I found time to work on some old Citadel dwarfs. My photos are crap and messes up the impression of the paint job. Nevertheless I’m quite pleased with my work on two of them; the Norse dwarf with the axe and the one holding two javelins.
The dwarfs are all sporting the same colours (yellow and green) in order to give them some sort of clan identity.
The Norse dwarf has a large scar running down the left side of the face, very close to his eye. This inspired me to paint him as being blind on the one eye. The result is perhaps a bit weird, but he definitely has a certain bad-ass air to him now.
I must confess that I find it difficult to come up with shield motifs for dwarfs. The boring tankard is trite, but to find other ‘dwarfish’ motifs is no easy task and I definitely need to think some more about dwarf shields before I start painting any further little beardy chaps.
The last of the dwarfs is really, really small, almost gnome-like in size. I wonder when this mini was produced. He gives the an expression of being a pre-slotta miniature appropriated to the new slotta format – however, that’s only me guessing. His face is wonderfully characterful, which you probably won’t be able to make out on the photo. Does anyone of you know when this dwarf was produced.
Next up I’ll be working on some foot knights.
Shamutantis 
Ugh, I hate painting shield motifs. I find my inspiration constantly lacking – but I fully agree. The dwarven tankard is about as dull as they come. I think you did a good job coming up with simple designs.
Love the second to last chap. Almost leprechaun-like, and the paintjob only emphasize that! Nice!
The last fellow is one I’m slightly familiar with. I was hunting for him a few years ago when I put together a band of loser adventurers for an Lead Painters League entry over on the LAF. Never did find the model though. I think his first appearance is here:
http://solegends.com/citcat198604fr/agmatcat05-01.htm
I’d hazard the slotta tab says 1985.
Thanks for the info on the dwarf. You are probably right concerning the date. The inscription on the tab was completely messed up and as good as impossible to read, but ’85 would seem like the most probable production year. It’s a really nice mini; very delicate in the details and with a delightful face. You should keep hunting for him!