I’m very stoke I have earned three crystals in the last 3 years. My style is a mix of johnblanche and wavy metal. My point is each and every style has earned their right in what’s considered the things judges have been wowed over in the these very tough comps. My point there is no style better than another. It’s basically how proficient you are at your style that catches the judgeseye. That’s actually what the figure painter mag article was about. I go in depth about my feelings on preparing for comps which I do regularly.
a even funnier thing that might have debate is I’ve even placed over folks with much better technique(ex Damon drescher and Chris borer entries at nove who are much better than me at blending). I consider what ever I’m doing is working again judges are open to many things and as for basics yes always improve your basics but if you start to naturally develop a style that not only yourself but judges are happy with than keep what works and get fus of the rest.(Bruce lee) again to be clear placing above or below somebody does not make one a « better painter”. Mini painting is not that sort of game like “wrestling “ or Olympic sports. But what it does mean is it’s the finality of affirmation that one seeks(im sure we all do) accolades, publications , rankings all are pretty high for me what does it mean. In the last 3 years I’ve developed something that many folks like. It’s a combination of the things above . It was part desire, part evolution. My style is a bit messy but works for realism. Jarheads also a bit on the messier side of miniature painting. There are many styles. I don’t know much about non metallic metallics,or anime(comic book) styles / techniques!What I do know about is regarding how I paint a model I can safely say I’m happy with it, I’m good at it and the sky’s the limit especially if it’s been noticed in the competitive field

so a lot ask how to develop a style (practice ,and evolution ) and don’t forget to research your favorite artists.
