“And why shouldn't I have a bike?”

The goal of this tutorial is to create realistic skin tones for a reptile, but on a large scale.

Note: It would be entirely possible to sculpt a dinosaur from scratch using modeling clay suitable for this purpose (plasticine, etc.), but the cost and complexity of creating a cast elastomer mold for a large piece are such that they will be covered in a separate tutorial dedicated to that topic. We’ll start with an existing kit. It’s also possible to experiment with less expensive models (Schleich, Papo, and other similar collectible dinosaurs)

Finished Velociraptor model, with detailed paintwork on a base, side view

The kit, a vinyl model with highly detailed engraving...

Model-making resources: the book *Snakes and Reptiles* and *Jurassic Park III* articles on dinosaurs The documentation used for colors...
The dinosaur models from the second *Jurassic Park* movie will serve as a color guide without having to copy the subjects exactly (the two photos below)...

Engraving the details of a Velociraptor model part using drypoint on a cutting mat

Cutting a textured blank piece held in the hand with a model-making knife

Step 1: Trim the edges of the vinyl pieces before gluing them. Use a utility knife and cut as close as possible...

Unpainted model of a Velociraptor's clawed foot mounted on a wooden rod

Close-up of the sculpted leg made of white putty with a scaled texture for the Velociraptor model

Sculpted head and neck of a Velociraptor with its mouth open; unpainted white model with detailed scales

After gluing with Super Glue, apply a first coat of putty to the seams to hide them...

Detailed Velociraptor model displayed on a presentation base

General view showing the gluing and puttying of the subject...

Applying gray putty with a brush to the seam on the handheld Velociraptor model

Applying a blue-gray wash with a brush to the textured skin of a Velociraptor model

Applying a primer coat with a brush to the unpainted white Velociraptor model

Close-up of the Velociraptor's tail, featuring sculpted scale texture and gray joint filler

The putty used is Sintofer—a finishing putty—diluted with acetone... and smoothed with a brush... The areas coated in this way are re-carved to perfect the joints...

Unpainted velociraptor model, mouth open, mounted on a base prior to painting

The finished piece, ready for painting...

Painting

Unpainted Velociraptor model with its mouth open on a base, viewed from the side

A coat of Humbrol 34 matte white is sprayed on with an airbrush... which will reveal a few imperfections that will need to be touched up...

Model of a gray Velociraptor in full stride on a light-colored rocky base

Shading using Humbrol 160 brown/red...

Close-up of the back and painted tail of a Velociraptor model showing the skin textures

Close-up of the side and legs of the Velociraptor model showing the textured skin paint

Two views showing the shading in detail...

Model of a Velociraptor with its mouth open, gray-beige, on a light-colored, dynamic base

I'm starting to paint using Humbrol 110 brown...

Vélociraptor model showing the body, clawed legs, and tail before painting

Details of the painting...

A beige-painted Velociraptor model with its mouth open, displayed on a light-colored base

Shades of Humbrol 63 yellow are then added...

Close-up of the painted body and legs of a Velociraptor model showing the texture of the skin

Model head of a Velociraptor with its mouth open, showing sharp teeth and a purple eye

Details...

Speckles

Painted Velociraptor model showing its clawed feet resting on a textured base

Speckles: Here, they are created using matte black—rust 113 and sand 63. In this case, we’re using an old toothbrush, but you can also spray them on with an airbrush using a speckle nozzle...

Close-up of the painted body and legs of a Velociraptor model with textured ochre skin

Painted model head of a Velociraptor with its mouth open, showing its sharp teeth

Two close-ups showing the result after drying...

Jars of matte model paint in various shades used to paint the Velociraptor

A selection of Humbrol colors used for the entire kit...

A Velociraptor model painted in light colors on a base, with its mouth open and a long tail

The light-colored areas on the underside of the animal are airbrushed with ivory 41 - 103 - 22 - and then with matte white...

Close-up of the flank and thighs of a model of a Velociraptor with painted, scaly skin

Head and neck of the Velociraptor model with its mouth open, showing its teeth

Details...

Clear-coated Velociraptor model, full-body profile, long, outstretched tail, on a clear base

A wash made of white—Brown 110—and matte black was applied to the raised areas to highlight...

A Velociraptor model painted in light colors, showing the body, legs, and curved claw

A dry-brushing technique using ivory and white will then highlight the light areas...

Close-up of the body and clawed legs of a Velociraptor model with painted skin

Details...

Model of a Velociraptor showing its neck, torso, and arms with long claws

You can clearly see in the photo how the brushing brings out the colors and highlights the details...

Close-up of the clawed foot of a Velociraptor model, showing its scaly toes

The legs: the claws and bony plates are painted matte black...

Close-up of a Velociraptor's foot showing the clawed toes and the large, curved, retractable claw

An initial lightening is achieved using a mixture of 110, 160, and a drop of white...

Close-up of the painted leg of a Velociraptor model showing the curved claw

Dry-brush with white... then apply a wash to even out the overall look...

Clawed feet of a Velociraptor model showing the curved claws and scaly skin

A satin-finish nail polish with a touch of black will enhance your nails and claws...

Velociraptor model head with open mouth, sharp teeth, and yellow eye

The inside of the mouth and the gums are painted with Red 160 and Red 60. Then we lighten the area for the first time with Red 60 mixed with white. Next comes a wash made of Red 60 and Wine Yellow 73. Finally, a second highlight using Red, Flesh 61, and white...

Model of a gray Velociraptor with its mouth open, showing its teeth, on a white background

The teeth are painted in Beige 103. They are highlighted at the base with Matte 22, then with Matte White...

Model of a gray Velociraptor with its mouth open, in a walking pose against a light background

Model of a gray Velociraptor, seen in profile, with its mouth open and its long tail extended

The painting of the subject is finished...

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Velociraptor - 1/5 scale

Painting

Speckles