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There are quite a number of threads regarding the Reaper Con Painting Competition. As Labor Day tends to get here at the speed of light I thought I would create a short index to the various threads. There is a lot of information useful to both the beginner and the veteran competition painter here, so pick a thread to start with and come join the fun! http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/60626-so-you-are-thinking-of-entering-the-painting-competition-at-reapercon/ http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/71583-msp-open-judging-what-you-were-afraid-to-ask/ http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/82720-judging-the-reaper-con-msp-open-painters-division/ http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/82789-judging-the-reaper-con-msp-open-open-division/ http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/82838-judging-the-reaper-con-msp-open-diorama-division/ http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/83014-judging-the-reaper-con-msp-open-armorordnance-division/ http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/85288-manufacturer-awards-for-the-reaper-con-2019-painting-competition/ https://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/98363-what-do-those-numbers-mean-in-the-msp-open-painting-competition/

This wall of text post is the result of a private conversation I have had with someone here on the forums. I have edited it a bit and removed names and things of that nature. Hopefully it may answer some of those questions people can be afraid to ask. I'm happy to have conversations like this and I thought that this might spur some more questions that people are uncomfortable asking, It starts off like this Let me ask you honestly, do you think that some things are judged more harshly for the genre they are painted in such as some may like say historical better than fantasy? Also, do you feel there are ever biases for people who've gotten awards in the past or are "well known" or "friends of" the judges? Reason I ask is because I saw some and looked very closely at a few figures and things that I got "dinged" for seemed to be overlooked on figures which got higher marks. I'm not calling anyone out or trying to start trouble, but I was a bit put off by how varying the standards were and I talked to a few friends who had certain judges that'd mark at say a Bronze and one would mark at a Gold citing that the bronze didn't like the technique, but the gold uses it and loves it. I felt some were inconsistent. Really, I just want to know how to "level up" and be able to achieve higher standards with how varying the judging is. It's a bit confusing at this point. Those are hard questions for early in the morning, quite frankly they are hard questions period because we are dealing with people in a subjective environment. I'll do my best to explain it. As you know a team consists of three judges who after deciding which piece to score (if there are multiple entries in a category) then assign a score of 0-4. Michael and I do instruct the judges (and we are usually on teams as well) spending about 15 minutes refreshing everyone on what we are trying to accomplish. In general judges on a team don't consult with each other on what score they are going to give, they will consult with each other if they are struggling on how to score something. In general Michael and I both tell them to start with silver score (a 3, we also try to avoid giving 0s at all, except in the youth division) and then move up or down from that point. Do judges have a bias against different genres? While I don't believe that judges have particular biases between genres there are certainly areas where judges are stronger or weaker. For instance, we have judges that we won't put on a team that will cover vehicles and ordnance because its weak area for them. However, they are excellent when judging in the painters category. I think it has more to do with how comfortable a judge is within a category rather than a bias towards a particular genre. Do judges have a bias for past award winners, or friends? This is a really tough question and its one of the reasons there are three judges on a team and not a single person doing it. There is a kind of a yes and no answer to this question. As judges we do expect a higher quality of work from a past gold medalists, Sophie winners, best of show winners or even instructors. In general they probably get judged a bit more harshly because of their past work, we know what they are capable of. Do we maybe allow some of them to dial it in anyway, quite possibly, again it depends on the judging team and quite frankly when someone like Jen Haley or Jess Rich dials it in they are still head and shoulders above the rest of us. Friends are a bit of different story, in general we tell judges that they need to bow out of judging a piece that they have a vested interest in because it was done by a friend or because they consulted a significant amount on it (I was pulled into this myself this year when they were judging the Dark Sword awards). We always have alternate judges available to fill in when something like this happens and it is not an uncommon occurrence. Unfortunately, it is not always clear when something like this has happened because you have to see the physical judging sheet to see if a different set of initials are in the scoring box for that piece. [Edit: Judges don't score their own pieces either, this is another place where the alternate will step in.] Are judges inconsistent? [this was my initial answer "To a certain extent yes". As I reread this I have changed my mind]. Judges tend to be very consistent with how they score things (I have been tracking judges' scores for years now), what is inconsistent is that no two judges view entries in quite the same light, we are human after all. We make mistakes or we are grumpy because we have been on our feet all day teaching and that can be unconsciously reflected in how an entry gets scored. While Michael and I try to catch the obvious ones like a judge scoring a 4 and another judge on the team scoring the same entry a 1 scores like a 1, 2, 3 (which adds up to a bronze) are not uncommon. We are dealing with someone's opinion on what they are looking at. Remember, in general, the judges don't discuss how they are going to score a piece with each other. If there are multiple entries the discussion is more along the lines of "I can score this piece higher than that one". We try very hard to encourage discussions in positive terms not negative terms. That doesn't mean it doesn't happen and many of our judges have a background in trophy judging where the first thing you are looking for are flaws. We want our judges to look at the good things first. I can't speak to the last question because I would have to see the circumstance. Most judges don't put down comments on the scoring sheets (we can, but often time gets away from us). For your particular example I would have to know what entry is being talked about and what category it is in and who the three judges were. Also what was the third score? I do track the judges' scores and we try and make sure teams the teams are balanced. Some judges in general are tougher than others. I don't want two "tough' judges on the same team nor do I want to two "easy" judges on the same team either. In general, I think that the results are for more consistent than most people realize but unless you are right there doing the scoring and involved with the conversations it is hard to see that. And yes, we have had individuals that are not particularly good at judging despite how good a painter and instructor they may be. For that one year, they are going to have an influence on the entries they score in the competition. The judges, like the entrants, are human and have their own inherent biases and opinions. By using three judges we hope to achieve a balance and get realistic scores for every piece that was entered. With our need