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Time to vote

This month, keep an eye out for what comes From the Shadows -- A knife in the dark, camouflaged sniper, or any blow that your opponent will never see coming. Subtlety and deception should be the order of the day. Or go metaphysical; things live in the shadows... Frightening things. In the places between the lights is another world full of horrors and danger. Sometimes all of the above, as the warped cultist slinks out of the shadows to slip a knife in with the 3rd hand he shouldn’t naturally have.

As always, you're free to hand out as many votes as you like, and for any entry you feel deserves recognition, based on anything from technical proficiency or model choice, a neat conversion or a cool take on the theme, or anything else! You're also very welcome to leave some feedback here for the entrants, and many of the images click through to the Dakka gallery if you'd like to give out a vote or two there as well.


Mothsniper - Dwarf Gamblers


Leopold Helveine - Biovore


inmygravenimage - Black Spectre


halfling84 - Votann Warriors


JoshInJapan - The Thin Man and his Black Eyed Children


Captain Brown - From the Shadows


XvArcanevX - Zombies


Mr Nobody – Nuerolictor


Olthannon - Space Dwarf Miners.


Daia T'Nara - Shadow Weaver


Xyabis – Banshee


ZergSmasher - Xenomorphs


Geifer - Ahsoka Tano (Fulcrum)


KidCthulhu - Chaos Cultist


Gulgog TufToof - Kommando Burna


youwashock - Kingdom Death Black Friday Ninja Variant


Maharg – Night Goblins


Vejut – Elf Ranger


DJJazzyJeff - Commander Shadowsun


Pariah Press - Goliath Truck and Neophyte Hybrids


Ezki - Shadowheart


Pursuit Of Happiness - Eliminator


Midget Gems – Mounted Tanith Scouts


Nevelon – Phobos Lt. vs. VRLs


Freya – Wolf Scouts


Syro_ - Alpha Legionaire


CancelledApocalypse - Korvin and Kelsya




Poll will run for 5 days. If I missed anyone or something needs to be fixed, let me know.

So many great enteries! Handed out a lot of votes
I'm excited to start next months enteries

Like Xyabis said, a lot of great entries. Equally impressive is how much work Nev must have to put into running and compiling these each month. Thanks for all the work Nev!

 Syro_ wrote:
Like Xyabis said, a lot of great entries. Equally impressive is how much work Nev must have to put into running and compiling these each month. Thanks for all the work Nev!

It’s not a problem.

I actually timed it this morning. Putting together the vote thread took about an hour and a half of mostly copy/paste work, and is the most time intensive part of running these. The only other major “hard’ part is putting together the poll ideas for topic. Taking suggestions, translating them into topics, and then writing a few lines of description for each one.

All told it’s probably 2-4 hours of work a month, mostly at the start and end of the month, the rest just checking up and little updates. Which isn’t nothing, but not overly burdensome.

Glad people are still having fun with this.

Man this was the hardest challenge voting selection so far ..

Ezki - Shadowheart
Probably the most beautiful model I've ever seen, even though knowing its not as small as other entries.. its faultless and has character. The use of desaturated colors makes it all kind on the eyes, smooth.. the metal included. And the face is practically actual-face-photo-quality itself. Have to give this one my first and top vote. (And am certain most people voting will)

XvArcanevX - Zombies
The coloring, shading and blending of these colors is amazing, everything just pops so well.. they are practically fit for advertising miniature painting in the tabloids.

Pariah Press - Goliath Truck
This entry stood out to me because of the awesomely bright turqoise light blue truck combined with the superb rust, and then the subtle moroccan red gastank..
And sandy yellows on the flooring.. its a treat, everything is a treat on this truck, everything. (well, not for the victims of it but ok) Your works shows how to do dirt as expertly possible.

Midget Gems - Mountain Tanith scouts
I had real difficulty selecting the last two votes I was going to give because there were so many amazing entries but I think this one had to be in because for one.. it looks like a complicated job as there are so many accesoiries and details on these riders, but also the bases are so lush.. as if they are running through cabbagepatches, heh.. All in all making this entry very impressionable.

