Well, it'd been over two weeks since Games Day in Chicago, so I figured it was time to throw up pics of the models I entered in Golden Demon. Before we get to the photos, however, I must say that I liked the new set-up used by GW at the show, and bringing the GDs back into the main hall was, in my opinion (and despite the noise) was a successful move.
Here's my Warhammer Single entry. I wasn't expecting too much from him, but I figured it was worth a shot. Result - Finalist.
I entered the front three ranks of my Red Bears of Mecklenburg Greatswords unit in the Warhammer Regiment category. After seeing all the entries on the day, I felt I had a pretty decent chance of a trophy with these guys. Halfway through the day they disappeared from the cabinet, and couldn't be found. There were a few different thoughts from my friends at the show, including a possible trophy pick, but just minutes before the presentation ceremony they were spotted in the cabinets - in the Open category. I immediately rushed to check on why and was informed they had been moved because they didn't fit the basing requirements for the Warhammer Regiment category (which requires each model is on its own, individual gaming base - a restriction I find asinine, but that's how it is). In the Open category my Red Bears had absolutely no chance. Result - Finalist.
In Warhammer Monster I entered my Ogre Thundertusk. I really love this model and was happy with how I'd painted mine. Before the show I rebased the model on a Dragon Forge resin base and added some new snow, made using the Secret Weapon Miniatures Crushed Glass. It was definitely fun to try out this new (for me) product, and I'm looking forward to using it again. As usual, there were some lovely models in this category. Result - Finalist.
And finally, I entered my Iconoclave piece in the Diorama category. This is the entry I was most hopeful for, but there were lots of great entries in this category too. In the end it didn't quite hold up to the trophy winners. Result - Finalist.
I walked away fairly disappointed, but also full of ideas for next year. Let's see how many of them I can execute.
Congratulations to all the winners. Those trophies are all well deserved, particularly Todd's FIFTH Slayer Sword!
Cheers
Dave
I really love all of your work! By looking at those I'd say you must have had some tough competition. Being a finalist is no small achievement either- keep that in mind!
ReplyDeleteIf I may give critique about your diorama: I like that the scene tells a story and that it's sort of a less viewed facet of 40k (it's not just some Space Marines shooting stuff). The painting is very good (of course)- the rust is kind of bright for my taste though. It's definitely different visually, but I think a problem is that it doesn't convey enough emotion- if that makes sense. A lot of the dioramas are dramatic or exciting (Space Marines shooting stuff)- I think yours needs some more emotion (maybe fear or wonder in this case).
That's my two cents. I don't really have any credentials, so I hope I didn't overstep any bounds.
Hi Reid
DeleteNo bounds overstepped, so don't worry there. If I put something out there, feel free to comment. Just make sure it's constructive (which you did).
I agree with you on the rust, it does feel brighter than I initially intended, but I'll disagree with you on the emotion. There is certainly much less action/intense drama than in other dioramas, but I feel there's just as much (if not more) emotion. I'm not sure if you saw the original exposition post on the diorama, where you get to see close-ups of the scene, but here's a link:
http://davetaylorminiatures.blogspot.com/2012/07/voi-hesh-anarch-magir.html
Of course, if you have seen that already we'll have to agree to disagree ; )
Thanks again for your comments.
Cheers
Dave
On the other hand Dave, I loved the diorama - especially the rust - but I'm also biased by my love of the books the diorama is based on. It's really a great visualization of an abstract concept within the book.
DeleteI think the rust injects vivid color into an otherwise limited( dust, lots of grays) palette. My eye is drawn to those red hues, but I don't feel it's at the expense of the rest of diorama.
The best example I can think of is the movie Pleasentville, which is black and white, until they start slowly placing in color. :)
As always, excellent models my man.
Congrats on making Finalist though, but sad that your regiment was moved to the Open category. Live and learn yes?
ReplyDeleteIndeed we do live and learn. When I pulled up the category rules on my phone I was gutted, but knew they'd followed the letter of the law. Next time I'll try a different approach.
DeleteCheers
Dave
My goodness the standard must have been incredibly high for you not to worked away with a trophy! Great job on the final though.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mr Awdry, the standard is always high and I know I have to get lucky too to sneak through.
DeleteCheers
Dave
All great looking miniatures, amazing! Can't wait to see the progress for next years over the coming months..
ReplyDeleteKeep up the stellar work!
Thanks very much. I hope you enjoy the new stuff too.
DeleteVery nice work. Are you planning to enter any painting contests that are more local to you, like the one at the NOVA Open tournament at the end of this month? You Baltimore boys rarely venture south for some reason.
