Iron Painter MATCHUP AND THEME! Round 4 (season 4)

[supervike]

Hello!

First of all, sorry for the 'tease'. I meant to get these posted last night (working the night shift) but wasn't able to.

Right to it though.


THE ELITE EIGHT!!

Wren vs Demonherald

Stubbdog vs Brushmistress

Skya vs. Beelzebrush

Morf vs r2j1

And now right to the THEME:

The Sidekick

Deadline is Sun. Dec 16th @ 6pm

The little guy, the partner, the helper...
Granted this theme is a bit more esoteric, and maybe even mini-dependent.
The point is to focus on not the hero, but the trusty sidekick. How you interpret the theme is really part of the fun. Remember its all about pleasing the judges.


The field is tightening, every painter here scored at least 46 in the last round.

Will Morf take advantage of the GIMME ANOTHER CHANCE prize?

Can reigning Champ Wren stop the surging Demonherald?

Will r2j1 face an opponent that finishes, or win in the only battle of the men?

Is Beelzebrush have enough metal to stop another Iron Painter Champ, Skya?

Can Stubbdog hold off Brushmistress in the third battle of the sexes?

Will the women go 3-0 again?

Who will advance to the final four?

ALL THIS and much more will be answered in the fourth round of the IRON PAINTER, which begins....


NOW

[r2-j1]

Well I guess I'm off to do my DNF Voodoo ritual on Morf now. It's worked so far.:vb_devil:

Interesting theme, and could be tricky. I actualy was about to start a mini with a sidekick, but I don't think the sidekick in it will be central enough to carry the theme. I'll have to give this one some thought.

[Brushmistress]

Here we go again! I've got no ideas!

[stubbdog]

dang... I foresee a week of just trying to figure out what to do... very tough theme...

Good luck to all.

[Ritual]

Well I guess I'm off to do my DNF Voodoo ritual on Morf now. It's worked so far.:vb_devil:
Hey!! Leave me out of this, will you? :hmpf:

[Beelzebrush]

Cool theme! No idea what to do yet but I like the theme muchly - much more muchly than 'colour' themes anyway :)

[supervike]

Thats good....I like these types of themes too, it really shows off the painters creativity.

I think though, for next season, I'll have other folks give me some ideas for themes....even though I have a good list of about 20 (we've only used 4 this time) Some are rather weak.

[Dragonforge]

Cool Theme and Ive all ready got a great project idea in hand.... Just can't compete LOL
Oh well Ill do it anyhow and if the judges promise to score me I bet Ill beat most of you slackers...

[Wren]

Oh wow, no ideas springing to mind, and I'm up against the mighty scoring force and pro painting dynamo. This is boding well so far... :->

[Dragonforge]

Wren its time for you too to get "Robbed" hehe get the pun..I got it last round.. he smacked me about and put me in my place.. I feel sorry for ya.. Hes gonna get you..

Oh wait on second thought I really don't feel sorry for you... But hes still GONNA get you.. :vb_devil:

[YoungWolf7]

No offense, but go Demonherald, Stubbdog, Beelzebrush and Morf!

May the best man win! :D

(Sorry R2-J1, but wins by DNF don't count with me. ;) )

I'll be on the sidelines this round, but I'll still post an entry to be proud of.

[Wren]

Wren its time for you too to get "Robbed" hehe get the pun..I got it last round.. he smacked me about and put me in my place.. I feel sorry for ya.. Hes gonna get you..

Oh wait on second thought I really don't feel sorry for you... But hes still GONNA get you.. :vb_devil:

Geez, I'm feeling the love! I mean, here I am, just a weak defenseless woman, and only a semi-pro aluminum foil ball painter, and you're revelling in the mighty smack-down that very likely awaits me. Sheesh!

Ah well, on the upside, I can let a couple people poking me about when I can take more commissions know I'll be good to go in two weeks and get back to earning me some new couch money.

[Bexley]

I just want you all to hurry up and finish so we can get on with Season 5, in which every one of my entries will feature a Rackham figure being destroyed by a non-Rackham figure.

[Morf]

LOVE THE THEME! Great job guys, I really love how much interpretation this theme leaves!
I 've survived a round with Wren, I'll survive a lot ;) Good luck to you all!

