Colour Inspiration: Dota 2 Hero Characters

As an avid PC gamer for over 30 years now, it never ceases to amaze me how this hobby has grown to become a professional sporting event. (Unfortunately in comparison, miniature painting as a sport would be like watching paint dry ... literally.) So having The International Dota 2 Championships (TI5) shown live on satellite television means all art-related hobbies have come to a screeching halt. For the uninitiated, Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena video game in a 3D environment. 

Although I don't play the game - an old man's reflexes coupled with a meh internet connection is largely to blame - I find the game incredibly fun to watch. Playing under Fnatic's banner, Team Malaysia was sadly eliminated on Day 1. Nonetheless, TI5 should still be a great event to watch.  

There is, however, something hobby related that I can take from the game (and also share with you). With over 100 playable heroes to choose from, there exists a range of character portraits with simple yet inspirational colours. Perusing quickly through the pictures should start giving you ideas of a simple colour scheme of your own. A complement of sorts to a colour wheel and other references.

Dragging myself away from the TV long enough to get some art done is going to take some doing. That being said, I'm determined to draw/paint something before the week is over. And in case you are wondering, first prize for TI5 is a whopping US$6.5 million. Not too shabby, not too shabby at all!