Stunning work.

Thanks, again everyone. Well, sadly the samurai didn't medal at the competition. But given he was up against pieces by top artists, I know the competition would tough! It's podium style judging (single 1st, 2nd, 3rd) and he ended up in 4th! So close!

In case you're curious, here's what he lost out to...

Garrosh by Sergio Calvo Rubio


The Black Hole by Francesco Farabi


Grommash vs. Mannoroth by Fabrizio Russo


Then in 4th place, the Samurai by me =)


As you can see, the competition is dominated by fantasy pieces. Though seeing them in person, the level of painting was phenomenal so it wasn't just that they liked the subjects better! But don't worry, there are plenty more shows and competitions and I'll be taking the samurai with me to them.

Didn't you place in the historical category? I thought I saw your Anglo Saxon piece get second or something like that.

Well, that still means 'Best Historical', congrats!
Too bad for ending just short of the podium, but perhaps this was not the right competition to join, with its emphasis on fantasy.
Personally those fantasy pieces don't rock my boat at all. I haven't seen them in the flesh, but only the first place piece strikes me as particularly well painted.
Ah well, competitions, we shouldn't take them too seriously.
Your samurai is a magnificent piece of work, whatever this result.

Adrian

Hi Bailey

That is one excellent piece of artwork.

Well done - have you sent a photo to Pegaso Models? they will be impressed with the way it turned out.

Ciao for now
Franco

Thanks, Kevin and Adrian. Yes, the Northumbrian piece took 2nd in the historical category, which I was very pleased with!

Adrian, I like the challenge of taking a historical to a fantasy friendly show. It was very well received there and I got a lot of great comments from the people in attendance. It just didn't manage to make the top three, which I can understand. I'll be taking him with my to the SCAHMS show this weekend and I'm sure he'll do great there!

Franco, no, I hadn't thought of that. Perhaps I should!

Hi Bailey

I am sure Pietro and Luca would love to see it.

Pm me if you need contacts.

Ciao
Franco

Late to the party but this is a thing of BEAUTY!

Just found this thread. Well worth the wait to see this completed. I agree with your choice to get rid of the whiskers Bailey, it actually gives the face more character than with them. A spot-on choice of colours. It's all too common for samurai figures to be overdone, but the balance of muted colours here is very pleasing. One of the most impressive "Sammie" paint jobs I've ever seen.

I agree with David.Really sad to see such historical masterpieces rating behind fantasy figures no matter how well painted.Perhaps it is time for the community to start giving a thought to the possibility of hosting separate shows for historical and fantasy pieces.Both can be superbly painted but that does not take under consideration the fact that there is a great deal of research behind a masterpiece like this magnificent samurai.

Oda.

simply stunning, as people have already stated on the thread i am sure you will win more than you dont with this piece.

tony