The Entries (includes multiple entry pictures)
The Judging
Max Dammit's Scores
A: 8 Points, nice work, lots of work.
B: 6 Point, Nice work but a bit of shading would have made it a lot better.
C: 7 Points, Nice conversion, just don't know what it is but i like it.
D: 10 Points, Love it, the Marine coming out the back and all, gives a real batle feeling.
E: 6 Points, Nicely painted, like the decor.
F: 8 Points, lots of work went in these, but there is no common goal to the riders.
G: 9 Points, Love the conversion, real ork like, just like it a lot.
H: 6 Points, Its a great conversion and I know who he has to be, And I get the golden wolfhead, but without it or a smaller version it would have don a lot better in my book.
I: 6 Points, Nice work, shame its not done.
J: 8 Points, Overall very good and life like paint job, good work.
K: 6.5 Looks nice, not much in conversion
Harkon Greywolf's Scores
A: Very good indeed "Kroot Fighting Pit" good concept, well carried out, and something different with a large "scope" - 9 points
B: Nicely done and I like the magnetised enemies, but the colour scheme, whilst well done, just doesn't convey the heat etc traditionally associated with Avatars - 6 points
C: OK, the Holosphere! Wow! I love it! Now this is "Out of the box" thinking indeed! This has to be my 10 pointer!
D: Carni/Rhino, ok another well done diorama and the little touches are good but it's nothing extra special, in fact it's a scene we see every time the marines play the Nids! ;) a good - 6 points again I think.
E: Archconfessor. I love this model and used one myself although in more traditional colours (trad = GW) - unfortunately I don't like the blue staff shank, puts me off the mini - but the set is well done and it's a very authentic setting and pose, I'll give a 7 points for that.
F: Wood Elf Riders (Glade Riders??), beautifully executed and painted and modelled, but again, Fantasy doesn't "ring my bells" so I can't get all enthused by it, but an 8 point for excellence in painting/modelling.
G: Speed Freak Boss on a Trike! Can't imagine who'd have one of these in his army! LOLOL This is good, the conversion catches the eye and the paint job is as good as any other Orky vehicle. I love the pose on the driver and the sleek meaty machine he's driving - with a sidecar "tacked on" for Da Boss of course! ;) Got to be another 10 pointer from me I think!
H: Super Wolfy - Sorry this has a great concept then loses it for me by being a Cartoon character! It looks like something straight out of "All Dogs Go To Heaven"!! I think it's the eyes that really does this for me. If they were narrower and more like a wolf's eyes it's probably workj better. Unless of course it's meant to be a caricature(sp)! In which case I've missed the point, again! The work is good and the paint job is very nice, clean and to the point. I think the maximum I can give this is a 6 points.
I: The Tank I know nothing about. OK as a concept I can get that it's made to look like something from a PC game (IIRC), but I don't know it and again, these sorts of things aren't my cup-of tea! And it would have been so much more liekly to impress if it had been finished. A poor 4 points I'm afraid.
J: OK, a Captain from the Wicked Witches army in the Wizard of Oz. ;) Another beautifully painted mini. Top marks for skill there. I'm not sure if it's a conversion but its a nice dynamic pose and the weapon shows the right kind of "action" with the highlight and blood stain. The base is good too, but nothing really screams "Outside the box" here to me. So a 7 pointer for skill and artistry.
K: Another good mini, nicely painted and some interesting little conversions. It's different but not quite as "out the box" as I'd hope for, but a 6 for me.
Gareth's Scores
A - Incredible amount of effort, lots of things to look at, keep seeing new things everytime I look at it. A strong 7.
B - I love the magnetic victim idea! I have never seen it done before. But the colour scheme doesn't work with the fluff for me. in no way does this Avatar represent a fiery lava daemon. 6.
C - Another fantastical idea! What a great use of a clear plastic ball, genius! The matt black paint job lacks highlights and any real detail, its all a little too mono tone for my liking, but a very clever idea. A 6 for the idea.
D - I love the original artwork in the tyranid codex and this draws its inspiration from it. Its beautifully painted in codex colours, and can't fault the painting. A 7, would have been higher if the schemes weren't codex and something new and "designed"
E - I like the scale of this piece, it really shows that no matter how much brightly decorated clothing or bling you wear you're still a tiny dot compared to the sheer scale of the imperium. Painting is detailed and reasonably neat. but lack of conversion on the main piece means this gets a 6.
F - Firstly the painting is incredible. All the little conversions like the guy standing up on the saddle, the banner top, the dioramic base is gorgeous, it even has tiny fallen leaves on it, fallen branchs, scratch made tree, and top it all off with beautiful soft tones perfectly blended, and gorgeous metals. My own concern is the lack of a "thinking outside of the box" brief. It would have been a 10 with a clever idea, but instead i have to give this a 9.