CancelledApocalypse - Korvin and Kelsya
The snowy bases for one popped for me on the raven guard, but I make them like that too.. what really stood out are the Exodite really loving the deep brown and many shades of green contrast, if anything has to spell out -I'm from the forest- then this is probably the pinnacle to the expression.

-

Really sorry for the rest, was contemplating breaking my 5 - votes rule .. but if I break it once I will break it again, and I wanted to keep it to quality instead of quantity' to my praises (not that my praise is that important ofcourse but hey, I'm a very busy man ;l )
I do think pretty much all entries -deserve- a vote, its just that I give 5 tops.
Kind regards.
-Leopold Helveine

 Leopold Helveine wrote:

XvArcanevX - Zombies
The coloring, shading and blending of these colors is amazing, everything just pops so well.. they are practically fit for advertising miniature painting in the tabloids.

-Leopold Helveine

Wow! Thankyou so much for that accolade! I’m so happy you like the zombies and color choices I made. Really is a huge confidence booster and heartwarming to receive that kind of praise. Again thank you.

I will be writing a full review of all entries later today or tomorrow.

Btw I have been thinking, kindof feeling bad for not giving votes on other entries that imho do deserve them that.. come this month's voting thread I will be just giving votes for everything I like but merely keeping the wholesome commentary to 5 entries, how about that.

I try to keep to 5 votes as a guideline, but almost always go over. There is no hard and fast rule for handing out votes.

A lot of really cool entries here! Enjoyed looking through all the pics. I only gave out one vote - tried to make it count!

 Nevelon wrote:
I try to keep to 5 votes as a guideline, but almost always go over. There is no hard and fast rule for handing out votes.

It did feel unfair this time so I think its better to just keep my specific-commentary to the limits and award votes as much as I think every entry deserves it.

 Leopold Helveine wrote:

Pariah Press - Goliath Truck
This entry stood out to me because of the awesomely bright turqoise light blue truck combined with the superb rust, and then the subtle moroccan red gastank..
And sandy yellows on the flooring.. its a treat, everything is a treat on this truck, everything. (well, not for the victims of it but ok) Your works shows how to do dirt as expertly possible.

Thanks for the kind words. It was pretty difficult to paint, and I used a couple of techniques for the first time. It was one of those projects where it looked terrible at every stage until the very end; I'm glad it worked out well.

 Pariah Press wrote:

 Leopold Helveine wrote:

Pariah Press - Goliath Truck
This entry stood out to me because of the awesomely bright turqoise light blue truck combined with the superb rust, and then the subtle moroccan red gastank..
And sandy yellows on the flooring.. its a treat, everything is a treat on this truck, everything. (well, not for the victims of it but ok) Your works shows how to do dirt as expertly possible.

Thanks for the kind words. It was pretty difficult to paint, and I used a couple of techniques for the first time. It was one of those projects where it looked terrible at every stage until the very end; I'm glad it worked out well.

Sounds like everything I paint looking terrible until detail-phase starts.
Well, it doesn't show on your entry, it looks great in every way.

Nevelon wrote:[It’s not a problem.

I actually timed it this morning. Putting together the vote thread took about an hour and a half of mostly copy/paste work, and is the most time intensive part of running these. The only other major “hard’ part is putting together the poll ideas for topic. Taking suggestions, translating them into topics, and then writing a few lines of description for each one.

All told it’s probably 2-4 hours of work a month, mostly at the start and end of the month, the rest just checking up and little updates. Which isn’t nothing, but not overly burdensome.

Glad people are still having fun with this.

That is still 2-4 hours a month that you dedicate running this thing. That in itself is worthy deed, without even mentioning how consistent and active you have been with these!
For me, and probably many others, these challenges have been a great motivator to get things done and maybe the main driving force towards improvement over the years!
The first time I entered - Open Round on December 2018 - I felt like I wanted to go just a little bit further with the model I was painting (a Looted Dreadnought).
The thrill of finishing a model the best I could, overcoming the slight "stage fright" of entering and managing to snatch the 3rd place with that model were quite the milestones for me.
Since then, I have tried to either improve even just a teeny tiny bit or try something new with every model I enter.
Even though I have been rather inactive over the last couple of years, I still really enjoy taking part and try to do so when ever I find the time.
Not to mention seeing the great work that everyone is pushing each month and sharing inspiration with each other!

