A Fallen God Machine

I painted this for Golden Demon 2026 (my first golden demon competition) where it received a Notable Entry pin in the diorama category. The diorama depicts a quiet moment between a Skitarii and a fallen reaver titan on an active battlefield.

The gauntlet is a resin cast Reaver Titan hand, and the Skitarii was thankfully plastic. The background is painted acrylic sheet stock detailed with airbrush, sponges, and various paints.

Various Techniques:
Crackled Armour:

1. Under paint with brown / ochre sponging
2. Apply three coats of Heavy Chipping Medium
3. Airbrush top coat colour on it and allow to fully dry
4. Slightly overload the surface with water, allowing the chipping medium to rehydrate. This will lift the paint and crack it.
5. Allow to dry completely
6. Highlight the lower cracks of the crackling to accentuate

Base Texture

1. Thickly apply lightweight drywalling compound onto the plinth. Layer should be approximate 1/2” thick.
2. Wet spare miniatures feet with water and create footsteps
3. Use a wet spatula or finger to sculpt terrain details
4. Allow drywall compound to dry completely in front of a fan (approximately 24 hours)
5. Apply various texture pastes and finishes to base
6. Gently prime model and apply oils to underpaint
7. Drybrush to highlight details
8. Apply pigment powder