"How do you pick colors?" Topic

How do you pick the colors you use on your mini's?

For moderns you have great examples out there. But for us guys that like to run Scifi/Fantasy it's a little harder. I like to use at least three colors on my mini's. But I always have trouble picking out the right combo of colors that would give the mini that sweet look (or at least a decent look). Are there any sites out there that have 'color wheels'(?) or color samplings that can help one pick color combinations that go well together?

Thanks
8)

I picked up a "pocket" color wheel at an art store and it is kept handy near my painting table. Definately worth the investment.

I also tend to steal color schemes off of the internet.

I tend to start with either a warm theme or a cold one. Red-brown-orange-yellow and gold, or blue-green-grey and silver. I also spend a few minutes planning, so that the various layers (such as pants, shirt, belt, vest) alternate light and dark for good contrast on the details.

There are a ton of color wheels out there, even some you can print off and color in with your own paints.

Wee sparky uses the same method as me . the color wheel is a good cheap investment .

Imagination and experience. I like to find out some background before I paint Sci Fi or Fantasy, it helps. Color wheel won't help you with that.

Or, just dither longer, 'cause you/I can't make a decision on what the troops should look like.

Matching them to the background terrain colors is a good idea though, generally, though frequently not followed by many.

Red, mostly

I get a picture off the internet(*), hold the paint bottles up to it, and use the closest match.

(*) Junior General is great for this purpose. And google image search.

I use historical prototypes – not fanatically so, but its a good start point.

I tend to start with either a warm theme or a cold one. Red-brown-orange-yellow and gold, or blue-green-grey and silver. I also spend a few minutes planning, so that the various layers (such as pants, shirt, belt, vest) alternate light and dark for good contrast on the details.

I too spend time thinking about alternating light and dark colors. I normally select a cool theme for disciplined armies. For impetuous or chaotic armies, I normally choose a warm theme. I tend to pick one or two shades to repeat through the warband/army if they have mismatched uniforms.