[EricJ]

man, I guess at this point they're all good matchups! But I think the theme is a good one as well, and leaves a LOT up to interpretation, this will be fun to watch.

[demonherald]

Hey Wren this will be a fun round I have absolutely no idea where to start with this one so many minis to choose from...very mini dependent but maybe there can be some other things to play with...Cheers for the support Jeff but thhis is gonna be a tough fortnight for me..will see how it goes.....

[Skya]

*scratches her head*

Hmmm.... got a couple ideas. Time to go rooting through the lead pile and see what pops out at me.

[DrEvilmonki]

I am glad I'm not having to think of something for this one. Good luck everyone.

[Wren]

Hey demonherald! I've got an idea ping-ponging around my brain. One which would require a fair amount of personal iron, but probably not the kind of iron that would impress the judges. However it goes, I definitely look forward to seeing what you come up with, as you've been wowing us all so far. :->

Bexley - lol! I think that for theraputic reasons you shouldn't wait for the next IP, but should get started on dio along those lines right now.

[demonherald]

I'm at a loss this time round to be totally honest...so many things that could be done but nothing that comes along and bites me in the ass...
will try and have a search this weekend and see what I can find..

[Brushmistress]

I was at a loss for this round when I first saw the announcement of the theme, but now I've got an idea. The rough part is that the scene would be completely scratch built, and I've never sculpted an entire model. I'm going to be optimistic until next Saturday, at which point I should consider a different idea if this one isn't working.

[Morf]

I know what I want to do but I lack one mini and can't think of what could it be. Maybe I'll do some sculpting.

[Bexley]

Wren- I do intend to continue with Loser entries, alongside finishing up the one from last round. Maybe I'll just have that be the theme for the rest of this season. Now, if only I could convincingly portray a model stabbing another with a piece of filigree...

[Brushmistress]

Maybe I'll do some sculpting.

Join the Sculpting Revolution this round!:party:

[Sculpta the squig]

I hvae the perfact mini for this round *evil grin*

Squig

[Wren]

Wren- I do intend to continue with Loser entries, alongside finishing up the one from last round. Maybe I'll just have that be the theme for the rest of this season. Now, if only I could convincingly portray a model stabbing another with a piece of filigree...

Hm... for filigree based murders I think I recommend garrotting or something along those lines. ;->

[Ritual]

Something tells me Bexley is fed up with Rackham minis... :hmmmm:

[r2-j1]

No offense, but go Demonherald, Stubbdog, Beelzebrush and Morf!

May the best man win! :D

(Sorry R2-J1, but wins by DNF don't count with me. ;) )

I'll be on the sidelines this round, but I'll still post an entry to be proud of.

How the hell can you hold other people DNFs against me?

Jeez clearly loyalty means nothing. :hmpf:

[YoungWolf7]

How the hell can you hold other people DNFs against me?

Jeez clearly loyalty means nothing. :hmpf:

:P

Your score in round 2?

[r2-j1]

Say that and not the DNFs then.

So basically I don't deserve to be here, blah blah blah blah blah.
But I can only compete with those put against me. Believe me I would much rather be bounced and have actually faced competition then be here on technicalities. But thats not they way things broke. I'm a bit saddened that one misstep has apparently rendered me unworthy of support.

[Ritual]

Don't feel bad about that round 2 mishap! That's one of the fun things about IP, that you only compete agains ONE person each time. A person with the second highest score of the entire round can be kicked out and someone with a really low score can move on to the next round. A winner is a winner and it means he or she did better than his/her opponent. In your case you did better as you finished your mini, while your opponent didn't.

[PaintMinion]

Okay, The doc put me on new meds today, my delicate backside needs a pillow, the cough medicine is laced with the good stuff (mmm, tasty!), my iron is still low, and I slept more than 3 hours for the first time in a week. I'm ready. I'm thinking!...I'm thinking I should go back to bed where my sidekicks are a box of tissues and a water bottle.

DH - good show! Loved the piece! I'm conflicted over supporting you, and supporting the women!
Jeff - sorry old man, see you in the losers gallery!

[Bexley]

Ritual: A little, yeah.

[Hinton]

I just want it on the record that ONE of r2-j1's opponents was not a DNF. That individual put up a good fight, but was slightly iron-deficient. True, there may have been DNF's since then, but he hasn't exactly sailed through (okay, maybe that could be said considering the one person that did finish didn't have a "wow" entry).

