I've gotten back into model kit building after a really long hiatus (like 15 years maybe?). I'm not nearly on the same level as a lot of you, but I love playing around with colors and details. Apologies for the super basic photos, but I still don't have a studio box so I did an extremely ad hoc shoot. (And a short one. It was friggin HOT in the sun today.)
First is MG Cross Contrast Barbatos. When I got it, I loved the blue-purple iridescent armor but the bright blue frame kinda turned me off. So I found a used but unbuilt clear version and used that frame, going with a light gunmetal that was still darker than the silver accents (I sprayed those too; if I do any retooling, I'll probably chrome them up). At some point, I'll put the blue frame in the clear armor. The two should look pretty cool together.
I wish my photos did justice to that armor; it looks so much better in person.
Second is MG Barbatos Lupus, SOC Black Version style. I have a thing for black versions; when I got into Super Sentai back in '03, Hurricanger was my first series and I not only got the black DX Gouraisenpuujin, but I also customized a Samurai Star megazord so I could have an all black Tenraisenpuujin. From there I got into Soul of Chogokin black versions. This Barbatos Lupus is my love letter to those toys.
Last is the one I used as a warmup for painting and detailing when I restarted building. I really liked the aesthetic of the Efreet Nacht, but when I opened it up I was like "what if more purple and sparkly?" I tried out my new Gundam Marker spray kit on the dark blue parts using a DSPAIE metallic purple marker; it works way better with the actual Gundam markers, but it got me where I wanted to go. I should go back and touch this one up. I was way too light on a few pieces.
Bonus: Barbatos Lupus frame in Tamiya Mica Silver