G- Stretched Assault bike with Assault Cannons up front is a nice idea! Painting is a little rushed in places, but generally neat. Bonus points for conversion, although the joins on the wheels shatter the illusion a little. 7
H - This is a unique space marine bike. The painting is good, and the conversions are great. 8
I - I'm sorry but this isn't even finished. I'm not even sure what it is. 5
J - This is gorgeous, but sadly lacks conversion and a clever idea. Can not fault painting though. With a clever idea, and a little conversion, this would have been a 10. Instead an 8
K - Very commanding pose, very neat and tidy, nice writing around the base edge. Clever conversion to hold the helm, but I don't like the way he is holding it. A 7.
Krakgrenade's Scores
Entry A. I really like this alot! Some clever improvisation and conversion
The only thing that I don't like is the fact its using Catachan models which doesn’t go with diorama. Ogryns as slave labour on the other hand... Score - 8
Entry B. A nice looking Avatar, and unique idea. Crisp clean paint
The colour is off putting though but does not scream "hard as nails Burning god". Score - 6
Entry C. I am sure I have seen a similar idea before using a clear glass ball before.
Saying that, it is well executed and looks really cool. The paint job inside the dome looks better than the actual chasis though. Score - 8
Entry D. Nicely painted razorback, and a good showing of a large TMC engaging it while a little critter goes for the marine.
Nicely based, good effort all round, but doesn’t make me say "wow" Score - 7
Entry E. Good theme, lovely background and flooring, and a well executed miniature centre piece.
The good thing is the background doesn’t actually detract from the main model either. Score - 8
Entry F. Clearly the best painted of all the entries, as befits the person who did the entry.
Great basing and scenery used and again does not detract from what is actually based on it. Score - 9
Entry G. Some unique orkyness going on here as a Warboss on a bike conversion
The paint reflects the owners main army and is typically fitting with the model and race.
The base does let it down somewhat though. Had it been mounted within something such as part of an Ork camp, it would score a maximum. Score - 8
Entry H. No bias to the SW! While not the best paintjob, the conversion is pretty good. Very fitting to a SW Lord. The Gold Wolf Head at the front though dominates a bit too much for my liking though. Score - 7
Entry I. Well, its a tank chasis with a cardboard gun on it. Not sure there is an excuse not to have painted it to some kind of standard though. However, the entry was submitted which is cool. However, it lacks finesse. Score - 4
Entry J. Crisp clean paintwork, lovely looking power sword, and a pretty base. Again nothing "outside the box" though. Score - 7
Entry K. Very authoritarion looking DeathWatch Officer. Nicely adjusted legs and cool use of the arm to hold the helmet. Slung weapon is a nice touch and hangs as it should do without looking unnatural. Tidy banner too. Score – 8
After the results were totaled, we had a draw! Due to Competition rules this fell to the Site Moderators to vote. They had to score Entries F & G.
Brother Lysander's Scores
F:
+ Would serve as a wonderful display piece, and is the best entry as far as painting is concerned. Suitable in character for the army, and I like the standard bearer and the nod towards Elf agility and skill.
- Some enemy models interacting with the Wood Elves would have improved it as a diorama for me, for example the elf leaning out of the saddle looks like he is falling as there is no visible foe to lance.
G:
+ Reminds me of both Akira and Ben Hur in one (chariot), and I've not been able to say that about many minis before. Very characterful for Orks, and a good use of bits in order to create it.
- The painting does appear a little rushed, and even allowing for Ork standards doesn't negate that (mould line on the tire and Nob's hand doesn't help I guess). I also feel the passenger should be holding on, because if the bike went as fast as it looks like it could, he'd go flying, reckless Ork bravery or not. Scores...I'm going to have to give both an 8, given the guidelines for the competition.
Linda Lobsta Defenda's Scores
F: Nice crisp colours that match the forest. Subtle conversions. 8pts
G. Nice conversion, painting is a tad rushed in places but I think it captures the Orky spirit well. Bit disappointed with mould lines 9pts
Both: In my opinion none are really outside the box, (then again hard to do with something as random as Orks I grant you). But the Ork one is slightly more original while the Asrai are clearly better painted.
While the Ork has mould lines it also has more character.
Cheredanine’s Scores
F: Spectacular paint job, by spades, rather concerned about the poor horse that appears to be jumping out of a tree?? if it was just marked on painting then 10, if it was marked as a diorama? 11, I would not be surprised to see it in GD winners list, I really cant say enough about this piece. BUT, out the box thinking? out the tree certainly, for innovation? well there is some conversion on poses, the freehand is innovative and the base could be argued as initiative, although could also be argues as a superbly rendered but well within the box for wood elves, I think overall 8pts
G: This one is difficult, I think it comes down to "do you like it", on a painting front I can see little if any evidence of highlighting, nor any attempts at wear and tear, conversion wise? it is a load of bits stuck together, which is fluffy, but as with the wood elf base, not entirely out the box given what it is, on a painting front I would probably score it a 5, given the conversion I would bump it to a 6 and seeing as I haven’t seen other ork vehicles like it, lets make it a 7pts
After this tie break decision it was still a draw between Entries F and G. This fell to a Special Judge to choose a winner. Step in Otaktay.
Otaktay’s Scores
Entry F. (Elven piece)
Painting wise this is very good and deserves to be considered in any painting competition; this competition was not just about painting though.
