Equally represented was the fantasy community with exhibits from a number of talented artists. Two of the stand out for me are shown below.


If there was anything that I disliked about the show it was the separation of fantasy and historical in two categories. I was told that this was done in the clubs ongoing effort to include all aspects of the figure painting community while still allowing the separate styles some autonomy in their displays and judging but I'm not sure how much that actually helped build camaraderie. This separation was also the case at World Expo and MFCA and I'm really troubled by the separation. Hopefully over time the two facets will feel comfortable enough to be exhibited together as one.


Mathieu Fontaine was one of two Canadian Masters whose work was on display. The two Chaos figures shown below were wonderfully painted and far more impressive than my lousy photos indicate.

I have known Rick Taylor for years as an amazing artist whose figures and flats have constantly wowed the crowds. His exhibit this year consisted of four 28mm figures in the "Painters" category and an amazing scratch/conversion of a Kabuki figure in the "Open" category. Too appreciate these pieces one truly needed to see both the front and back of each as can be seen in the photos below. I would have given anything to have been able to photograph these pieces with my set-up rather than by hand, to show the amazing patterns and designs. Hopefully you will get the idea from the pictures below.

If the photo above doesn't amaze you then there is something wrong with you. Remember, 28mm or around an inch and a half tall!!


Hopefully I will see you all at the MMSI show next year, Enjoy!

More...

Thanks for taking the time to tell us all about the show Jim. I'm with you on not seeing a need for a seperation of like minded individuals. I think the judges at a show like Chicago are more than qualified to judge a piece based of it's merits and workmanship involved. Hopefully these fantasy/historical categories will stop soon.

Those are some AMAZING figures painted by Rick Taylor.

Thanks again for taking the time to post the show review and all these images for us.

Jim Patrick

IMO combining catagories may mean a tougher competition in terms of winning a medal/award. What is the reason for the separation to begin with? I can see it with armor but what gives? At this rate you could make busts a separate catagory for that matter. ~Gary

Well, I was there and I like the separation....part of the deal with historical miniatures is that they are historical. Research must be done and things must be painted accurately,not so with fantasy or sci fi. To compare the painting above with historical figures is like comparing apples and oranges....I like both,but they are different. No way should it all be in the same category at all.

I guess you could make a case for only two catagories, Open & painters and leave out the "Historical" label. I personally liked the way it was because it allowed me to view all of the fantasy pieces grouped together rather than wandering all over the place looking for them, but the drawback is that if you enter both your display gets broken up. I think it is a positive move for shows to add the "Fantasy" category, it shows that all painters are welcome.

How does this count with stock figures? The research is (or should) already be done. In some cases with historical conversions/ scratchbuilds research leaves a bit to be desired. Maybe these should be entered as fantasy pieces instead.

Any conversions/scratchbuilt, vignettes are entered in the "Open" section of each branch.
John

Well,now you are being a bit contentious...I have seen you argue with painters about correct belt buckles and locks on guns before!
Stock figures still need to be painted correctly and accurately to be looked at twice by any judge and you know it. As far as busts being in a diff category and so on,well,that is Euro Militaire solution.I think the fantasy painters are fantastic,but it is good they are separately judged (as they should be). Apples and oranges. I have thought about this and I am right!

The amount of research involved is of no concern to judges. If we look at the International Judging Criteria which the MMSI helped develop, accuracy is the last consideration. What it comes down to is the quality of the piece regardless of the subject matter and everything under the sun falls into either open or painters or ordnance. From grenadiers to B-52's, from Legolas to the starship Enterprise, everything falls into these categories and the only discriminator is quality. The divisions into further categories allows the award of more tin, which is of course a major consideration. The divisions were not necessary in the past and are not now, just nice to have.

I have participated as a judge at shows for many years and it is an art form. No two figures are alike and interpretations abound. As stated above we remind judges that nobody knows everything about a figure and deference is given to the painter/modeler when it comes to accuracy. Since figures aren't compared to one another, apples and oranges don't enter into the discussion. The Open system judges work to the standard of the hobby as it exists at that moment, not the standard of subject, accuracy or the hall. If there are two gold medal pieces or 100 gold medal pieces that is what we will award. Having the models seperated won't increase or decrease the medal count. For years fantasy pieces have been mixed with historical without any complaints. This was a discussion amongst the judges and two of the three fantasy judges wished there had been no seperation. This opinion was also given to me by the best of the Fantasy painters on display. Many of my fellow "Historical" judges at the show fell on both sides of the fence.

I'm glad that I was able to induce conversation and thought on the subject with my comments. That alone is the point of a forum like this, and the point of my making the comments on my blog. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I have thought about this as well Steve and I am also right. We both can be right on this one because in the end it doesn't really matter as long as we are enjoying our hobby. Now, back to the bench.

Well said,my comments were meant with humor and I hope taken as such. Now on to my next "historically accurate" piece.

By GAWD I want one of those. I have been trying to convince people that Lincoln had a grizzly for a mount and no one believes me.

Thought you might dig that.

NICE! How about a steam punk Abe Lincoln?

Damn Cool Bear!!

Jim