to get more judges into the pool we did run a bit of an experiment this year. In vehicles and ordnance, I judged the category with two newbies to the ReaperCon competition. However, they are both experienced judges in that category at other shows. I was pleased to find that our scores were almost in lock step with each other with a few 1 point variations which I would expect to find. Will they do as well as we introduce them into the painter, open, and diorama categories? I don’t know, but I would be comfortable using them as dedicated vehicle and ordnance judges now. This lets me use a third judge that is not familiar with the category get experience under their tutelage. I also have people asking how they can become judges. A hard question and not one that you asked. We like our judges to have some experience as instructors first. The first thing we need from a judge is the ability to communicate with people and be familiar explaining techniques and able to give good critiques. The easiest way for us to do that is make sure they are good instructors first. It doesn't always mean that they are going to be good judges but it gives us a starting point. The first year a new judge serve as an alternate. They are typically assigned to a single team for that year and step in when a primary judge needs to step out. That way they get the advantage of being involved in the discussions and can get in and score a few things themselves. The year after that we try and work them in as a primary judge on a team, that is usually a make or break year for us to figure out if they are going to be a good judge or not. I'm not sure that I have answered your questions very well. It is hard to sit down, based on the judging, and figure out what you need to do to "level up". We emphasis the feedback portion of the competition but sometimes that can cause confusion when you are getting hit with multiple opinions. I think the best critiques start out with the judging asking you what you think you did really well and what you didn't like. Often you know what needs to be done you just haven't acknowledged it. Thanks for taking the time to write out such a great response, Kris! I really do appreciate it. I know it's very subjective, and all judges are human (well some may machines with how well they paint!). Really I guess it comes down to conflicting feedback from judge to judge for me. Some may love your blending and use of colors and give high marks, others may think it's crap and give you low marks. I was just curious if there are "standards" they should follow to try to keep personal feelings on techniques used out of the equation. A good example of this is drybrushing. I know a few judges who quite literally sneer at the usage and feel it's something that shouldn't ever be used and others who respect it as a tool in the toolbox to be strategically used if done well. There is not a set of standards. It would literally be impossible to set something like that unless we selected a single artist to be our standard, so we have to lean on experience and skill. To a certain extent you are always going get different opinions from the judges and that's were their own bias towards something is going to get in. It doesn't mean that they necessarily dinged you for that for scoring, unless they were quite specific about it. We do instruct the judges that all techniques are valid, that they are judging the execution of that technique even if it is a technique that they don't use or don't think is effective. If you executed drybrushing correctly then you shouldn't get dinged for it even if the judge doesn't like that technique. Oh, no problem, it's mostly curiosity on my part at this point after talking to a few other friends and hearing their scores/feedbacks. Again, this wasn't about my particular judges for painters category. I got 2 bronze and 1 silver scoring so it was pretty consistent. I also got feedback from others like Jen Haley which was very valuable. And I'm not trying to cause trouble or stress, really want to be able to understand the system better so I can do better and know what people are looking for as they judge pieces as someday I would like to get golds and Sophies. I know that my biggest critiques are about contrast and I get it, but I personally like more subtle things like the Europeans are doing. Things with textures and grittiness. But I also know I should conform a bit because right now in painting in the US it seems to be all about the contrasts and smooth blends for judges. Again, thanks for your time in talking about this and I really do appreciate the thought you put into your responses. Many of our judges have been exposed to the European styles and have taken classes with the European painters. They should be able to appreciate that style as well. Just keep in mind that in some ways the Europeans take contrast, especially between light and dark even more extremely than we do. Really there are a heck of a lot of styles out there now. It just feels to me like the biggest thing people look for in these contests is contrast and always upping values to the extremes. I get it, these are tiny pieces and the lighting isn't the best to judge by so subtly will easily get missed in competition when you are looking over hundreds of entries and you're tired and have certain things each judge looks for. I always welcome conversations on how to get better with painting and composition and techniques so a full forum conversation could be pretty good for everyone. I was a bit disappointed in myself for only getting bronze in painters as I felt that I leveled up on my pieces since last year when I also got bronze. I got a bunch of feedback from a lot of people on the forum and other places on my techniques. Really, I do just want to get better and am open to all advice and comments in order to do so. Taking classes and getting personal feedback are great ways to do this and part of the reason I love ReaperCon so much. The leveling up in medals is really hard. One of the things that you have to remember is that while the scoring sounds simple: 0-1 - no award 2-4 - Certificate 5-7 - Bronze 8-10 - Silver 11-12 - Gold the difference between all those scores is much bigger than it appears. The difference between scoring a 7 (high bronze) and an 8 (low silver) from the judging point of view is significant. I didn't do a lot of critiques this year since I only judged one category, but the single biggest thing I saw this time around was thick paint. Keep it thin! While many of us are restricted to asking for advice and help online, it is hard to really to really get and give good feedback. Things I see in a picture may not be the result of your paintwork but more the result of your lighting. What looks great in person may look awful in a photograph and vice versa. Ultimately there is no magic bullet, you need to paint, paint and paint some more to get better. Which means that most people aren't painting enough to get from one level to another and if you take long breaks between painting you forget things and skills deteriorate. Its practice, practice, practice! Also if you are consistently painting for the table top you are in the habit of painting till its good enough. For a competition piece that is not good enough, you need to practice to a competition level to get better if you want to level up from bronze to silver or silver to gold. I remember reading about a Canadian painter (and he has been at ReaperCon in the past, but his name escapes me) who went to his first GW Games Day in Canada and decided the next year he would win the slayer sword. He succeeded in doing that, he also spent almost 400+ hours researching, painting, striping and re-painting that piece. He may have started off that year as a newbie painter but by the end of it he was master. Most of us don't have that kind of time, but it does show what can be done if you are up to the challenge and are willing to put in the work. There is no magic bullet to getting better except to keep painting and improving.