What I mean to say is: thank you. And to everyone taking part. I raise my hat to you.

Leopold Helveine wrote:
Ezki - Shadowheart
Probably the most beautiful model I've ever seen, even though knowing its not as small as other entries.. its faultless and has character. The use of desaturated colors makes it all kind on the eyes, smooth.. the metal included. And the face is practically actual-face-photo-quality itself. Have to give this one my first and top vote. (And am certain most people voting will)

That... is quite the high praise. I'm truly flattered. I would say it's far from faultless, but I'm glad the overall look and the effects worked out!
Thank you sincerely.


___________________________


Here's my favorite entries in no particular order:

XvArcanevX: I guess I said it in the challenge thread, but I'm in love with those colors. The candy-like contrast with matte finish create such a tasty looking unit.
They look good individually, but as a group the warm and cold tones work in a beautiful harmony! Stellar work.

Youwashock: Like said in your blog, the color choices are interesting, but together with the harsh transitions and minimal - yet beautiful - base, create an appealing combination!

Cancelled Apocalypse: Two very different models, yet both are striking in their own manner.
The really high contrast between black and white may sometimes look a bit artificial and bland, but in this case it works like a charm. Well done!
And the Exodite. Oh man do I just love that green! The dotted texture on it is a great idea and together with the different browns bring a lovely earthy vibe to this model.
Will definitely borrow that dotted technique in the future!

Syro: Like said before, your sculpts always make my day and this one is no exception!

Thank you, Ezki. Also, congrats! Heck of a mini this month.

It looks like there will be some new names on the podium this month!

Mothsniper: Great work on a fun little diorama. I like the bright, fantasy colors, and the wood grain on the floor is superlative.

Leopold Helveine: This is another in a long line of cool kitbashes. Your painting has improved by leaps and bounds since you started entering these challenges.

inmygravenimage: Painting the hands in fleshy colors rather than smoky black is an inspired choice.

halfling84: You did a great job with the yellow-- no mean feat with miniatures paints.

me: These models are for a western game, so I used colors that I thought would fit the setting. I mainly used GIS results for Little House on the Prarie as inspiration.

Captain Brown: It's nice to see some nifty terrain among all the other miniatures. You achieved a great, grimy effect.

XvArcanevX: I like your variety of decaying skin, and the blends on the clothing are smooth as silk.

Mr Nobody: The vibrant green of the brainy bits is a nice contrast with the darker carapace. I would have liked the see more photos from different angles, though.

Olthannon: I like the effect of the yellow suits with maroon armor. The neon tufts are a fun, alien touch, as well.

Daia T'Nara: Is this the first fully-clothed model you've entered?

Xyabis: The blues and greens contrast nicely with the darker skin tones. The white glow around the sword's exit wound is a nifty little detail.

ZergSmasher: It's quite a challenge to paint completely black models. I like your use of blue rather than grey highlights.

Geifer: I don't really know anything about this character, but it seems to me that you got it right. The headpiece must have been a bear to paint.

KidCthulhu: I have only ever seen B&W photos of this model, so I never realized he had a beard. Live and learn, right? The Skull Rune on the shield is a nice little addition.

Gulgog TufToof: Another nifty Boy. The blue pilot light is a nice touch.

youwashock: A model painted essentially all grey shouldn't work this well, but somehow you pulled it off.

Maharg: Simple, effective paint jobs, with red spear shafts for that extra shot of nostalgia.

Vejut: You made some bold color choices on this model. Purple and turquoise shouldn't go this well together, but you pulled it off.

DJJazzyJeff : I love the little head with the meshback cap in the middle of that otherwise hulking mech!

Pariah Press: I admire anyone who can paint a vehicle this well, especially with all the weathering. I always end up doing either too much or too little.

Ezki: This is a lovely display-worthy model. You must have the patience of a saint to do that much NMM.