But still....

[supervike]

very good point Mr. Hinton!!!

[Morf]

How the hell can you hold other people DNFs against me?

Jeez clearly loyalty means nothing. :hmpf:

Sorry, not gonna happen this round unless you bad-mojo-voodooed all of the previous contestants. :vb_devil:

[callumrice]

Right well that settles it then! Im an R2-J1 supporter to the final! Come on ol boy! Take it to them!

You cant seriously hold the DNF finishes against him?? Its the whole point of IP, to get your entries done in the 2 week period and as far as i can tell, R2-J1 has done it EVERY time! Thats iron, especially this time of year.

I guarantee if it was any of us in his position, we wouldnt be moaning. "Whether you win by an inch or a mile. Winnings winning".

Plus I love an underdog story.

Come on r2-j1, get those sleeves rolled up and get those brushes out. Show us all what your made of!


:party:

[demonherald]

Say that and not the DNFs then.

So basically I don't deserve to be here, blah blah blah blah blah.
But I can only compete with those put against me. Believe me I would much rather be bounced and have actually faced competition then be here on technicalities. But thats not they way things broke. I'm a bit saddened that one misstep has apparently rendered me unworthy of support.

I support ya .. I would rather have had your run in than mine...not been easy.. plus I think you are saving the best and are about ready to wow us all... how you get here doesn't matter your here and your ready...go you....

I have my ideas but all is dependent on Monday where I am visiting hospital and may have to stay a while ... ongoing health issue that has taken a kick for the worse recently but hopefully I can get out of Hospital early in the week and be ready to go to work..one thing for certain this is certainly a bitch of a theme....

[Ritual]

I hope things turn out for the best, Rob!

[supervike]

Remember it don't matter how you got here, just that you ARE here.

Anything can happen, this is anyones game.

r2j1 is a damn good painter I wouldn't be surprised at all to find him much deeper than this.

[demonherald]

I hope things turn out for the best, Rob!
cheers Anders ..hopefully so..nevr like hospitals but I'd rather have them than not...

[r2-j1]

r2j1 is a damn good painter I wouldn't be surprised at all to find him much deeper than this.

Well I would be, considering the level of the remaining competition. :)

Doesn't really matter though. I'm over all this now, so back to your regularly scheduled program. I have already started my entry. I have a concept, I have a plan, and I'll take my shot.

And Demonherald I hope everything works out for you.

[Beelzebrush]

Aye... rj-21, it matters not... that's IP for you.... you progress by winning or your opponents lack of iron. Either way, you're here and battling and that's all that matters!


@ DH... good luck in hospital. I hope you don't need to stay :(

[YoungWolf7]

See r2-j1, this is exactly why I usually refrain from smack-talking. It *always* gets taken wrong. Regardless, it had it's intended effect. It got you fired up and ready to compete. Game on. Besides, why would you listen to me? I lost. ;)

Go get 'em.

[Wren]

I have my ideas but all is dependent on Monday where I am visiting hospital and may have to stay a while ... ongoing health issue that has taken a kick for the worse recently but hopefully I can get out of Hospital early in the week and be ready to go to work..one thing for certain this is certainly a bitch of a theme....

Erk, I'm really sorry to hear about this, and hope it turns out to be as minor a visit as is possible!

[demonherald]

Erk, I'm really sorry to hear about this, and hope it turns out to be as minor a visit as is possible!
Yeah me too.. Best case I stay overnight get pumped full of blood thinners and will be fit and ready to paint again by the weekend...worst case longer stay and no chance of entering...
positive thoughts though:nurse: racking my brain over this theme...every sidekick idea I come up with featuring classic sidekicks is either scratch or prepaint...just not gonna be possible I think the trickiest bit is making the sidekick the focus..hmmmm it's a doozy allright Like other rounds I have lots of ideas but rather than previous just trying to decide which to do this round is trying to figure out what is actually gonna be possible....ooooohh bugger...

[Thryth]

Mmmm. Sidekick. I think that Rasputina - The Ice Witch (with the snow-cat) would be perfect for this round, don't you Nathan? ;)

[demonherald]

Hey what about her new companion the Ice Golem.....