I have started the process of contacting various miniature manufacturers about providing prizes for their miniatures that have been entered into the Reaper Con 2019 Painting Competition. I will update this first post as the various manufacturers let me know what they want to do. I'll take requests of companies to contact up through the end of April. First up is not an actual manufacturer award but I think a little variety is a good thing. Chibi Gamers Award Sponsored by Chibi Gamers (they have a facebook page) is the first annual Chibi Gamers Award. Gold, Silver and Bronze awards will be handed out to the best three Chibi miniatures (chibi's from all manufacturers will be considered) in the 2019 competition. The intent is for this to be an annual award so when in doubt paint a Chibi mini! Paint It Pink One in nine women will get this terrible disease in their lifetime. This has become close to home in our community this past year as one of our own is still fighting. Can you create a piece of art that depicts one of the many facets of breast cancer? From awareness, support, education, hope, research, treatment, survivorship – breast cancer has touched almost everyone in some way. Help us raise awareness through minis! Entering this contest simply says you care. A donation of any size is requested to enter. All donations will go to support breast cancer awareness and will be made in the name of the winner. Oh, and a trophy... there will be trophies for the top 3. Manufacturer Awards (will fill in as manufacturers commit) Bombshell Miniatures Bombshell Miniatures presents the 2019 Golden Maelee Awards. This is a Sponsored Award section of the annual Reaper Master Series Open Painting Contest. We are very pleased to announce that this year Bombshell Miniatures will be awarding ALL its eligible entries with either a copper, silver, or gold medal. In addition, the top three entries overall will also be awarded our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Maelee trophy. To be eligible for these awards, entries will need to feature at least one or more Bombshell Miniatures as the prominent subject. This can be anything from Babes, Sidekicks, Kritterkins, to robots, or busts. Each entry will be judged on its own merit of painting execution, presentation, and skill. Entries from artists who have been professionally commissioned by Bombshell Miniatures are ineligible. Frozen Ninja 3D The best Frozen Ninja 3D miniatures across all categories. 1st Place $100 2nd Place $50 3rd Place $25 Dark Sword Dark Sword Diorama Category: $150 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit + $100 Cash + Trophy for best Dark Sword Diorama $100 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit + Ribbon for 2nd place Dark Sword Diorama Dark Sword Single Miniature Category: $150 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit + $100 Cash + Trophy for best Dark Sword Single Mini $100 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit + Ribbon for 2nd place Dark Sword Single Mini Dark Sword Critter Kingdoms Anthropomorphic Animals Open Category: Can be either a single miniature or a diorama $150 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit + $100 Cash + Trophy for best Critter Kingdoms $100 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit + Ribbon for 2nd place Critter Kingdoms Dark Sword Young Painter Category (Age 13 and under): Can be either a single miniature or a diorama $100 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit + Trophy for best Dark Sword Young Painter $50 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit + Ribbon for 2nd place Dark Sword Young Painter Tiger Lily Anthro Pug (ReaperCon 2018 Swag Bag Dark Sword Mini) Special Category*: Can be either a single miniature or a diorama including the Tiger Lily Anthro Pug Mini $150 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit + $100 Cash + Trophy for best Tiger Lily entry $100 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit + Ribbon for 2nd place Tiger Lily entry Jason Wiebe and Jim from Dark Sword are working on creating something fun/cool to give to each entrant as a thank you for painting up the Tiger Lily tribute mini. As we get closer on the gift item, pics will be posted here and shared on the ReaperCon forums. In addition, $300 cash will be offered to purchase one of the Tiger Lily entries from its painter to give as a gift to Jason Wiebe so he can have on display in his home in honor of the late great Tiger Lily. This will be something we go over the entries with Jason Wiebe on to find his favorite entry (which might differ from the prize ordering above). Please note - this purchase of the entry would be above and beyond any prizes won in the overall ReaperCon painting competition and the Dark Sword Mfr. Awards. And this is optional for the painter if approached (as a painter might want to keep the piece for their own collection). * Any entry with the Tiger Lily Anthro Pug Miniature in it will automatically be put in this category as it relates to Dark Sword judging of the entry for the prizes listed above. The only exception to this would be the 13 and under category as the entry will be allowed to be judged in both and receive benefits from both categories. The Dark Sword Miniatures Manufacturer Awards are open to all painters. To be eligible for the prize support listed above, the entries must be new entries, never entered into any other painting competitions. In addition, no entries can be commissions from Dark Sword Miniatures for painted studio models. This means Dark Sword studio painters can enter if they so desire, but their entries must be brand new creations not commissioned from Dark Sword and must also adhere to the eligibility requirements above. Please note - Dark Sword entries will also get the coveted "double dip" from being part of the overall ReaperCon painting competition as well. So one entry can potentially win multiple prizes/awards! Galladoria Games Galladoria is presenting a $100 First Prize for the best painted Galladoria Miniature in the competition and a $50 price for the runner up. They attended Reaper Con last year under the name Forge Prints. DGS Games DGS Games will present manufacturer’s awards, DGS Master Crafter Coins, to participants in the Reaper Con Painting Competition in the Painters, Open, and Diorama categories. DGS will award a gold, silver and bronze coin to the top three participants in each category who made use of DGS Games models as their subject. DGS Games models may be converted but the conversion must employ only scratch materials or materials from other DGS Games models. Models or parts of models from other manufacturers may not be used in any entry wishing to be considered for these awards. DGS Games will identify a panel of judges to award the Master Crafter Coins. Each entry will be judged on its own merit of painting execution, presentation, and skill. Entries from artists who have been professionally commissioned by DGS Games are ineligible. Scale 75 Scale 75 Best Scale 75 Historical Figure or Bust $25.00 Coupon to our web store. Best Scale 75 Fantasy Figure or Bust $25.00 Coupon to our web store. Best Smog Rider (CHIBI) $25.00 Coupon to our web store. Bet Scale 75 piece overall piece by a junior $25.00 Coupon to our web store. Talon Games (CAV) Best Individual CAV Model: Any single-model figure.Best CAV "Squad": This category allows for multiple models (minimum four models) as part of a cohesive unit.Best CAV Diorama: This category covers models with a scenic base where the entry is telling a story to the viewer and may include multiple models.

