No Plan, No Scheme—Just Colour, Contrast, and a Fresh Ogryn

No Plan, No Scheme—Just Colour, Contrast, and a Fresh Take on an Old Favourite

Sometimes, the best results come from letting go of strict plans and simply exploring a technique. For my latest project, I set aside sketches and colour schemes, focusing instead on experimenting with NMM (Non-Metallic Metal) and pushing the limits of bright, contrasting colours.

 

Revisiting an Old Favourite

 

This Jotunn H-Grade Industrial Servitor Ogryn is a model I’ve always loved. Back in the day, I originally painted it in a classic grimdark style—lots of streaks, muted tones, and a heavy, gritty vibe that fit the underhive perfectly. But over time, I felt it deserved something new. Sometimes, the models we cherish most are the perfect candidates for a fresh approach, especially when you want to push your skills and try something outside your comfort zone.

 

Jotunn H-Grade Industrial Servitor Ogryn on a nice Necromunda base

Embracing New Techniques

Recently, I’ve been making a real effort to include as much NMM as possible in my work. My aim is to push myself as a painter, working on smoother blends and, most importantly, learning more about light placement. NMM is one of those techniques that really challenges you to think about how light interacts with surfaces, and it’s been a fantastic way to improve my overall painting. Every new piece is a lesson in where to place highlights and shadows, and how to make the illusion of metal come alive with just paint.

 I also did a little conversion work to make this Ogryn unique, then went all-in with bold contrast and vibrant, complementary colours for serious tabletop impact. Using NMM for the metallics gave the piece a painted, reflective shine, while the bright, clashing colours made it stand out in a way my old grimdark version never did.

 

rear view - tried some weathered look

side view - necromunda Golaith weapons !

Check out the NMM arm and fun additions

added some ork bits and a chain

 Lessons Learned Along the Way

One of the biggest things I’ve learned from my recent progress is not to be afraid of using colour—even in places you wouldn’t expect. Adding warm tones to the greys, and building up those colours slowly, brings a lot more life and depth to the metallics. It’s tempting to stick with pure greys, but a touch of warmth really makes the NMM pop.
Edge highlights have also become a key part of my process. Placing sharp, clear highlights along the edges helps define the shapes and gives the impression of real shine. At the same time, I’ve started using the scratchy edge of the brush to add texture, giving the metal a more realistic, worn feel. It’s a balance between smooth blends for the light and rougher, textured strokes for that gritty, industrial look.

Why Experiment?

Embracing techniques you wouldn’t normally use is essential for improving your art and miniature painting. It’s easy to stick with what you know, but challenging yourself with new methods—whether it’s colour theory, NMM, or just a more vibrant palette—can breathe new life into your collection and help you grow as a painter.

The Result and What’s Next

The result? A bold, eye-catching piece that’s all about the impact of colour and technique, not just the subject or a set story. Sometimes, just playing with paint is enough to create something that grabs attention and shows what you can do.
Now I’m thinking about painting another Ogryn for the underhive, or maybe even bringing this style to my Warhammer 40k projects. What do you think—should I keep going with this scheme? Let me know your thoughts, and stay tuned for more experiments as I keep learning and sharing my hobby journey!

Oh, and big question, what should I name him?