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You'll need these: http://uk.games-workshop.com/storefront/store.uk?do=Individual&code=99179999005&orignav=300810

And these: http://uk.games-workshop.com/storefront/store.uk?do=List_Models&code=300959&orignav=300810

And maybe this one, I've heard it is a good one for painting: http://uk.games-workshop.com/storefront/store.uk?do=Individual&code=60049999072&orignav=300810

Maybe a ceramic tile as well, useful for blending the paint and thinning it.

Also, decide on a good colour scheme that will see you through your entire army and isn't a pain to apply to your models. 3nodding

Eh, if you're going to use every colour known to man, then get that steel encased behemoth of acrylic paint. If not, then get like 5 colours (skin, metal, armour/camouflage and black) and then 2 or 3 brushes. One fine, one not as fine, and another which you can ******** up for dry-brushing. I also think that the book she mentioned is only really good for looking at, it's never really taught me much - just search online. The ceramic (bathroom) tile is a must though. That and a pot of water are the best thing I can think of that you can get for free/cheap.

As for inspiration, look at real armies. Think of whether your army is going to be based in an urban, desert, temperate, or tundra environment, and work on a suitable colour scheme.

If you've worked out on a story then you may want to use some heraldry or fluff-based colour in the army uniform.

-Mykal

You'll want to throw in some grey, too. Codex Grey?

To make the boots look realistic, as if they've been through snow and mud, take some earthy brown tone, with some skull white, mix it, and feather it along the edges of the boots to create a 'snowmud' effect. Run it along the bottom edges of their pants, also, if you're looking for that effect. As to shading, I'd recommend using gray or black ink.

I always used light bits of ink along the wrinkles of the cloth on their pants, and then darker paint for the lines of their armor for shading, and the opposite for highlighting. Although, ink works poorly for any sort of highlighting. Another thing, a way to add depth to the weapons is to put a bit of black ink in a bowl, or small container, and water it down a bit. Get a small brush, and wash the ink over the gun. Let it dry, and repeat, if you want. This will add a gritty look to your gun, along with depth to the eagle and barrel.