Pursuit Of Happiness: There are a lot of purple-and-green models this month! The camo cloak is an interesting idea, and I love the throwback red casing on the rifle!

Midget Gems: The naturalistic browns contrast nicely with the vibrant foliage on the bases.

Nevelon: That Lt. looks like he's ready for anything! The arctic camo is lovely-- it must have been a bear to paint, especially with all the bling.

Freya: It's good to see you back in the challenge! I like the way you muted down what would otherwise have been quite bright colors.

Syro_: Another cool, unique sculpt. I feel like the paint job might benefit from deeper shadows, though.

CancelledApocalypse: This entry is a study in contrasts-- B&W on the Raven Guard vs. earthy colors on the ranger. Both models are clean and crisp.

Great work, everyone! I can't wait to see what you all come up with for February!

Another great month from everyone! Here are my faves:

XvArcanevX: Top work on the varied necrotic skin tones and ragged fabrics, great use of light and shadow, and I love your colour choices. The only thing I didn't like was the PhotoRoom editing, which makes the whole batch of minis feel somewhat unnatural, hard edged and 2D. Personally, I think it's a shame, because the paint job itself is really excellent. Just needs a better backdrop
Ezki: My top pick this month, really lovely work on the nmm, particularly the softly shining gold, which really elevates the model. Also some very nice subtle light and shade on the face. If I ever get into painting larger scale models, I hope I can get somewhere close to doing flesh as well as that!
Mothsniper: Love the colours on those dwarves and the idea of gambling in a dingy tavern definitely fits with the theme. The bases are nifty and I can just see them in a cool little diorama.

With honourable mentions for: Leopold Helveine; JoshInJapan; MrNobody; youwashock; Maharg; Pariah Press. All great work guys - though as always, everyone entered something they can rightly be extremely proud of!

 Leopold Helveine wrote:
CancelledApocalypse - Korvin and Kelsya
The snowy bases for one popped for me on the raven guard, but I make them like that too.. what really stood out are the Exodite really loving the deep brown and many shades of green contrast, if anything has to spell out -I'm from the forest- then this is probably the pinnacle to the expression.

Thanks Leo, Kelsya took by far the most time (barring the conversion work on the Raven Guard), I kept finding more and more things I had to do with her. I've got to turn those greens and browns into a whole faction, now...

 Ezki wrote:
Cancelled Apocalypse: Two very different models, yet both are striking in their own manner.
The really high contrast between black and white may sometimes look a bit artificial and bland, but in this case it works like a charm. Well done!
And the Exodite. Oh man do I just love that green! The dotted texture on it is a great idea and together with the different browns bring a lovely earthy vibe to this model.
Will definitely borrow that dotted technique in the future!

Cheers! The conversion and most of the paintjob on the exodite is actually stolen from JP miniatures (look him up on facebook or twitter, his stuff is awesome), I only slightly modified it on the weapons. I also didn't get anywhere near the level he did, though I'm still pretty proud of her.

 JoshInJapan wrote:
CancelledApocalypse: This entry is a study in contrasts-- B&W on the Raven Guard vs. earthy colors on the ranger. Both models are clean and crisp.

Cheers Josh! Long time fan of your minis

Much appreciated, JoshInJapan and CancelledApocalypse!

 JoshInJapan wrote:
Geifer: I don't really know anything about this character, but it seems to me that you got it right. The headpiece must have been a bear to paint.

It was quite frustrating. The front has these tiny little grooves that are supposed to help get the pattern right. Just like the face markings. I'm not very good at painting such things. I can never keep the brush steady enough for straight lines or stop even thicker paint from spilling in. I honestly think I could do a better job just freehanding on a smooth surface. Which I got on the back, but that meant doing the same thing two different ways on the same miniature, including switching between them frequently enough to become exhausting. That part of the model took an undue amount of time to at least get reasonably right. I spent a lot of that time thinking I'd be better off switching to a different miniature.

Also I'm not a fan of how they developed her look for Rebels. I like the original pattern in Clone Wars more. The blue stripes are larger with clean edges. So I guess that didn't help either.

