Crimson Penance WIP Log #1

 This is the very first model I’ve started painting for my custom Space Marine chapter, the Crimson Penance—and yeah, he’s only in base layers, but I’m already in love with the vibe.

The Crimson Penance aren’t your typical glory-hungry chapter. They’re devout, disciplined, and deadly. Think: grim zealots with bolters and bunkers. Their whole identity is built around religious fanaticism, militia-like tactics, and overwhelming firepower. They don’t charge forward screaming—they wait, pray, and shoot first.

What’s Done So Far

This Intercessor is my first test model, and so far, all I’ve done is block in the base colors. No highlights. No washes. Just a foundation for the style I want this army to carry.

Armor: Primed black (Citadel) and basecoated in Monument Hobbies’ Coal Black. I love this color—it’s dark, moody, and gives off a kind of sacred, armored silence.

Cape & Hood (outside): Dark Umber from Monument. It’s got this earthy, monk-like feel that fits the religious tone of the chapter.

Cape (inside) and Flag: A deep red mix—somewhere between Burnt Sienna and Red Oxide. It’s not bright or heroic. It’s bold and blood-worn, which is exactly what I wanted.

No purity seals, no relics yet—just his bolter and that oversized flag whipping around like it’s daring the galaxy to test his faith.

Lessons Learned (Already)

I glued the whole model together before painting, and yeah… I’m regretting that a bit. Trying to get a clean brush into some of those tight spots—like under the bolter or around the inner folds of the cape—has been tricky. I’ve definitely learned that sub-assemblies are the move, even if I just keep the arms off until the end.

Also, I had to check myself when I got too impatient waiting for paint to dry. I almost started layering more red while the base coat was still tacky. Don’t do that. Take a break. Come back fresh.

We watch our favorite hobby YouTubers and Instagram artists and forget that their 15-minute videos took them days—sometimes weeks—to film, paint, and edit. We see the final product without the pauses, the coffee breaks, and the “ugh, I hate this stage” moments. So I’m reminding myself (and maybe you too): give yourself that same grace. Take your time. You’re not racing anyone. You’re building something sacred in your own way.

What’s Next

Highlights, shading, edgework—none of that is done yet. Once the armor is lined and shaded, and I start picking out details like lenses and parchment, this guy should really come to life. But even at this base stage, I can see the tone of the army taking shape, and that’s exciting.

I’ll be adding more units, experimenting with weathering, and maybe printing some extra relic bits to drive home their lore: warriors weighed down by vows, scars, and sacred duty.

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Thanks for following along as I build this chapter from the ground up. If you've got tips on painting over-assembled minis (oops), or you just want to talk paint schemes and lore, come hang out with me on Instagram:

📸 @somsol_studios

Stay primed and penitent,

—Steve