During this most recent phase of my painting experience I developed a number of new skills, techniques and colour applications.  Most noticeable was the use of super-thin paints applied in layers to create seamless blending.  

I also forced myself to paint all my models in their separate pieces prior to final assembly.  While frustrating it allowed me to achieve a level of  detail and finish that I had not been able to do before.

Other techniques I learned during this period of rapid growth were how to do gems really good, how to do non-metallic golds, addition of texture to create effects  and a broad acceptance of colour.

It is also noteworthy that during this period I taught myself how to sculpt.  I was quite intimidate but once I started to alter figures to fit my vision I became more comfortable.  It is all about practice, just like painting. 

Golden Demon 2001

January 2001 to June 2001

The Redeemer vs. The Galactic Pit Fighting Champion

1st place in Duel

This was the last entry I finished for GD2001 although it wasn't the last one started.  I sculpted, built and painted the pit fighter a month before I even started the Redeemer.  So while I was waiting for the pre-release of Devotee Malacant I painted Artimis and Covenant [in Gallery III] along with my Open entry.  These painting breaks are dangerous for me as I loose my momentum but it paid off on this model.

Red Terror

1st Place in 40K Monster

This entry was a very special image that came to me while I was at work.  The biggest problem was the tail that comes with the figure is not posable and I needed it to be looming over a statue.  So I decided to build my own tail relying on my vision to make up for my sculpting deficiencies.  When it was all sculpted and roughly assembled I knew I had an amazing figure.  The paint scheme came to me as I went, with the tallon texture being the last bit I did.  At the time I felt I had gone over the top with my colours and use of multiple patterns but the more I look at it the more I love what I did.

Forge World Abaddon

2nd Place in Large Monster 

This figure is what allowed me to achieve what I did at this years Golden Demons.  I had been plateaued for quite some time when I decided to take the plunge and paint this massive statue.  It turned out to be one of the best investments in my painting I have ever made.  From this model I learned blending inside and out since the areas I had to work with were so large.  I did this figure after I knew I was going to Baltimore but before I knew there was going to be a large model category.  So it was done as a painting exercise for me rather than as a contest piece.  

Mjolnir Space Wolf Dreadnought

2nd place in 40K Vehicle/Squadron

This model was done as an afterthought since I was going to do a Forge World tank kit originally.  Many things occurred to prevent the tank from appearing at the show, not the least was the release of the plastic dreadnought kit.  When I saw it I knew I had to paint it and what better event to paint it for i couldn't imagine.  I chose the plasma cannon since all my Space Wolf friends play with this combination and it gave me an excuse to sculpt some more.  The banner was free painted and the pelt texture demonstrates the effect achieved from adding lines to create something from nothing.  The gray of the dreadnought caused me no end of trouble and was very difficult and time consuming.  I must have 25+ layers of colour to give the plates the smooth blend.

Gate Crasha the
 Siege Giant

2nd place in WHFB Monster

This has got to be one of my favorite figures from my Gamesday collection.  Not only did I drastically change the feel of the figure but it is my first attempt at texture effects.  I actually built the model around the hammer paper weight I got as a pub quiz prize at the 2000 Seattle GT.  I don't see this figure as a giant so much as a living battering ram for those siege games.  The armour, headband and top knot all lend themselves to an oriental feel and while this was not intentional it turned out that way.

Inquisitor Dominus

2nd place in Open

This is my crowning achievement to date.  I wanted to make a totally unique chaos using inquisitor and decided to try my hand at an almost complete scratch sculpt.  I had been told that scratch sculpted stuff was looked down apon by the judges so this was another figure that was done for me and not for the judges.  This model is so many firsts for me that it will always have a special place in my showcase.  To end up placing with this figure, flanked by Slayer Sword winners, was bigger than getting the other five demons.

Gotrek & Felix Battle the Troll Lord of the Chaos Waste

Did not place in Battle Scene

This scene popped into my head the moment I saw the Forge World Stone Troll on the net.  I had the conversion all planned out by the time I received the figure from England.  The troll is an amazing figure and it was a real treat to paint it.  It was also my biggest fear as a carry-on piece of luggage.  Those spikes are actually nails and I figured it would scan as some kind of weapon on the x-ray but my fears were for naught.  He went through three sets of x-ray and I wasn't asked to take him out once.

Khorne Lord

Did not place in 40K Single

This is the first figure I did for the competition after I completed Abaddon.  As a result it was a bit under qualified to be competing in the ultra tough 40K single area.  Once I had all my entries together I could see just how far I had come even during such a limited period of time.  The pose is all about Khorne and the paint job and small details reflects this allegiance.