[Skya]

Mmmm. Sidekick. I think that Rasputina - The Ice Witch (with the snow-cat) would be perfect for this round, don't you Nathan? ;)

I'll see you the cat, but I'm afraid I'm passing on the ice witch. Or I should say I will see you the cat, at least if I cant find the monkey I want. :P

[Wren]

Mmmm. Sidekick. I think that Rasputina - The Ice Witch (with the snow-cat) would be perfect for this round, don't you Nathan? ;)

It's funny you should say this, as yesterday I switched my plan over to using these. The other idea I had would have required purchasing, assembling and spending two weeks painting a representation of something I have a phobia of, for an end result that fits the theme but isn't at all novel. I'd much rather paint something Wyrd, which I've been wanting to do for at least one IP round. Though this plan has its own hazards...

[Thryth]

Glad some people liked the suggestion. :) How about Morgue Assistant Sebastian? Another nice Wyrd miniature that sounds like a good choice to me.

The funny thing is that I own both of them (the miniatures that I suggested), and usually I spend a bunch of time thinking of what I will paint for the round, and sometime I have to order it, taking even more time. Now that I have been knocked-out of IP, I immediately come-up with two ideas, both of which I own the miniature for. :(

[Morf]

It's the first time I still feel lost after the weekend. I went through my miniature case that stores some dark secrets and .... oh, well, I have three ideas, still not sure.

[Morf]

And a question dear judges: is the theme just 'The Sidekick' or does Supervike's interpretation and guidelines a part of it as well?

[Ritual]

As always, the idea is to make us judges say "Oh, coool!!", preferably by some clever interpretation of the theme. :)

[supervike]

And a question dear judges: is the theme just 'The Sidekick' or does Supervike's interpretation and guidelines a part of it as well?

My idea behind the theme is usually what I'll put as my interpretation....but I think that is very subjective as well. Your interpretation is just as valid.

[stubbdog]

At one point I was gonna paint a little ninja goblin doing a flying sidekick. But, ten came up with a huge very involved idea and started working onthat over the weekend, then changed my mind last night and placed an order for a different model, which hopefully will arrive in a couple of days and I will go with that...

Like everyone else, I think my biggest problem with my ideas right now is how to put the emphasis on the sidekick verses turning it into the primary...

[r2-j1]

Glad some people liked the suggestion. :) How about Morgue Assistant Sebastian? Another nice Wyrd miniature that sounds like a good choice to me.


That was actually my original Idea, doing a little vignette with him and the morgue master. I even started on it this weekend. But last night I had a bolt of inspiration for a whole other idea, that I really like more. I think I'll probably be scrapping that original plan and start working on the new one tonight.

[Morf]

I am not a native speaker but seems like sidekick is not really a side kick. I have a great miniature for that but Webster dictionary left me with almost no doubts. :(

[stubbdog]

ok, so as I just said earlier, I placed an order over the weekend for a particular mini that I really have started to like my iea for. Already have several sketches drawn for the whole thing....

I had another back order already existing with this company so I decided what the heck, call them up to see what the status of that other back order was. Still on back order. So, did a quick verification that they had gotten my order this weekend and makin sure it would e miled to me within the next day or so...

And again OUT OF STOCK... even tho their website does not list it that way. The prior order I knew would take a while as it was a pre-order situation. But this one was not labeled a a pre-order and was not labeled as out of stock. Yet, it seems that it is now. And they wont get anther shipment in for at least a week.

So, crappers in a handbag! Now, I have to figure out if I go back to my prior idea that I am not really liking that much anymore, or try to come up with another idea. One thing is for sure, I currently do not have any minis that would qualify for this theme so I gotta go figure out something...

[YoungWolf7]

I have a good mini set for this one. Should be easy enough.

[Morf]

OK, got it! I'm still sticking to my IP theme - comic books. This time it's gonna be a cross-over. Ever read Wild C.A.T.S and X-Men cross-over?

[Duende]

Ever read Wild C.A.T.S and X-Men cross-over?

I think I might have! (though it was some time ago.) I always liked Zealot even though she was kinda bitchy.

:D

[Bexley]

I think I know what I'm going to do. I don't know how close to "sidekick" it is, but then, I don't have to score points anymore, either.