I'm glad she's finally painted, though.

Ok, time for comments…

Mothsniper: Really nice colors on these guys and loads of character. Love the imaginative interlocking bases…really cool stuff and very striking. They earned a vote from me this month!

Leopold Helveine: Excellent work on the slimy and gross alien base… appropriately revolting!

Inmygravenimage: This is a very creepy mini and the sickly, washed out colors help give an unsettling vibe. Nice work!

Halfling84: Good clean work… easy to read.

JoshinJapan: These are really moody pieces and I think the work you’ve done on the fabric is very effective indeed. Really nice!

Captain Brown: Nice work on these. I really need to do some terrain pieces soon!

Mr.Nobody: This is a cool model and the work on the skin is very effective. Looks creepy and dangerous.

Olthannon: These are crisp and vivid models thanks to your excellent use of colour and effective highlights. I found the alien theme of the bases striking. Excellent stuff and you got my vote.

Daia T’Nara: A very restrained entry and interesting color.

Xyabis: Very interesting model and pleasing colors. Nice.

Zergsmasher: Game over man! Game over!

Geifer: Nice work here and a really tidy job on the details.

Kid Cthulhu: This dude looks how I feel some days. Joking aside, a fun mini. Good stuff.

Gulgog Tuftoof: Man this dude has character, love the dark theme! Nice work on the flames too! I have a box of these to get to at some point. One day. In the future. Maybe.

YouWasShock: Interesting choice this month sir. The old ‘greyscale’ approach. I like it, a lot, and it kind of works. Very classic feel to the paint work.

Maharg: Nice clean paintjob here for sure. Good stuff!

Vejut: I think this is my favorite of your submissions so far. Lovely job on the choice of color and the highlighting on the robes and quiver. Very nice.

DJJazzyJeff: Madness! I like it! A lot of fun to look at!

Pariah Press: This is excellent and the weathering on the vehicle is masterfully done…

Ezki: Well this is a superb entry and the work you have done on the nmm is beautiful. Really just a wonderful job and you got my vote.

Pursuit of Happiness: Great colors and I love the base… really nice!

Midget Gems: Really nice work on the horses here and a very fun unit to look at.

Nevelon: Nice job here, making me want to crack open the Leviathan box that is still sitting unopened in my front room… errr….

Freya: Very moody little mini this… nice job

Syro: Ready for battle!

Cancelled Apocalypse: These are really superb. The use of color, highlighting and basing is all truly impressive. Excellent detail work. Honestly I found these to be lovely minis and you got my vote.

Well that’s all I think. Thanks to all and thanks Nevelon for keeping this monthly challenge up and running! It’s a highlight every month to take part…

 CancelledApocalypse wrote:


XvArcanevX: Top work on the varied necrotic skin tones and ragged fabrics, great use of light and shadow, and I love your colour choices. The only thing I didn't like was the PhotoRoom editing, which makes the whole batch of minis feel somewhat unnatural, hard edged and 2D. Personally, I think it's a shame, because the paint job itself is really excellent. Just needs a better backdrop

Hey, thanks for the feedback and I’m really pleased to hear how much you liked the paintjob. I feel as though I really am improving every month with this competition and it’s great having this kind of helpful input from other painters.. so seriously, thanks again. I loved your work this month too by the way, and I voted for your entry, really good stuff.

As for your observation about the PhotoRoom backdrop, yes I can see where you’re coming from with your observation there. My partner also pointed out on some of the pics (after I showed her your comments) do indeed look somehow a little ‘2D’. Obviously I starting using the software as it allows me to remove the background (which in most cases is my partners nail lamp and desk/studio) and this in turn seems to bring into sharper focus the miniature alone, and also reduce the ‘light and noise’ from the surrounding area. The photos without this step simply look too busy and bright in my opinion and I’m certain they wouldn’t be as readable and pleasant to view. That said, I have taken your feedback seriously here and I have a plan. I’m going to take some slate from the garden and sit the miniatures on top of that when taking the photos from now on… and then remove the background. Hopefully this will reduce the ‘floating’ effect I am getting currently. We’ll see.

