Bailey03
Well-known member
I know, there was something about an exploding computer... but I did finally hear back so I've got some pictures below. First I wanted to post about a few other things...
At the beginning of the month I posted about doing a paint-a-long with a Red Box Games figure. I was tempted to get it going quickly so people could enter their finished work in the RBG contest over at WAMP. Well, things have moved a little slow with RBG (mixed up communication issues) so I still haven't gotten any figures. I wanted to see them in person before I settled on which one to use and at this point the contest deadline is too close, not likely we'll get stuff done in time so no point in rushing things. I still want to do a paint-a-long but it sounds like it's better for a lot of people if we wait a little while before starting.
This past weekend I went up to San Jose for the Bay Area Open 2014. In addition to the gaming tournaments they held a painting competition and some seminars. They're doing something a little different with the painting competition. The group running it is trying to create a circuit of painting competitions culminating in their Dragonslayer competition which will pit winners from the different circuit events against each other for the Dragonslayer title. They've got events planned for OcGRE in Anaheim (Nov 21-23 if the show happens), Templecon in RI (Feb 6-9), Las Vegas Open (Feb 20-22), G&GCon in London (sometime in 2015), CaptainCon in MA (2015), and Califaux in Sacramento CA (2015). This is all still pretty new and I'm guessing they're looking for more conventions where they can sponsor competitions. The entries are judged using the open system, so there's not just a 1st, 2nd, 3rd. All entries are rated against a set standard and they hand out as many gold, silver, and bronze medals as are earned (not just one of each). They also pick an overall best in show that wins a special trophy (this will be unique to each event and fit into the dragonslayer theme), some other prizes (the BAO had a Badger airbrush and the complete set of minitaire paints), and entry into the culminating dragonslayer event. I think it's all an interesting idea, they just need publicity and people to go enter their work! So keep an eye on their website for more info
http://draconicawards.com/
Oh, and the BAO was also Crystal Brush Qualifier. Part of the painting competition but the winner was chosen by the staff at Frontline Gaming (the people running the gaming tournament). They were kind enough to pick my Greek Hoplite so I was very happy! This time I'll be marking the CB on the calendar in big red letters with lots of stars around it. Barring some major tragedy I will be there!
This was my first time flying with my figures and I'm pleased to say they made it without any issues. It was a good test since I plan on flying to Chicago next year. I wasn't really sure how I was going to transport my guys but I ended up getting the half size case from Tablewar. Yes, they have a mini size designed to fit under the seat but most of my figures are too tall for their smallest size case. While too big to fit under the seat, the half case is within the carry-on dimensions so I decided to give it a try in the overhead compartment. If you want to do the same thing, be aware the case didn't fit right-side up. I had to turn it on it's side so all my figures were horizontal the entire trip! But they were bolted onto the shelf and the case kept them safe. I know some people use blu tack to hold their display figures in place... but I'd be very wary trying that if the case won't be right-side up.
Okay, enough other business. Here are the pictures of Olfo I promised. As you can see I went with a Mirkwood inspired piece
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The spider came from Otherworld Miniatures (I found it after googling 'spider miniature') and I liked it a lot more than some of the super cartoony GW ones. It's got nice long legs and there's some flexibility in posing them so I could have him really crawling across the trees. The body is pinned to the tree so those legs aren't actually supporting him. Not the strongest joints so if I ever drop this figure or knock it over I'm pretty sure I'll have spider pieces everywhere. The figure is officially 'done' but I'm not sure, I might still work on it. I wanted Olfo to be the primary focus of the piece and everything else to just fade into the background/darkness. But having had a few days to stare at the finished piece I'm starting to think the spider is too dull. Maybe it needs more dramatic highlights and stronger contrast or some sort of texturing or something. What do you all think? I'm going to hold off on posting him to the gallery until I decide if I'm going to rework the piece some more.