[Bexley]

...or not. I thought the sprue of Tau in my bits closet had some drone son it. Apparently not. I suppose I could buy some, but I'm a little short on cash at the moment.

Though, it occurs to me that I may have a Samwise figure kicking around somewhere.

[Wren]

I meant to throw up this link earlier and got distracted. Wikipedia has a big list of sidekicks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sidekicks). (Though honestly I've not heard of some of the main guys, let alone their buddies. ;->)

[stubbdog]

Well, I unfortunatel had to re-order my model from a different vendor so now I have two of them coming my way. But, at least I should get it in the next day or two now and can finally start on that part. Started last night on the base.

[demonherald]

@Bexley if you want Drones I have about a hundred of the buggers not sure how quick they would get to you....pm me your address and I can have them in the post in the morning and we can see.

well an overnight stay in the hospital and a blood stream full of drugs I feel like **** but mending and will be back to painting in a couple of days...I am having plenty of time to think about this while not painting though although that is dangerous..A million ideas...

The side kicking goblin came to mind here too stubbs as well as lots of others but I think saturday morning telly when I was a kid is gonna be my main inspiration.....just got to figure the parts...Of course I have just got the Puss in boots model from Dark Slave and he rocks maybe a big green ogre conversion..hmmm stop it..need to get painting again..

[Bexley]

That would be cool, but aren't you in the UK? It'd probably cost me as much to track down one or two locally than it would be for you to send me some.

[demonherald]

That's no worries chief only a quid or so it's more the time than anything but happy to give it a shot...

[Bexley]

Well, that's awfully nice of you. PM sent in a second or two.

[Skya]

Alrighty, miniature chosen, WIP piece up. Time to get my butt in gear. Anyone else actually figured out what they're doing?

[Sculpta the squig]

I have ;)

Squig

[demonherald]

I have a few dependent on models but still resting up..Same issues with the "these look like toys" problem.
@Bexley Drones in the post this morning....

[stubbdog]

Thought I was gonna start my base last night, but was feeling a bit under the weather (have a doctor appt today at 2:30). But, I did finish my sketches so I know how I want it to look like if it all works out. Will start the basework tonight, I hope. The minis should arrive in the next day or so. My idea morfed a couple of times yesterday so I actually have like 3 different mini orders from three different places coming. How I work depends on how they arrive.

[Wren]

Oh, I figured out what I wanted to do a while back. What I haven't figured out is how to give myself a kick in the butt to work harder at it instead of playing video games. Or how to quash the urge to give it up as a hopeless cause and go back to closet sorting and Christmas card writing.

[Bexley]

DH: Thanks!

[Morf]

Oh, I figured out what I wanted to do a while back. What I haven't figured out is how to give myself a kick in the butt to work harder at it instead of playing video games.

Hehehe, it is so much easier since I finished Mass Effect on Sunday.
I am almost finished with the base, a lot of work with the two miniatures to go on it ;).

[demonherald]

Oh, I figured out what I wanted to do a while back. What I haven't figured out is how to give myself a kick in the butt to work harder at it instead of playing video games. Or how to quash the urge to give it up as a hopeless cause and go back to closet sorting and Christmas card writing.

kicking yourself in the butt would be quite a trick let me know how that goes....

[stubbdog]

if you sidekick yourself in the butt and catch it on film, that would be really ingenious and probably earn you extra pints from the judges.

[demonherald]

or got a sidekick to give you a side kick while another sidekick captures a picture with his personal organiser sidekick ...gold.....

[Wren]

Hehehe, it is so much easier since I finished Mass Effect on Sunday.


That's the one that's got me in its claws!

I can literally kick myself in the butt with the back of my heel, not sure if that counts. I gotta agree that being able to do it in a side kickingly sort of way would be cool and worthy of extra points!

[demonherald]

That's the one that's got me in its claws!

I can literally kick myself in the butt with the back of my heel, not sure if that counts. I gotta agree that being able to do it in a side kickingly sort of way would be cool and worthy of extra points!
And would make a damn funny photo....
I reckon next IP that each entrant should also submit a pic of themselves recreating the theme as a tiebreaker should the need arise....that would be a laugh.

[Bexley]

Though, that could lead to felony assault/manslaughter charges if the theme is ever "Dead of Winter" again.

[Morf]

That's the one that's got me in its claws!