Okay, we do have some manufacturer awards for the Reaper Con 2018 Painting Competition. This is what I know so far: Dark Sword: Dark Sword Diorama Category: $150 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit + $100 Cash + Trophy for best overall Dark Sword Diorama $100 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit + Ribbon for 2nd place Dark Sword Diorama Dark Sword Single Miniature Category: $150 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit + $100 Cash + Trophy for best overall Dark Sword Single Miniature $100 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit + Ribbon for 2nd place Dark Sword Single Miniature Dark Sword Critter Kingdoms Anthropomorphic Animals Open Category: Can be either a single miniature or a diorama - simply carving out a separate category for our Critter Kingdoms minis. $150 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit + $100 Cash + Trophy for best overall Dark Sword Critter Kingdoms $100 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit + Ribbon for 2nd place Dark Sword Critter Kingdoms Dark Sword Young Painter Category (Age 13 and under): Can be either a single miniature or a diorama - simply carving out a separate category for our young painters. $100 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit + Ribbon for best overall Dark Sword Young Painter $50 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit + Ribbon for 2nd place Dark Sword Young Painter The Dark Sword Miniatures Manufacturer Awards are open to all painters. To be eligible for the prize support listed, the entries must be new entries, never before posted online or entered into any other painting competitions. In addition, no entries can be commissions from Dark Sword Miniatures for painted studio models. This means Dark Sword studio painters can enter if they so desire, but their entries must be brand new creations not commissioned from Dark Sword and must also adhere to the eligibility requirements above. Kabuki - 300 Euro Prize for the best Kabuki Miniature, regardless of category, in the painting competition. We are looking for a way to involve Rodolfo in the judging this year. Bombshell Miniatures Bombshell Miniatures presents the 2018 Golden Maelee Awards. This is a Sponsored Award section of the annual Reaper Master Series Open Painting Contest. Entries will be awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Maelee trophies. Entries will need to feature at least one or more Bombshell Miniatures as the prominent subject. This can be anything from Babes, Sidekicks, Kritterkins, to robots, or busts. Each entry will be judged on its own merit of painting execution, presentation, and skill. Entries from artists who have been professionally commissioned by Bombshell Miniatures are ineligible. Scale 75 Best Scale 75 75MM or Bust $50.00 Coupon to our web store. Best Smog Rider (CHIBI) $50.00 Coupon to our web store. Bet Scale 75 piece overall piece by a junior Smog Rider Starter set. Talon Games Best Individual CAV Model: Any single-model figure. Best CAV "Squad": This category allows for multiple models (minimum four models) as part of a cohesive squad. Best CAV Diorama: This category covers models with a scenic base where the entry is telling a story to the viewer and may include multiple models. Each category winner will receive a $100 Talon Games Gift Certificate and a Trophy. HMGS HMGS is proud to announce that the organization is sponsoring awards for Best Historical Single Figure and Best Historical Machines of War in the Reaper Con 2018 Master Series Painting competition. That's all I know about it, I have no idea what prizes will be offered for this. This first post in the thread will be updated with other manufacturers as we receive them.