I was looking for the focal point that would grab my attention and immediately I was drawn to the banner. The work carried out on it is very good. The freehand flows very well and merges extremely well with the green stuff additions that have been carried out.
Conversion work is minimal but very well achieved. Standing on the horse running through the wood is a bit too far though; in my opinion. But this was well executed in the conversion work. The piece portrays the Elven agility and speed amazingly well. It also grabs your attention because of how well it is painted.
The base carries on the high-quality work of the painted models, by fitting in nicely with the actual bases of the individual models. The branches carry on to the base branches. The same can be said of the rocks and the bigger logs also. Well thought out.
Entry G. (Ork piece)
Painting wise this is not of a very high standard, but is that deliberate to give the right feel for the whole piece. Some parts like the power axe chevrons are painted well and thus further strengthen the fact the painting may be deliberate. However, a pure lack of weathering or highlighting on the actual Ork cloths, boots and other bits and pieces, say that this was not deliberate at all. It does look rushed and this may well have been the case. As shame because the convesion work is excellent.
Originality, is what the piece screams out loud; I have never seen anything like. To be original with Orks is a lot harder that it first seems. They are inherently original and creative by their narrative nature, so modelling original concepts is very difficult; this piece has achieved it (in my eyes).
A focal point is hard to find on this model, and after looking at it for a while I gave up and had a break hoping to see it after with new eyes; still didn’t find it. The whole model must therefore grab my attention equally, which is no easy matter to achieve.
However, this model is let down by the dreaded mould lines.
The base is simple but effective; maybe more could have been done to really pull you in to the model.
Conclusion.
This competition was clearly labelled as to what was required even though the emphasis was very broad in character. I have pulled out a few catchwords or phrases to highlight this.
1. This competition was not just about painting.
2. Original.
3. Inspired and just down right cool.
4. Three colours and based is the typical criteria, but judgement on the whole entry will be based purely on your imagination and execution of the entry.
5. Something that really has a feel and a sense to it that captures the hobby item and genre you are entering with. With regards to the competition guidelines it would seem that ‘Entry G’ has taken all these guidelines and carried each one out. ‘Entry F’ doesn’t seem to go far enough down this avenue of guidelines at first glance. I think that ‘Entry G’ portrays the Orks extremely well. ‘Entry F’ also does this extremely well with the Elven genre. Movement is a hard concept to achieve on a static model but ‘Entry F’ achieves it extremely well, whereas ‘Entry G’ does not.
Point four above say that ‘Three colours and based is the typical criteria, but judgement on the whole entry will be based purely on your imagination and execution of the entry’ that includes painting standard as far as I interpret it.
So, my marks for the pieces are ……
‘Entry F’ Elven piece eight 8
‘Entry G’ Ork piece seven 7.
Final Competition Results
1st No Remorse - Entry F - 34pts / 24pts after mod tie break / 8pts after Guest Judge score
2nd Quase - Entry G - 34pts / 24pts after mod tie break / 7pts after Guest Judge score
3rd Artemic - Entry A - 32pts
4th Geifer - Entry C - 31pts
5th Gharst - Entry D - 30pts
5th The Cadian - Entry J - 30pts
6th Eiglepulper - Entry K - 27.5pts
7th Macewind - Entry E - 27pts
7th Samargh - Entry H - 27pts
8th Farseer Yestare - Entry B - 24pts
9th Vampire Lord - Entry I - 19pts
Thanks and Prizes
Firstly, many thanks to those who took the effort and time to enter the competition.
Secondly, congrats especially to those of whom were judged in the top categories!
You all deserve much praise indeed. Now onto the good bit...what are those prizes eh? Well this will make a few of you wish you had enter I am sure...
First prize - going to No Remorse.
Brand new boxed Master of the Ravenwing. (Courtesy of Darren Howling Griffon)
Second Prize - Quase.
The SW Forgeworld Bust. Kindly donated by Stretch. It does need a paint job though, so if you dont mind waiting, I shall repaint it for you. Else you can let me know if yoiu want to do it yourself.
Third Prize - Artemic
A boxed set of infantry donated by the SWC. This is a set equivalent to a Tactical SM squad, box of Necron Warriors, regiment boxed set fot WHF etc. You choose whats appropriate!
Other prizes
Courtesy of Macewind, the near runners up will each receive a blister of their choice from his web store. Winners of this will be notified by PM as I cant recall how many he was supplying! - Macey, can you update this for me and I'll let you know who won them. (sorry folks, with work, courses and 2TW my mind has gone mad)
Finally....
The outstanding achievement award. For putting in such a massive effort and fulfilling the main objective of the compie with such a great diorama the special achievment award goes to Artemic. Going "above and beyond" simply painting a few figures, he has come up with a fully detailed, electronic flashy, full story on a board. Now this took some serious planning and effort and considering he is a new dad (again) took some serious committment. As such, he was won himself a brand new Tau army. Yes a whole blimmin army, courtesy of Steve (Otaktay).
So for those that thought "nah I cannot be bothered, its just a mickey mouse forum comp" think again next time eh? A forum has just given away an entire 40k army...is that a first in GW Fan site history? I think so!