I am still getting over the fact that it was pretty short and the final play wasn't as hard as I thought!

[Wren]

I'm pretty thorough about clearing maps and checking stuff out, so games often take me a bit longer. i've been doing better at the combat than I expected, but there's been a couple of times when I've turned the controller over to hubby because I will only repeat an attempt so many times. There are too many things to do in life to repeat the same portion of a video game umpteen times. As you can imagine, I don't play too many platform games. ;->

[Morf]

This is turning into a MAJOR off-topic but my team somehow ended up tracking Matron Benizia early in the game and I was close to giving up but managed to survive and with a major experience boost progressed fast and almost never had to replay a combat. Unlike unlocking all those crates and stuff :( I'm not an arcade player either.
People go play Mass Efect! R2J1 - you need to try it out in particular :)

[r2-j1]

This is turning into a MAJOR off-topic but my team somehow ended up tracking Matron Benizia early in the game and I was close to giving up but managed to survive and with a major experience boost progressed fast and almost never had to replay a combat. Unlike unlocking all those crates and stuff :( I'm not an arcade player either.
People go play Mass Efect! R2J1 - you need to try it out in particular :)

Not likely, Mass Effect just hasn't really caught my interest. I probably won't get any new games till the Holidays, and of course that will be to late to save you.

[DrEvilmonki]

Any of you slackers going to do a WIP on this one?

[Skya]

I think half of them have no idea what they are doing and arent going to finish. :P

And Beelze hasnt put up a WIP the whole competition. Hey Beez! You going to show us some Iron? WIP pics, my man. Show us what you got.

[Morf]

No WIPs. Somebody should check out the WIPs effect on final scoring :) It's the psychology :)

[Skya]

Nonsense, I got the highest score round two and did the most extensive WIP shots ever.

[demonherald]

Nonsense, I got the highest score round two and did the most extensive WIP shots ever.
I agree there and they are an interesting aspect of the comp...I'm gonna try get some going this round but the problm is A. gettig started and B.my paint and photography area share the same spot at the minut while decorating so it's a bit of a pain in the ass to break down set up etc etc....

[Skya]

I agree there and they are an interesting aspect of the comp...I'm gonna try get some going this round but the problm is A. gettig started and B.my paint and photography area share the same spot at the minut while decorating so it's a bit of a pain in the ass to break down set up etc etc....

Yeah theres a reason my WIP shots are a simple camera shot on the surface I'm working on. I dont have time to set up and take down my photo setup every time I want some quick WIP pics.

[Beelzebrush]

I think half of them have no idea what they are doing and arent going to finish. :P

And Beelze hasnt put up a WIP the whole competition. Hey Beez! You going to show us some Iron? WIP pics, my man. Show us what you got.


lol


That might be difficult as I haven't started it yet :D

Actually, I have finished it... in my head. I tend to completely finish something in my mind first, then just do it. Usually at the last minute to put myself under pressure. Once started, I hit it like a greased cougar from the planet 'Big Bollocks' ......I tend to do this with anything I do, not just miniatures. I guess I'm just the man-of-mystery :D

[Skya]

Heh. I can can respect that. Though I gotta say if I did that I'd never get anything done. I hit a point where I know exactly what I want, exactly how to do it and it ends up feeling like an awful lot of work that darn it shouldnt take so bloody long.

[Beelzebrush]

... my modus-operandi definitely isn't fool-proof :D

[r2-j1]

Yeah theres a reason my WIP shots are a simple camera shot on the surface I'm working on. I dont have time to set up and take down my photo setup every time I want some quick WIP pics.

That was also a more technical theme so I don't think a WIP is going to hurt a score because you pulling off the technique itself is the key. In the more open ended categories like this, and the last, round judges seem to really reward a "clever" idea more than anything for the theme score. I think showing your idea early in a WIP, can rob the final piece of the impact it might other wise have had when the finished product is posted. I know the judges wouldn't consciously give a lower score because they have been seeing the idea for a week or two, but unconsciously I think it might have an effect.

So in other words don't look for any thing from me this round till I'm done.

[stubbdog]

My minis havent arrived yet, so not much to show...