You know me from such forum posts as: http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/60626-so-you-are-thinking-of-entering-the-painting-competition-at-reapercon/ http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/71583-msp-open-judging-what-you-were-afraid-to-ask/ and http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/68535-some-thoughts-on-dioramas/ As the convention approaches like a steamroller, the eyes glaze over and the hands begin to shake, there is no way you can possibly finish all the entries you have planned for the competition. You come to the immediate conclusion that you cannot possibly finish any of your entries in time. You have entered the competition version of painter’s block! I see posts in the forums every year about people not being able to finish their entries for one reason or another. But I tell you there are options! 1) Reduce the number entries you are working on. Seriously look at the entries you are working on and immediately reduce the number by half. That will make things look more doable. Here are a few suggestions to help you make those decisions. a. As much as you love that diorama idea, if the base isn’t ready then it’s the first thing you drop. Dioramas are serious time sinks. b. If the conversion work isn’t ready or your super nifty basework isn’t done, then drop your Open entry. This is another example of a serious time sink, cross this one off the list. c. If you are not “feeling” one of your painter or ordnance entries it is time to set it aside and concentrate on the one(s) you like. You paint work is invariably better on a piece that you enjoy working on. 2) Instead of working on a new piece look at other miniatures you have completed in the last six months. Chances are there is something you really like there and instead of working on the new piece work on improving one you have already finished (who knows maybe it doesn’t even need extra work). 3) Instead of working on an entry for each of the manufacturer awards make the hard decision and pick one or maybe none at all. [This is a corollary of #1]. Note that if you are painting a Reaper mini you are always in consideration for a Sophie Trophy. 4) Not entering means not getting feedback from the judges on your work. If you really want to improve then critical feedback is what you need. Seriously in the end just enter something even if it is not the piece you originally intended on entering. While the Reaper forums are a nice place to show off, it is a notoriously bad place to get real, make me cry, feedback on things you can improve. It’s a friendly supportive community and sometimes that’s not what you need when you are trying to break that gold medal barrier.

I know everyone likes to get a head start on this kind of thing so I'm starting of the Manufacturer Awards thread for ReaperCon 2017. I will update this first post as additional manufacturers are added. Secret Weapon Miniatures - Best Weathering Trophy - This is awarded to the best use of weathering on any entry in the competition. There is no monetary reward for this one, just the lovely weathering trophy from Secret Weapon Miniatures. Scale 75 - Will be provided prizes (actual prizes/trophies still to be determined) for the following three entry types: 1) Best Scale 75 Fantasy/Steam Punk Figure Award: Best Piece will get a $75 voucher to use on the www.scale75usa.com website. 2) Best Scale 75 Historical Figure. Award: Best Piece will get a $75 voucher to use on the www.scale75usa.com website. 3) Best Fallen Frontiers Figure or Diorama. Award: Best Piece or Diorama will get a copy of Fallen Frontiers game. $99 value. If any entry presenting a Scale 75 figure or diorama wins the Best of Show Award. We will present them with a Fantasy & Games Color Complete paint set. Value $195 Bombshell Miniatures - Will providing you with a lot of opportunity to get one of their snazzy Maelee Trophies along with Bombshell webstore credit: Best Bombshell Babe category Best Bombshell Counterblast category Best Bombshell KritterKin category Best Bombshell Sidekick category Best Bombshell Diorama/Vehicle/Large Miniature category Each of these categories will be awarded a: 1st place (gold Maelee trophy - $75 web store gift credit), 2nd place (silver Maelee trophy - $50 web store gift credit), and 3rd place (copper Maelee trophy - $25 web store gift credit). Best Bombshell Miniature award chosen from the 1st place winners of the five above categories which will include a $100 web store gift credit in addition to the trophy. Patrick, Mary Profitt, and Vicki will be judging the entries same as last year. Bombshell is planning on promoting the competition through various venues, and hopes to see an increase in entries this year. Entries from artists who have been professionally commissioned by Bombshell Miniatures are ineligible. Kabuki Studio - Will be offering a 300 euro prize for the Best Kabuki Entry in the ReaperCon 2017 Competition Trenchworx - Will be sponsoring the Vehicle category at ReaperCon 2017. The best entry in the Vehicle/Ordnance category will receive a T-35 Tank Kit from Trenchworx. This is a beautiful resin and white metal kit with an MRP of $80.00 Dark Sword Miniatures 1) Single Miniature 1st Place $150 dollars in Dark Sword Store Credit 2nd Place $100 dollars in Dark Sword Store Credit 2) Diorama 1st Place $150 dollars in Dark Sword Store Credit 2nd Place $100 dollars in Dark Sword Store Credit 3) Critter Kingdom (Anthropomorphic Animals); can be either a single miniature or a diorama - simply carving out a separate category for our Critter Kingdoms minis. 1st Place $150 dollars in Dark Sword Store Credit 2nd Place $100 dollars in Dark Sword Store Credit Dark Sword is adding the following rules: Dark Sword Miniatures manufacturer award prize support is not open to Dark Sword studio painters that have been paid to paint for Dark Sword. Any such entries can still compete in the overall ReaperCon painting competition, they are simply not eligible for the Dark Sword prize support listed above.

