How to Airbrush Leathery Bat-Like Wings

For several Dark Eldar units I had to paint in a way I've never painted before; leathery bat-like wings. I didn't want to go the route I've been down before of a simple 2 tone drybrush and wash. I wanted something special, yet quick and effective. SO this is what I came up with.

STEP 1

Base the whole wing with an off white color. I prefer Dheneb Stone.

STEP 2

Spray int the recessed of the wings Vallejo Violet Red (Warlock Purple). Do this part slowly and evenly. Take your time.

STEP 3

Take Vallejo Royal Purple + a tiny Drop of Black and lightly spray even further into the recesses. This will add a shadow effect to the Violet Red that is already laid down.

STEP 4

Spritz the entire wing with a Violet red wash and a thick brush to create speckles in the Flesh.

STEP 5

SWM Amethyst Wash is sprayed lightly and in several coats to smooth out the color transitions. Then the boney fingers of the wings were painted black. This is really when you see the effect of the wings take shape.

STEP 5

Using a super thinned Violet Red and a detail brush; hand paint light stringy viens across the wings. Because you are using the same color that you based with, the transition should be smooth.

STEP 6 - BOOM!

The effect is quick, simple and effective. Is it "the best" way to paint translucent veiny wings? No, surely not. But it works well and looks cool and is pretty easy for the hobbist that recently moved into the airbrush domain of panting.

Some examples of my scourges which utilize the same technique.