I've got a few days off from work next week before school starts, and I'd like to try and get the Rancor painted up asap as I suspect It's going to show up early in the campaign like the tank did, and it's not that impressive in its unpainted form.

Problem is, looking at reference photos of the thing, I'm stumped as to how to do it. I've never painted this type of skin before and not sure about the color palette, seems to be a deep reddish brown with some dark green on the top of the head, but that might be the lighting from the cave?

How are you more experienced painters going to paint this guy? What colors and techniques should be used? I use citadel paints FYI.

I like Dr. Faust's channel for painting ideas and techniques. The rancor has pretty mottled skin, and it is difficult to get a clear look at it from shots in ROTJ. I'm looking to do something in between these two videos, while accenting the bumps all over the rancor's body. I'll probably incorporate some dark/mid-tone greens as well.

Dark Skin Tone - Light Skin Tone

I'm looking at this reference shot for ideas, too.

You could also maybe look at pictures of Roxy the Rancor . Maybe not quite as detailed as the little puppet from the film, but the lighting might be better to give you ideas.

FWIW, think carefully before deciding to glue it all together or not. The fully assembled rancor does NOT easily fit into the game's boxes. I'm gonna have to store mine in pieces.

I've just discovered zenithal priming technique. Is anybody else doing this for their Rancor?

Yes. I do that for all my minis. When you thin down your paints, it gives natural highlights. For many, you can prime, paint, wash, and be done.