WIP here: http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/72886-talaes-first-mini-contest-sde-herald-of-vulcanis/ This mini was painted for a the first paint competition at my FLGS. Everyone bought in for $10, received and painted the same mini and had the month of February to do it. No mods allowed. Roughly 60 competitors from what I understand. This is planned to be a monthly competition. It was my first competition and also my first serious attempt at a chibi mini. I would love feedback. Thanks!

The ReaperCon painting competition is open to miniatures and models from all companies, In light of that fact we have started to invite other miniature manufacturers to provide prizes for the best painted version of their products at the show. In 2015 we had the following manufacturers provide prizes for the best painted versions of their company's miniatures: Red Box Games, Dark Sword Miniatures, DGS, Hasslefree Miniatures and Secret Weapon Miniatures. I will use this thread to let folks know which manufacturers will be providing prizes in addition to those you can earn when entering the ReaperCon 2016 Painting Competition. I'll update this first post with additions to the list as we get closer to the con. 2016 Manufacturer Awards List: Dark Sword Miniatures - Jim is really expanding his ReaperCon Support this year Dark Sword Diorama $150 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit for Best Overall Dark Sword Diorama $100 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit for 2nd Place Dark Sword Diorama Dark Sword Single Miniatures $150 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit for Best Overall Dark Sword Single Miniature $100 in Dark Sword Online Store Credit for 2nd Place Dark Sword Single Miniature Ares Mythologic Best Ares Miniature New product to be given out at the show Best Draconia Miniature New product to be given out at the show I'll provide further details when I can. Kabuki Models Best Kabuki Model 300eu gift voucher for their online store. There is a caveat here. If the judges feel there are not enough quality Kabuki entries then, at their discretion, it will be awarded to the Best piece in the Open Category. Bombshell Miniatures Is offering their brand new and highly coveted Bombardier Pin and gift certificates good for our web store to the following winners. Artists who Bombshell Miniatures has previously paid for commissioned painting work for their own studio models will be exempt from the Bombshell manufacturer's prizes. 1st place Overall - Bombshell Gold Pin and $100 Gift Certificate 2nd place Overall - Bombshell Silver Pin and $50 Gift Certificate 3rd place Overall - Bombshell Bronze Pin and $25 Gift Certificate

There are a couple of small changes that I wanted to call out for the painting competition, most people are already aware of these. The theme for 2016 is Horror, unfortunately I forgot to tell Bryan to update that page in the rules where it is still listing the 2015 Science Fiction Theme. We are extending the Saturday deadline to 1pm instead of Noon. The hours listed in the schedule are for viewing, here are the hours that we will be accepting entries. Drop off Hours Thursday 10am - 6pm Friday 9am - 5pm (This is the deadline for those attending the whole con, NO EXCEPTIONS) Saturday 9am - 1pm (This is a change, we are stretching it out an hour, This is the deadline for those attending only on Saturday, NO EXCEPTIONS) Pick Up Hours Saturday 9pm - 10pm (For those only attending on Saturday after the banquet and awards ceremony) Sunday 9am - 2pm (Entries need to be picked up before the auction on Sunday[2:30pm])