Any ideas on the matter would be much appreciated. Anyway, thanks for the input and congratulations on excellent work this month. Was one of my favorites!

 XvArcanevX wrote:
As for your observation about the PhotoRoom backdrop, yes I can see where you’re coming from with your observation there. My partner also pointed out on some of the pics (after I showed her your comments) do indeed look somehow a little ‘2D’. Obviously I starting using the software as it allows me to remove the background (which in most cases is my partners nail lamp and desk/studio) and this in turn seems to bring into sharper focus the miniature alone, and also reduce the ‘light and noise’ from the surrounding area. The photos without this step simply look too busy and bright in my opinion and I’m certain they wouldn’t be as readable and pleasant to view. That said, I have taken your feedback seriously here and I have a plan. I’m going to take some slate from the garden and sit the miniatures on top of that when taking the photos from now on… and then remove the background. Hopefully this will reduce the ‘floating’ effect I am getting currently. We’ll see.

Personally, it's the completely solid digital colour of the removing of the background that makes it look odd to me. My photography setup is far (far) from perfect, but I think you'd be better just sticking a piece of white/black card/paper behind the minis rather than digitally cutting them out of an image. I really want to up my photography game (understanding my camera settings better would be a start!) and have interesting backdrops for my minis, but I don't currently have the knowledge/skill/resources to do that. Plus, I'm usually rushing and/or late at the end of the month, so adding on even more time for that kind of setup wouldn't be good for my mental health, lol.

There are lots of photography tutorials out there, often giving really simple bits of advice that can help a lot. Trovarion's is pretty good, I think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpHYU7O48as&t=467s

 XvArcanevX wrote:
Anyway, thanks for the input and congratulations on excellent work this month. Was one of my favorites!

Thanks, same to you! Looking forward to what you come up with next month

I think “Picture Perfect” would be a good technical round. Open round for subject choice, but put some restrictions on photos. Like must submit at least 3, 2 different angles and a crop/close up. No fancy software required. But get people thinking about how they frame pictures, backdrops, etc. Every month there are a lot of entries that I wish I could see better, but the pictures let down the minis.

 Nevelon wrote:
I think “Picture Perfect” would be a good technical round. Open round for subject choice, but put some restrictions on photos. Like must submit at least 3, 2 different angles and a crop/close up. No fancy software required. But get people thinking about how they frame pictures, backdrops, etc. Every month there are a lot of entries that I wish I could see better, but the pictures let down the minis.

I agree with that and think you’ve got a great point. I often feel we all miss out on seeing a painted mini in its best light because of poor quality pics; it’s such a crucial thing to think about.

I am still experimenting with taking photos and want to try and get some background card and maybe even make some terrain I can use. It would be nice to experiment with lighting in the future too! There’s all kinds of interesting stuff you could do I suppose.

Anyway, I would be up for that competition idea for sure!

Can't comment to all this round, However I admire and appreciate the love done for the bases and backdrops!
Thank you guys who commented. This has been a pretty good and solid round!
Congrats to the winners.

Oh hey, I should probably close this, it’s been a week.

Shambling into third with 25 votes are XvArcanevX's Zombies. Lovely assortment of the living dead stepping out of the darkness.







CancelledApocalypse takes the silver with one more vote and Captain Korvin Kylo and Kelsya Darkeye. Each with a different approach to stealthy warfare, but both beautifully effective.



And in first is Ezki at 29 votes with Shadowheart. An amazingly executed model of our favorite devotee of Shar.



--

Amazingly fun round this month. Tons of great entries on the theme, painted to a great standard. Thank you all once again for participating, and congrats to the winners and everyone who picked up a brush this month and joined us.

Congrats to the winners and applause all round for the entrants!

Well done everyone!

Incredible work from the winners, really great work all round.

I keep meaning to do a full commentary but I never seem to have a minute spare.

So the secret to winning is black backgrounds? Got it

All kidding aside, these are some excellent entries that definitely earned their laurels. This month was another strong showing from all participants.

Congratulations to the winners. Well done!

Thanks to everyone who took the time to write feedback.