I haven't thought too much of any of GW's recent Ltd. Ed. miniatures but this one is an exception. It's still a typical spacemarine at heart (albeit a well sculpted one) but the pose is interesting and I also like the downward tilted head - it's like he's paused momentarily to contemplate events.

I haven't painted an Ultramarine before but I decided before starting that I wanted the blue armour to be somewhat darker than I usually see. Other than the edge highlights, straight VGC 'ultramarine blue' is as light as I went. Even the edge highlights are more subdued than usual. I worried as I painted the armour that it was going to end up looking too flat but ultimately I think it looks matt rather than flat. Starting from a very dark base (RPP 'blue-black') was essential.

I really enjoyed painting this particular blue and I always enjoy painting spacemarines so I guess I'll have to find another Ultramarine I like...Just what the world needs - more Ultramarines...