[Wren]

In the more open ended categories like this, and the last, round judges seem to really reward a "clever" idea more than anything for the theme score. I think showing your idea early in a WIP, can rob the final piece of the impact it might other wise have had when the finished product is posted. I know the judges wouldn't consciously give a lower score because they have been seeing the idea for a week or two, but unconsciously I think it might have an effect.


r2's voiced my vague feelings about this pretty well. When it comes to the 'story' themes, I think it's a bit more of a risk to do WIPs that show the whole thing. Especially if there's a joke or any sort of 'oh I get it' moment. Since my choice of minis has been outed and I can probably show some stuff without revealing the story I might do some WIPs, but there the problem becomes the whole not having much done yet... I'm days behind where I meant to be, and have to spend this afternoon doing some GS on joints I wasn't expecting. Tonight's game night, so I guess I'll have to see what I can accomplish tomorrow. :->

[Beelzebrush]

Woot! I've actually started painting!

My iron now has added carbon! :D

[Morf]

So in other words don't look for any thing from me this round till I'm done.

Partner, you got it nailed.

[Skya]

Mmmm. While I can see your point I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the WIP stuff is one of my favorite parts of this competition and even if it lowers my score a bit I'm here to have fun. Theres a reason I prefer the more technical themes. :P

[r2-j1]

Agreed I do like the WIPs also. But the competition is getting so stiff now, that I need every little edge I can get.

[Skya]

Gah! The paint has eaten my brain!

[Morf]

I like a healthy mix of creativeness and technical, if it was only down to technical a certain woman whose nick starts with W would trample most of us :)

[Beelzebrush]

heheh! Feels like the tension is rising a bit round these parts :vb_devil: It's great fun :D

[LavronYor]

Iron-ic

[YoungWolf7]

Par-a-noi-a, deed de-stroy-a...

:lol:

[Wren]

Bah. I guess it's in keeping with the theme that it's the little guy giving me trouble. He just doesn't want to stay together. :-<

[demonherald]

That won't do a sidekick that can't keep it together..how unreliable is that...
Ha a slight brainwave moment today and have a potentially cool idea but it all depends on wether I can make a toy from a Kinder Surprise work...stay tuned...

[Wren]

Oooh, Kinder egg toys are cool. I've got a whole bag of them somewhere I should probably scope out for possible mini purposes.

[Beelzebrush]

Gah... I was going to do a WIP but dropped the bloody thing and chipped a big flake of paint .... bugger!

[Beelzebrush]

... omg! I just dropped my camera too... I'm going to give the WIP a miss before I totally wreck something :(

[Sculpta the squig]

:S as a bit of a challenge to my self, I decided to paint the mini (GD 2007 gobbo assistant) with zenithal lighting... ...I'ts damn hard :(

SQuig

[Wren]

Ack, I hope your camera is okay? A similar incident is the reason I had to buy a new camera.

I have something that's actually assembled and primed, and plan to paint today, so maybe I will have something to take a WIP from by the end of the weekend.

[Beelzebrush]

Fortunately it seems okay... I'm pretty relieved... it's a DSLR and pretty heavy.

[Wren]

Glad to hear it's okay, losing a DSLR would be even more painful!

[Morf]

I wonder why people mention "the little guy" when refferring to Sidekicks. What about huge sidekicks like Steel Giant?

[Skya]

Iron Giant you mean? I thought that was a great idea, but wasnt in a mood to paint robots. :)

[PaintMinion]

I think the paint ate my brain, too, skya. I've been staring at sword pics for the last hour and still can't see it the way I want it! My lttle girl's sword still looks twisted, not shiny.

:trytofly: :thinking: :tired:

[Skya]

*sends some Zen Paintminion's way*

[demonherald]

*sends some Zen Paintminion's way*
could you send a little my way or failing that a good technique for painting flat on my back as thats how I'm spending my time....:puke:

[Morf]

Since this week is going to be dreadfully busy and I still have a lot of Pulp City stuff to paint, I pushed myself hard and almost finished. I'll do some minor touches on Wed and maybe take pictures around Thursday.

I really like the story it tells and my S.O. does as well. I may show it to some broader audience.

[PaintMinion]

DH, buck up and push through the pain! You can have half of Skya's energy burst. I just need enough to push through this new NMM method I've never done before and am having trouble pulling off so it looks right. Besides, I've seen her piece and think it's gonna be gorgeous--she's got energy to spare!

