it as desired to match your army or environment.
Final Thoughts
Kairic Acolytes provide an excellent opportunity to explore colour contrast, particularly between metallics, cloth, and flesh tones. This method offers a solid balance between speed and detail, making it suitable for both individual models and larger units.
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Discussion
How do you approach painting Kairic Acolytes?
Do you prefer brighter colour schemes or something darker and more muted?
I would particularly be interested to hear your thoughts on painting Tzeentch models. Let me know in the comments below.
Happy hobbying!
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