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF5C04CB-VQ I did it! Finally, my first Show Off thread ever for something that wasn't just for my personal enjoyment! And did I ever pick a big project to do it with. This one had stretched my meager skills to the limit, but I managed to finally complete it. WIP here: http://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/70091-77008-sir-hue-forscale-first-knight-of-polychromus-wippic-heavy/ From deep with the arcane workgrounds of Castle Polychromatic was forged Sir Hue ForScale, First Knight of Polychromus, Guardian of the Halls of Spectra, Measurer of Magniftints, Watcher of the Seen and Unseen. A construct specially created to protect the Papal Realms from eldritch horrors, he is the shepherd of Colours Out of Space. You could say that he's their................designated drover. To you, my friends, I unveil my creation!: His shield is adorned with the Grinning Lizard, crest of Pezler the Polychromatic, representing him no matter where he goes ( and to advertise the Grinning Lizard Tavern; Tuesdays are half off Polychromatic Fizzys!). Below that to represent the SpacePope he serves is the Sacred Hat, whose very presence has the power to make people intone the mystical words, "Hey, Bryan's here!" Protected by the Tabard of the Tumbling Cosmos, he goes out in search of threats to the integrity of the spectrum, without which all paint would have no colour, making our hobby pretty darn dull. He smites foes with a sword created from the carapace of the Giant Iridescent Killer Rainbow Beetle (Arcus pluvius popsiclus), bringing new colour to the villains of the realms ( the colour he usually makes them is 'dead'). His eyes watch over the spectra both seen and unseen, keeping you all safe from those who would rob your paints of all colour( or just rob your paints; I'm looking at you, Buglips). To enhance his powers, he has been suffused with the essences of several forumites to give him their strengths: the purple boots of OneBoot, for her stompy powers against the tiny eldritch horrors (but how can they be two boots when her name is Oneboot, you ask? OneBoot2=OneBoot. Simple polychromathemagics.); Guindyloo Blurple among the speckles for her face-huggy abilities; tangerine for Buglips, Emperor of Mooning, he who actually bleeds paint; Blood for the Blood God paint on the sword gems for ub3r_n3rd, he who helps bring the smackdown; And the Grinning Lizard, who was created long ago from modifying a sketch of a frog, which seems appropriate for Froggy the Great. I had a blast creating this figure for the contest, and it certainly put my meager skills to the test. I have enjoyed a year on the forums, and I want to thank everyone who encouraged me to keep doing this. I'm afraid I couldn't get the last updates for my WIP, since I wanted to make sure that I finished in time. There's a lot of different paints added since the last update, but I don't think it's worth mentioning them unless someone asks. I did, however, add eyes for him using a touch of interference blue in each socket. I think that Sir Hue is the only Forscale that actually has eyes. PM and email has been sent to ReaperBryan, so it's all good now. Will do some touching up here and there before he gets shipped out, but he will join his brethren soon enough. The Sir Hue will remain vigilant over you all, to keep your tones, tints and shades safe. He is always watching.............

So Here is the Ranger Josey Wales.... If you have been following my WiP, you'll know why he is called that.... I started this mini as a piece for one of the players in our Pathfinder game, and suddenly, something went absolutely right with the face and hair, and suddenly, people are encouraging me to enter him in the ReaperCon Painting Competition.... So I really pushed myself to make him the best he could be... Trying a few new techniques, and taking extra care with everything I did... Hope you like him. Due to the pose of the mini, I took pics from the normal top down angle, and then some pics from below... A wonderful mini to paint, but DO NOT assemble him first!!!! Lots and lots of times I cursed myself for doing that... Comments and critiques welcome! George

ReaperBryan is a meanie. Here I was with a Garrick the Bold Figure that I was going to paint up as Sir Forscale, all safely tucked away until I thought I had the talent to replicate such a feat. And then He comes around with a painting competition for that exact figure, forcing my hand. Forced, I say! I have never done so much planning for a colour scheme in my life, I hope to do it justice and I've been taking notes from those who have gone before me. And so begins the creation of Sir Hue Forscale, First Knight of Polychromus, Sentinel of Spectra, Measurer of Magnifitints. Here goes nothing! All pictures taken will be from my new phone, I hope it does a better job than from my iPad mini: Alright, looking crisp, though the whites are a little too bright. I used Reaper Brown Liner to coat the entire thing, then put on Reaper Pure black to cover it. I though I had diluted the black too much, but then I realized that it's a really concentrated paint, so it all turned out pretty good. ..............and now I found some mould lines. Alright, work on those first, and then some speckling is in order.

