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I am really grateful to Paradigm and Dakka for hosting the (Unofiicial) Painting Challenge, because it was the catalyst that inspired me to actually join Dakka (instead of just lurking) and got me painting models that I was basically afraid that I'd screw up the minute I put brush to them.
Despite never winning anything, I really enjoyed participating, and was elated every time I got a vote or comment from someone else.
So, to show my appreciation, I'd like to open this thread for all who participated to show off what they accomplished in a year of challenges or post comments about just how wonderful this competition really is (how your painting improved, new skills developed, etc).

I for one learned just how different something looks when magnified by the camera lens and displayed on a computer screen. Based on help from other participants (thanks Winter et al!), my mini photography has improved by leaps and bounds. I submitted an entry in June, October, November, December, January, and February. As a result, my ork Waaagh! grew by 2 boyz, a Kannon w/ full crew of 4 grotz, a Freebooter Nob, aaaand, I now have a real-deal warboss (!):

I actually got better at painting.

That's some fantastic progress, Gulgog, nice to see them all together!

An officially unofficial end of year review thread will be going up at some point in the next week or so which everyone will be welcome to post their collected entries in, but please do add your contributions to this one as well, it's great to see how people have participated and improved over the year!

As you said I'm grateful that Paradigm actually organised it. I'm proud to say that I have sort of progressed a little, although I have missed a lot. Although I know I might not be the best I really enjoy having people see my things, and people giving me advice.

Yeah, big shout out to Paradigm for having these comps. I know I've gotten better at painting stuff. Another huge benefit for me is just that I have actually sat down and gotten stuff painted. Trying to finish one unit every month has really helped me get gak done instead of just thinking about it. Plus I've gotten to look at everyone else's great painting skills and draw a bit of inspiration from that. So, with that said, here's to another great year of comps!

I need to gather up my thoughts for a year-end retrospective. But I do want to thank everyone who participated. It’s been an honor to paint alongside all of you this last year.

Nice to see all your entries together Nev and Gulgog, hope you are really proud of your work. I'll have to organise myself and do the same.

I've definitely had a lot of fun with the challenges this year, they have kept me active on the hobby longer than at any time previously, I used to pick it up for a few weeks a year as a break from pc gaming but been going on with my own slow pace for about 9 months now. As a result I feel I have really improved and started to understand a bit more about colour theory and light effects on colour. I also blame you guys for the massive amount of bits I've bought of ebay "in case they come in handy" or for some as yet unrealised dream project.

Thank you Para, TC^DC Deputy and Buttery C for the work you have put into running this comp, if it ever gets to much I'm sure the community (me included) would be willing to help keep it running