Wow, thanks everyone for your wonderful and encouraging remarks, its much appreciated.
As for the skin tone, I used a very old bottle of Citadel Blue Grey (which having done a little research it looks like it then became Shadow Grey which in turn would make its most recent incarnation "The Fang") with varying shadows and highlights.

Looking at the conversion chart for GW Spacewolves Grey would also work.
And yes, the design on the shield is freehand.

Old school cool points will be awarded for anyone who recognizes it
