In the beginning, painters from around the world were invited to submit photos of samples of their work. Then, the readers of TMP voted, narrowing the field down to only five - the Finalists.
Dread Pirate Garness, Frustrated Father, Michael Cannon, mxconnell & robartes
Next come the three painting rounds of this contest. Each Finalist has received a bubble-wrapped package:
Within each package are five ziploc bags:
Three of the bags contain the 54mm scale contest figures, as previously selected by the readers of TMP - a gladiator, a barbarian, and a Roman:
The barbarian comes in one piece (with separate shield); the gladiator has a separate arm, head, and shield; and the Roman has separate hands, shield, and scabbard.
One of the other ziploc bags contains optional parts: spare weapons, battle-worn shields, an empty helmet, two heads...
...and two bases that the figures fit into - one round and plain, one square with ground details.
During the painting rounds, the contestants each select one of the contest figures. They have one month to paint the figure, and send in a write-up with photographs. Then, the readers of TMP will select one contestant to expel from the competition.
Thus, the original five finalists will be whittled down to three for the final round, after which the winners will be voted for.
Prizes (and contest figures) have been donated by Alpha Miniatures:
- First Place
- A gift certificate worth $100 USD
- Second Place
- A $50 USD gift certificate