ReplyDeleteHi G Red
DeleteI have no plans to go to the NOVA Open competition for a number of reasons:
a) DC/NoVa traffic sucks ass
b) If I want to enter 1 model in sci-fi it would cost me $20 (Saturday badge + 1 category entry), If I want to enter 1 model in both sci-fi and fantasy it'll cost $25.
c) If I do pay $25 and put in 6 entires (three divisions in each or the two categories) I can only win a maximum of two prizes.
d) Prizes are only given out for first place in each division.
e) I'm required to be at the venue for anywhere from 8-10 hours, with nothing else planned, unless I want to pay more for seminars.
f) If I was incredibly lucky, and my stuff was the best there on the day, I'd win a trip to Adepticon...but my job already requires me to go to Adepticon, so that's all moot.
Basically, it's a lot of hassle and money for a day away from my family, where the "rewards" seem to be few and far between in a confusing set-up. Overall, it's not worth my effort. If I was playing in one of the tournaments, it might be worth the extra cash, but my tournament days are behind me so...
Of course, some of this might sound strange after just having flown to Chicago for Games Day, but the wonderful group of friends I see there once a year more than makes up for the cost and effort, regardless of results in the GDs.
Cheers
Dave
Thank you for the answer Dave. I do appreciate you taking the time, although it was a little more detailed than I expected--which is a good thing:) I agree totally about the traffic, but since I'm going via the Metro, traffic is not a problem-- just escalators. You forgot to mention the parking hassles/costs though.
DeleteI wish that I could have found away to make it cost less...reducing entry costs is definitely on next year's to do list. A few words of explanation though, if you don't mind. About the costs, well,Tournaments/Conventions in the DC metro area are not inexpensive to stage. We limited winners to avoid having the award ceremony turn into a one-painter show, which could have happened, given that this is the contest's first year and we may not get too many entries (For some of the reasons you enumerated, BTW. ) The possibility of a small number of entries is also the reason behind offering only first prizes, and for structuring the costs to encourage painters to all our categories/divisions, despite the potential for some confusion. They are very nice first prizes thought, Grex tritium airbrushes. The Adepticon ticket is for the best of the six winners, sort of a Grand Prize.
You only actually needed to be at the venue to register in the AM, and then again in the PM for the awards ceremony and to retrieve your entries...but realistically, you are right about being there all day, since there is very little to do in Crystal City on the weekends. There is always a little sight-seeing with the family in D.C. itself. However, I suspect that all of this year's contestants will also be there for the tournaments.
Since you are more or less local, and certainly a painter of some reknown, I figured that it would not hurt to ask. And your response does not sound strange at all. The Games Day excursion for you is probably like a sort of high school or college reunion. Of course you go and see old friends. It's good for the soul :)
And your thundertusk is an amazing piece. I have found that pictures rarely do justice to well-painted miniatures. It would have been nice to see it in the 'flesh'. Perhaps next year...
G Red
Hi G Red, I'm glad you took my response in the spirit it was intended. And thank you for you reasoned response. Feel free to shoot me an email (address in my profile on the right column), I'm interested in chatting further about the NOVA Open painting comp.
DeleteCheers
Dave
Your Thundertusk is over-the-top amazing, well done on fantastic entries all!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mik, much appreciated.
DeleteWonderful job all around Dave,
ReplyDeleteI can honestly say, it has been a lot of fun watching how your work has improved over the years and I really look forward to seeing what you come up with next.
Ted.
Wonderful job all around Dave, I can honestly say that I have really enjoyed watching how your work has improved over the years.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to seeing what you come up with next.
Ted.
PS, on a side note, are you heading to Cold Wars? it would be great to catch up
Do you mean Fall In? If so, I'll be there and it would be cool to catch up.
DeleteCold Wars is HMGS INC convention in Lancaster Pa. in March (7th-10th) to be exact.
ReplyDeletewww.coldwars.org
I'll definitely look into Fall In
I'll be at Cold Wars next year, but check out Fall-In (www.fall-in.org). Basically the same show in the same location, but in November, hence my confusion ; )
DeleteCheers
Dave
The strong competition notwithstanding, that diorama of yours should have been a winner. Tsk, rubes ;-)
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of the concept the diorama is based on before you built the piece, and I already said that it sounded like a rather funky idea on paper. But you really took the concept and ran with it. I also think that there's quite a bit of emotion there, if you know where to look (*cough* tear tracks *cough*). If anything, the fact that it doesn't have Space Marines shooting at sh*t makes it even more awesome ;-)
Anyway, it's a fantastic piece. Rest assured that I'll be stealing the recipe for the overseer as a way of paying my respects ;-)
Hi,
ReplyDeletethose are some really nice minatures and congratulations on your finalist pins! I got pins for my greatswords, ogre hunter, Tom Bombadil and catachan commander.
/Markus
Dave,
ReplyDeleteyour always a winner in my book. your entries may not win but you put a lot of effort into them not only painting them but you tend to create a story for each, you breath a little life into them. more so than a lot of the compitition painters who just crank out solid work event after event and win on the merit of a good paint job and a clean model. its your little details that have always drawn my interest to wanting to see you models and dioramas.it was great to get to see your entries in person and talk with you one on one, during and after the event.
cheers mate your a winner in my book anyday of the week.
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