So here is my second Sir ForScale, representing House Tabletop... He will be going to Texas to meet the Great Kaiju soon... Thanks for looking!!!! George WiP here

I thought that a thread specifically for the painting competition for 2016 would be helpful. Here are some links that I posted in another thread that people might miss: Direct link to the contest rules: https://reapercon.com/contest Manufacturer Awards: http://forum.reaperm...acturer-awards/ My Recommendations on entering: http://forum.reaperm...?hl=competition And one more while I'm thinking about it: http://forum.reaperm...mas/?hl=diorama When I know what times we start excepting entries I will post it here. I know that we will start accepting entries on Thursday. Here are, perhaps, the most important things you need to remember: 1) If you have a full convention pass (VIP, etc) your entries are due by 5PM on FRIDAY period, end of story, no exceptions. (I.E. Don't try to take a class on Friday night and expect to apply the technique to your diorama and then be able to enter it on Saturday). 2) If you have a Saturday only pass your entries are due by 12 noon on SATURDAY period, end of story, no exceptions. 3) Bring all of your entries at the same time, period, end of story, no exceptions. 4) Every piece you enter must have a title, even if its the name from the manufacturer's packet. If you really want to know how I feel about titles then read my threads (listed above) on my recommendations on entering and my thoughts on dioramas. 5) Please pay attention to the rules in the contest section of the ReaperCon website (its the first link I have listed). The rules are there for a reason and Michael Proctor and I have spent more than a few hours fine tuning them specifically for ReaperCon. Yes that means that while we used the MMSI rules as the basis for this competition there are differences between the two.

With Reaper in the middle of fulfillment I figured I would start announcing confirmed manufacturer awards here rather than waiting for Bryan to have time to update the website. This is only for the 2015 painting competition. I'll update this first post as I confirm additional manufacturers and hopefully give attendees plenty of time to get some excellent entries entered. Of course there are three Sophie Trophies (gold, silver & bronze) available for the best Reaper miniatures in three of the categories: Painter, Open and Diorama/Vignette. Currently, there are no plans to add Sophie Trophies for the vehicle/ordnance category. Dark Sword Miniatures: Overall Dark Sword Miniatures Best in Show - Best Dark Sword Mini or Diorama wins $200 in Dark Sword Online Store credit for Dark Sword products. Jessica Rich and TBD guest judges (Jess will pull in 1-2 guest judges at the show) will be selecting the winner of this award. DGS Games: Overall DGS/Freeblade Games Miniature Best in Show - $50 Gift Cerificate Red Box Games: Overall Red Box Games Miniatures Best in Show - $100 Gift Certificate for 1st Place, $50 Gift Certificate for 2nd. TGJ Hobbies - TGJ Hobbies Choice Award - full paint rack set awarded to the painter of TGJ's favorite miniature in the competition (will feature the Reaper Logo). Secret Weapon Miniatures - Best Weathering - SWM will award their Weathering trophy (cast and hand painted by Justin McCoy) to the best weathered model in the competition (not necessarily a vehicle). Hasslefree Miniatures: Overall Hasslefree Miniatures Best in Show - Best Hasslefree entry wins $200 GC for Hasslefree products. Hasslefree Kiddie Award - $50 GC for Meg and Luke's favorite entry in the competition.

I received a PM some time ago about partnered entries being allowed in the competition. My gut reaction was no, but I indicated that I would discuss it with the Head Judge (Clever Crow) and I finally got around to that today. We want to be inclusive of different ways to participate in the competition so we are going to allow partnered entries starting with the 2015 competition. 1) All participants must be present when entering the competition with their mutual piece (i.e. no, "I'm going to play a game could you enter it?" shenanigans). The entry will not be accepted if all the participants are not present. 2) Its one entry so only one medal will be awarded. Even if 10 people are involved still only one medal. Additional rules may be added as we work through some of the other ramifications.

Once again the CMPA (Colorado Miniature Painting Alliance) will be hosting the Painting Conference and Competition at Genghis Con XXXV. Genghis Con takes place February 13th - 16th 2014 at the Red Lion Hotel in Aurora CO (I-225 and Parker Rd). Genghis Con is run by the Denver Gamers Association (DGA) (their website is currently showing Tacticon, the Labor Day convention). Their website is here: http://www.denvergamers.org/ or you can find them on Facebook. The CMPA is currently getting its list of classes ready for the registration book the current list of classes from the notes handed out last Saturday include the following (there are typically multiple slots for most of these, except the more advanced classes like OSL and NMM): Setting the Scene; Advanced Basing Flesh and Faces Faking the Forge; Shaded Metallics OSL Basing for Beginners NMM Unit Painting Vignettes and Dioramas Mini Photography Basics for Beginners Blending Freehand Airbrush Demo Glazing Leveling Up (This is a preliminary list and is still subject to change) The current line up of instructors is: Michael Proctor Rhonda Bender (yes, Wren) Phil Esterle (although absent from the Reaper forums, still painting) http://www.fingolfin.net/ Lyn Stahl Torin Reed Plus a few to be named later. Normally Lili Troy also instructs but her hands will be full with a 1 year old at that point. We are also missing Jen Kaufman who has decided to take a break. The painting competition is a trophy format (1st, 2nd & 3rd) with multiple categories. Currently Dark Sword miniatures is confirmed for a $200 manufacturer award (nested in as part of the regular competition). I would expect to see at least one other manufacturer jump in as well. We are also a Crystal Brush qualifier event. I'll fill things in as more information is confirmed. Also if you are in the Denver area, please feel free to attend our regular 2nd Saturday painting get together. Currently meeting at Dark Matter Games (Mississippi and Wadsworth).