Return From Castle Gencon

Gencon is always whirlwind and this year was no exception. The whole city changes and the sideshow blows through every year. Id like to hear what someone shoslived in Indianapolis for the last 10 years has to say about Gencon.

All that prepping for the P3 contest really paid off. I walked away with three best in category awards. I also have to appreciate the Murphy's law in getting a bronze with the piece I felt over confident about ha-ha. The feedback there was valid and it's easy to get lost comparing your work to other pieces, but when the dust settles the lesson is always the same, learn and improve.

I also didn't fare too badly in the MHE contest. Unfortunately I was snubbed out of the rainbow brush by a clerical error. The error being I had to read the rules to the person taking entries to explain that I did qualify and was still left out. The theme being Muslim tolerance this year focused on Islamic contributions to society. Miniatures depicting chemistry, science, and astronomy to name a few. The clerk (?) was under the impression it had to be a miniature of an Arabic person...I clarified that point by opening up the rainbow brush rules online and he said ok. Most every question asked was answered with an "I don't care". Pretty shitty but when Marike found out about the mistake she kindly gifted me on of the pieces she painted for the winners :) What I take away from this experience is the painting community is a caring one. Maybe the guy was tired. A real sweet and sour experience ha.

But the coolest award I've received. One of a kind and painted by a master of the art. 

Congrats Y'all!

On to the loot!

The fat demon was a gift from my buddy Nick, more on that big daddy later. I smell a diorama.

Loot I didn't even know I had, my kickstarter for The Others arrived as well!

A big congratulations to Kat Martin for winning Grandmaster this year. Her, Tom, and I realised we were the last three winners so we took a picture. Tom, being the saint that he is, bought the meal for her whole table. Props! Both of ya!

Now I'm back and I headed to the woods I frequented as a child. The financial benefits of these awards will give me some free time to paint on the easel again. I'll never stop miniature painting but I want to expand my illustrative skills again.

Cheers!

Leading to Gencon Part 2

The tension is mounting and I'm already having dreams of being unprepared. Luckily, everything is painted at this point. There are other details that take a little time, like building a pair of icicles the long way, drop by drop.

But the banner is looking good. I might paint more on it as I'm seeming to do but I like where it is.

And look! Patches has made his way into full color.

Soon to be safely avoiding the Stormwall's advance. You can also see my checklist under the base. Never forget, if you do though, make a checklist.

What have I been listening to? This time I'd like to recommend a podcast, The Dollop. It's an American history podcast that proves we used to be a lot more funny..

Leading to Gencon

At the end of this week, I'll be heading down to Gencon. I can't wait but need the time in between to polish off some projects. I took the weekend off (sorry for the delay in posting) in order to build the creative  juice back up. I've been painting like a madman and sometimes a little time away is just what the doctor ordered. The doctor likes gin on the weekends too so I followed suit.

Today, I spent wrangling in the Trollblood battlegroup I've been working on.

I also did a wee bitty sculpture of a bunny, which will find his place later tomorrow. See you soon patches!

The night is young and my mission for this evening will be to re-examine the khador 'Jack I painted a month ago. I think his banner has something to learn from the Teknes banner I painted for the last Crystal Brush. The Grolar was rushed a bit as I was flexing hard for competition season. Now it's time for a little patience.

What have I been listening to? The P-Funk of course!