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As I'm at the end of my first year back in the hobby after 20+ years away, I thought I'd jump on that bandwagon and have a look back at it. There'll be some awesome minis, some stuff that I've painted as well, and some special mentions for a few people. So, let's begin!
We'll get my stuff out the way first. This is the 1st mini I ever painted around 1990, the last before my break in 98-ish, 1st one on my return in January and then my most recent finished paint job. If nothing else there's definitely been an improvement!
Also tried my hand at some new things. My first bust, NMM and some fancy basing.
Now for my favourite models from other people, and there's some absolute bangers in here! We'll start with this stunning project from @TomTaylorBigg1. I loved these Harlequin Skyweavers so much that I bought some to have a go myself!
Next up is this from one of my favourite people on Twitter, @Madth333. He only started painting this year and this is his first ever space marine. If you don't already follow him then get on it, he's one of the nicest and most enthusiastic hobbyists out there!
Here we have a fantastic take on a Carnifex by @GenPaint, who is not only a super-talented artist but also has the patience of a saint in putting up with me in real life!
Check out the Old One-Eye on her page she's just finished as well, top drawer stuff!
Check out the Old One-Eye on her page she's just finished as well, top drawer stuff!
This next one was a real labour of love, @krakendoomcool's Space Wolf Grand Annulus. Recreated from lore artwork, it was an absolute pleasure watching this come together. Also provided material for childish innuendos (*Beavis & Butthead laughter* "annulus huh-huh-huh")
)
How many of you have wondered what you'd look like as a terminator? @Warbringer11 did, and decided to convert one due to GW's oversight in not actually mass-producing and releasing a model of him
You'll all be familiar with @MiniPainterMeg's stunning work by now, and tbh I could've picked any one of her models. This one imo though was the turning point in her work, everything from this onwards has been a different level.
Another one now that inspired me to try the same thing, this bad-ass mo'fo Black Templar Stormcast/Space Marine kitbash by @Unnumbered_Son. Seriously cool stuff!
Time for a bit of Oldhammer action! Anyone who's played HeroQuest will remember the Fimir, and these conversions by @cimmeriangamer are just astounding!
I couldn't choose between these from @JhMiniatures so I've included both! The Eldar is a recreation from the cover of the 2nd ed Codex and is just perfect. The basing on Xandria Azurebolt is a touch of genius, adds another level of movement and really sets the whole thing off!
Everyone loves Blood Bowl, and @warhannam's Hampershire Hogherders are just brilliant. The treemen are converted Sylvaneth Kurnoth Hunters, and I reckon you'd struggle to find a team with more character!
Last but by no means least is this one from @Garfytwit. Not only is he a top class painter, he makes and photographs these scenes himself. I'm always blown away by his work but something about this one just stood out for me!
Gonna give props to some people now who imo do great things for the community as a whole. First up is @wepaintmini. Everyone at one point or another has had their work retweeted by him, and when you consider the amount of people who use the hashtag, that's no mean feat on his....
...behalf. Deserves all of the gratitude so make sure you thank him when you get the chance!
@planetoldhammer for keeping the lead mini love alive and kicking, regular trips down memory lane for those of us of a particular age and introducing the new bloods to the best era!
@planetoldhammer for keeping the lead mini love alive and kicking, regular trips down memory lane for those of us of a particular age and introducing the new bloods to the best era!
Normally you'd be right pissed off if someone painted over your favourite minis right? Unless of course it's @ArtistsEmpire! I'm sure it's some kind of witchcraft.... Anyway, go check out their page and Patreon, and sign up for a commission. You won't be disappointed!
Now, if these two guys post a thread you best make sure to read. Always thoughtful, articulate and nail-on-the-head, @evilkipper and @PaterPuellarum are not just great hobbyists but also real stand-up dudes. My timeline is always richer with their content on it.
If you want some quality fanfic then look no further than these two; @talos has produced my favourite piece I've seen on @ColdOpenStories and is a seriously talented writer. @StormOfAshes___ doesn't just write an amazing alternate 40K universe, but does it in her 2nd language!
Talking of stories, I have to give a mention to @Scykhe. Fred's tales of how he started in the hobby and the games he played with his dad as a kid are just an absolute joy to read, and he's just an all-round lovely bloke. Great singing voice as well!
Shoutout now to a couple of people from my first days in hobby Twitter; @scrotrot81 introduced me to it (so you can blame him
) and gave me loads of help in getting started again, big thanks for that. @Kirsten_Tiger was the first person I met in real life from here. Not only....
) and gave me loads of help in getting started again, big thanks for that. @Kirsten_Tiger was the first person I met in real life from here. Not only....
...is she the best resin caster I know, she's a lovely person and has become a great friend.
I'd also like to big-up some other solid mates I've made here; @GrimHarkness, @DocRods, @OfficePainter, @MSPAlNTS, @KillieGamer, @Greenstuffnglue are all awesome.
I'd also like to big-up some other solid mates I've made here; @GrimHarkness, @DocRods, @OfficePainter, @MSPAlNTS, @KillieGamer, @Greenstuffnglue are all awesome.
In all honesty, every one of you who I've interacted with this year has helped me get through the shit times and enjoy the good, and I appreciate that more than I can explain. So thank you all, I wish you all the very best and hopefully at some point we will all meet up for real!
