My submission is a weather beaten veteran standing guard.
My current choice is to have my mechs look like they've been in the field for a while. This Blackjack has a fairly simple but strong paint scheme that highlights the weathering effects.
I mostly paint historical minis but I have been playing Battletech and painting mechs for over 15 years now. But I've never entered a painting contest with my mechs nor have I painting anything but the original 3025 designs. I look forward to painting some of the new mechs and showing what else I can do with a brush.
Thanks!