Well, I have to admit going out first was not what I had in mind for this competition. Having seen all the entries and read all the reports, I can’t complain - I truly believe my entry was appropriately placed. Even so, I feel no disgrace in losing out to the well-painted and -presented Mechs on display so far.
My heartfelt thanks go to Iron Wind Metals for the donation of the many figures needed to make this competition a reality. Thank you to Bill and TMP for coordinating and arranging the forum for the contest (as well as bringing our daily dose of lead via TMP).
I entered this competition for the challenge of painting something new, and challenging my skills as a painter. There was the added bonus of being able to share my favourite hobby with other like-minded people, and perhaps show at least one person a different way of painting. I can only hope people comment on the end result (and the quality of the article) rather than expecting a reinvention of the wheel. Just because a technique may be basic doesn't mean it ought to be discarded from the repertoire of an experienced painter. Someone, somewhere, will learn something new. You may not, but the contest is being run for the entire community.
Lastly, "thank you" for those who chose to offer their opinions of the entries. These comments are a major reason for me to enter contests such as these. The good comments obviously boost our egos, but more than that, tell us what features of our work we do well and what parts of our painting have the greatest appeal. Although the bad comments can sometimes cut deep, when offered honestly they can improve our painting in ways praise never can.
Unfortunately, the number of comments is small compared to the number of voters. Please participate in this contest by making comments on the entries. Honest opinions from those of us on the sidelines will help make this contest the success it should be. I hope to post many comments over many entries before this contest ends.
I hope everyone involved in this contest will continue to have fun, and good luck to the remaining entrants, may you continue to show me how much more I can do.
