Painting Competition Discussion thread!

[Orcs]

A very high standard - I normally don't look as it puts my painting to shame.

I have voted and tried not to vote for anyone more than once in the entire competition. Did not quite do this as some of the entries were outstanding.

I was intrigued by the "Hedge Army"  this was a very versatile entry being able to be used for virtually all periods and locations - Obviously there are exceptions.  I suspect the owner was "hedging his bets" on winning.

However I did find the "uniform" a bit dull.  I also thought one of them appeared a bit gnawed and had some drool on it.  

 

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Suspect the owner his hiding hid talents under a bush, Al?
Oh, my coat, thanks, I shall wear it while the countdown continues!

[Leon]

Only 2 hours left now and it's still tight in some categories!

- Pre-20th Foot has got 3 entries all tied for 2nd place...
- Mounted there's only 1 vote between 1st and 2nd...
- Vehicle there's only 2 votes between 1st and 2nd...
- Army there's only 1 vote between 1st and 2nd...

[Techno]

I wonder if anything will change in the next two and a bit hours.  (I've just had a peek.  ) Bloomin' heck it's close !

An exceptional competition, regarding the standard of the entries.
To the whole lot of you !!

Cheers - (A very impressed) Phil

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Teases!
Both of you!

[Steve J]

I shall have to wait until later to see the results as I will be away from my computer . The standard has been so high this year it's hard to separate so many wonderful entries!

[petercooman]

let's start the drumm roll 

[petercooman]

Some unexpected winners, but most of the ones i voted for are 'at the top'!

[Steve J]

I find it interesting to see what other forum members voted for compared to my choices.

[Techno]

Some unexpected winners, but most of the ones i voted for are 'at the top'!

Unexpected ?.....Dunno....But I think throwing the voting open to all the members of the forum, is a very fair way of doing this.

But like you, most of the ones I voted for came first or second....(I can see the votes....So in a lot of cases, my three votes went to the top three)..... Not in every category, though....
But those were the ones I could have done with a lot more than 3 votes !  ....They were all SO close.

We've got VERY deserved 'placed' entries, though....Congrats to them, again. 

Cheers - Phil

[mollinary]

A rather off the wall comment, for those in power to consider or discard as they see fit!   As I tried to vote, I found my judgement being affected by a number of extraneous factors, like the number of figures being shown, and the quality of sculpting on the miniature chosen. Pendraken have been in production for so long now that there is a considerable difference in quality between many early sculpts, and the latest offerings. Perhaps there could be a new category next year, where entrants were 8nvited to produce a set number of a particular figure code, on a base of a set size.  It would be rather like Formula 1, but with everyone starting with exactly the same car.  And we judges would be able to concentrate on the painting and basing alone, without distraction.  Just a thought.  :-

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Just looked at where my votes fell:
Two winners, everything else failed to place, completely!
Says a lot about my taste then!!!!
Considering I only really had two votes per category (well, I've got to vote for myself, otherwise I would get no votes), I honestly went with what appeals most to me.
For instance, the plane, that got my vote. It was different, and brilliantly done.
I nearly voted for FSNs hedges as I really liked them, but there were other things I liked more

[Leon]

Perhaps there could be a new category next year, where entrants were 8nvited to produce a set number of a particular figure code, on a base of a set size.  It would be rather like Formula 1, but with everyone starting with exactly the same car.  And we judges would be able to concentrate on the painting and basing alone, without distraction.

That's not a bad idea and something we could look at doing.  We could produce a small set of figures (5-10 maybe) that could be assembled into a mini-diorama, supply a base for them as well, and then pop it on the website in the run-up to the next competition.  As you say, folks would then have the same items to work with and the end pieces could be judged depending on what each person did with them.

[fsn]

That's not a bad idea and something we could look at doing.  We could produce a small set of figures (5-10 maybe) that could be assembled into a mini-diorama, supply a base for them as well, and then pop it on the website in the run-up to the next competition.  As you say, folks would then have the same items to work with and the end pieces could be judged depending on what each person did with them.

I like that idea. Be interesting to see the different techniques in action.

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Ho hum, guess I'll have to use my hard earned cash to buy Korean War stuff instead!

[petercooman]

Just looked at where my votes fell:
Two winners, everything else failed to place, completely!
Says a lot about my taste then!!!!

Well my votes mostly went to second places. The only 1st places i voted for were the winged hussars and william of orange. I got about 80% of the second places though.

The main thing is, i think i really like 'darker' styles of painting more. Over the years, i have seen that the winners are mostly among the 'more highlighted' styles. They are well done, but not always my cup of tea. Judging by your painting style Will, i'm guessing you are in the same boat as me with your votes.

Also, Looking at D'Hautpols army entries, i wonder, had he only chosen one of his two armies, would he have won the army category? I was a bit torn between both his armies, with one vote left .  Like Leon said in the winners thread for the army category: "First place had a clear winner here and then we had DHautpol fighting it out with himself for 2nd and 3rd!" .  

That's the problem with more than one entry, you divide your own votes! This is not to say that Rupert of Hentzau's army is an undeserved winner of course! Just purely some musing about the competition. (i was going to vote on his army as well, but i just liked the nametags on PAulr's army better so choose him)

Considering I only really had two votes per category (well, I've got to vote for myself, otherwise I would get no votes), I honestly went with what appeals most to me.
For instance, the plane, that got my vote. It was different, and brilliantly done.
I nearly voted for FSNs hedges as I really liked them, but there were other things I liked more

You voted for yourself?



I voted for your dragon by the way. You Need to be more confident about your own stuff

[Steve J]

An interesting point about everyone starting with the same figures etc. It's interesting to note that there were a lot of LoA entries, most probably because the figures are superbly sculpted and have a good variety of poses, which makes them easier to paint IMHO. Ditto the AWI range. Allied WWII vehicles for NWE I think suffer next to German ones painted in 3 tone or ambush camo schemes as they simply look rather dull in comparison. Again Brits in khaki don't jump out compared to German camo smocks.

[Steve J]

For instance, the plane, that got my vote. It was different, and brilliantly done.

Thanks for the kind comments Will

[petercooman]

Allied WWII vehicles for NWE I think suffer next to German ones painted in 3 tone or ambush camo schemes as they simply look rather dull in comparison. Again Brits in khaki don't jump out compared to German camo smocks.

I know what you mean, but on the other hand, camo can look sloppy pretty quickly. Maybe it's a risk/reward thing?

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Please remember, I have no sour grapes, just jealous of the excellence out there!
Hoped my Steamroller was different enough to win. Oh well!