Introduction
The array of colours of GW's paints is quite impressive and may seem intimidating to a newcomer. Which paints to buy first, which colours work best together, what colours are suitable for my Mordor army? Questions like these often go through the minds of new hobbyists when first faced with the task of buying paints.

Games Workshop has recognised this problem and sells beginner's sets with a limited palette of colours, but the paint pots are small, the price is expensive and the colours are too limited to be of any practical use.

This article presents a series of palettes that newcomers can purchase to start off their paint collection, and includes several palettes for painting specific armies. Each palette contains around several colours and assumes that you have already assembled the Starter Palette.

Palette #1 - The Starter Palette
The colours here form the basis of any paint collection. Games Workshop supply a basic paint set similar to this one, but we have tailored this specifically for painting Lord of the Rings miniatures, which tends to favour more earthy, natural tones.



Palette #2 - The Riders of Rohan
The Riders of Rohan are cloaked in green to reflect their homeland amongst the grassy plains of the Riddermark. These basic colours will give a good foundation towards painting the men of Rohan.



Palette #3 - The Orcs of Mordor
The filthy rags of the Orcs have long since lost their original colour, and the scraps of armour they wear are battered and rusted beyond repair.



Palette #4 - The Men of Gondor
The splendid armour of these valiant men shimmers bravely in the sunlight and their lovingly polished blades gleam like stars when drawn in battle.



Palette #5 - The Denizens of Moria
The once splendid Dwarf halls below the Misty Mountains are now home to hordes of vile goblins and many other, more terrible creatures.



Palette #6 - The Elves of Lorien
The Galadhrim. the noble Elves of the woodland realm of Lothlorien, dress in sylvan colours; browns, greens and greys.



Palette #7 - The Elves and Men of the Last Alliance
The High Elves; proud, fierce warriors of the noble houses of the Noldorin, enter battle clad in ancient heraldic colours to show their proud ancestry.



Palette #8 - The Desert Tribes of Harad
The nomadic tribesmen of the southern lands dress in silks and other light clothing. They favours reds and purples and other exotic colours.



Palette #9 - The Men of the East
Wearing intricate plate armour and wielding wicked scimitars, these fierce warriors present a splendid, if fearsome, sight on the battlefield.



Palette #10 - The Dwarves of the Iron Hills
The dour Dwarves usually wear earthy toned clothing and armour and yet are often seen wearing brightly coloured travelling cloaks.



Palette #11 - The Fighting Uruk-hai
Saruman's foul creations wear leather and steel and very little else. What rags they do wear are usually soiled and stained beyond recognition.



Contributors
Dagorlad, Gollum Rules!, Ithilien Ranger, Temet Nosce
TheOneRider, Valpas