Darth Vader on Hoth Commission - Star Wars Legion

At Brush and Anvil, we love bringing iconic characters to life, and few are more imposing than Darth Vader himself. This recent commission gave us the chance to pair his dark, commanding presence with the stark, freezing landscape of Hoth, a contrast we were excited to explore.

Crafting the Frozen Battlefield

We began by designing a base that truly felt like Hoth. Using a base layer of sand grit painted in a dark scorched earth style, layered snow effects, and an elegantly situated rock platform, we built up a windswept, icy terrain that captures the brutal cold of the planet. The distinct rock platform element breaks through the snow, adding realism and grounding the scene. Our goal was to create a crisp environment that amplifies Vader’s presence without distracting from him.

Painting the Dark Lord

Black armor is always a challenge, but it’s one we enjoy. For Vader, we focused on depth and tone variation: blue-tinged shadows, sharp highlights, and reflective surfaces that mimic the glossy sheen of his iconic suit. His cape was kept in cooler greys to maintain silhouette separation while still fitting the cold environment.

The lightsaber became the dramatic centerpiece. We painted the blade with a rich, glowing red and added various layers and a thin orange glow to give it an illumination effect. This touch gives the whole piece a cinematic edge, as if the blade’s heat slices through Hoth’s relentless chill.

The Final Result

The finished model delivers exactly what we aim for at Brush and Anvil; contrast, atmosphere, and storytelling. Vader’s obsidian armor towering over the snow-packed ground creates an immediate narrative: a lone, unstoppable force advancing through the storm.

This commission was a pleasure for our team to work on, and we’re proud of the bold atmosphere it brings to the tabletop or display shelf. If you’d like to commission your own custom character or scene, the Brush and Anvil workshop is always open. We hope you love the work Anthony and we can't wait to get started on your next model, Cpt Rex!