[demonherald]

will do PM ..... although I have to go back to hospital wednesday ..wonder if I can sneak a brush and a couple of paints in my overnight bag..hmmmm

[Morf]

I hope you'll be fine, though I can see the annoyance of constant visits to the hospital. Impressed you've managed to push that far and on that level!

[Brushmistress]

AAAAAAAH! Ok-is anyone else experiencing great difficulty with this round? I'm on my third idea, all because I couldn't get a mule miniature in time. It'll be a real push to not DNF. :-(

[YoungWolf7]

I'm nearly done with my primary piece. I should have a WIP shot up later on tonight.

[demonherald]

I hope you'll be fine, though I can see the annoyance of constant visits to the hospital. Impressed you've managed to push that far and on that level!

Cheers Morf it's amazing sometimes what you get used to when you have no choice in the matter although in all honesty this is proving a real challenge..

I've actually managed an hour today and that mainly consisted of getting rid of a few mould lines and then trying to "de-toy" a kinder egg gift....not perfectly happy but it's a start..

[Wren]

I finally got a start on actual painting this weekend after more cursing at my CA glue. Not enough to bother with a picture yet, but maybe it'll be worth dragging out the camera by tonight. Now I'm starting to get into it some, but I probably messed myself up enough with putting stuff off and technical difficulties last week that I still don't have much of a chance of finishing on time.

Sorry to hear things aren't going so well dh. :-< You're a real trooper to keep on as you do!

[Skya]

I'm about 3/4 finsihed. I'd have done WIP pics this weekend but ended up getting blindsided by being sick. Now that I'm pretty much better I'll get some done this afternoon. Hey maybe I'll actually get it finished this afternoon too. That'd be cool, two weeks in a row of painting free time instead of just one. :)



Quote:
Originally Posted by Skya http://wyrd-games.net/tren_z/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://wyrd-games.net/showthread.php?p=39460#post39460)
*sends some Zen Paintminion's way*could you send a little my way or failing that a good technique for painting flat on my back as thats how I'm spending my time....


All you need is something to rest your elbows on and a pallet that works at an angle... Hmm bet they've designed something for working in space. :)

[stubbdog]

Hello gang...

Well, I finally was able to crawl out of my bed today. First time since Friday. One of my minis arrived on Friday, but I have been so ... uh... dont know the correct word other than "ill".. that I have not even looked at any of it yet. If I wasnt knocked out from my medz, I was hacking up my lungs and sapping all energy left. But, the medz have finally started helping. I think / hope that I will have enough energy tonight after work to be able to start on this thing... I still have at least one more mini coming and I had thought it would be here by now, and my original plan had me finished with the first mini over the weekend in time to start the second one when it arrived today. Just gonna have to hope to be able to hold it together this week to get something in.

[stubbdog]

Putting this reply in here instead of Skya's WIP as its not really appropriate there...

DH had said about the idea of usingthe ghould queen and her ghouls as a possible idea.

I actually had thought about using her too. That was part of my original idea. I was going to play up his whole guy verses girl undertone this contest has taken on. I was going to portray he battle of the mages, thru their sidekick familiars. I was going to have a male mage verses a female mage (played by the ghoul queen). They would be inthe background as their familiar sidekicks (also male and female familiars) dooked it out in the center.

But, i decided not to go with that idea since I didnt really feel that familiars would fit the judges idea of a sidekick.

[demonherald]

@stubbdog I had ideas of the familiars battle too and drew the same conclusions ..I guess it's where a familiar stops being a familiar and becomes a sidekick..(usually a naming thing) .. Your Ill too damn this round should be carrying a health warning or maybe it's just our Iron Levels aren't up to it...
I'm happy to report I got most of my building dne today and am gonna have a crack at painting tomorrow..I'm tingling after not painting for nearly 10 days now...gotta get it in before going back on Weds.....it's a fun challenge allright.....

[Skya]

Sidekick is such an odd term. As I mentioned in my WIP thread it's one of those things that can be taken many ways, but seems to have morphed with modern culture. Used to be you'd have Bonny and Clyde, the Lone Ranger and Tonto, Batman and Robin, heck even R2-D2 and C3PO counted as sidekicks. Now we're stuck with either children's story characters (every Disney story in existence has a sidekick) or the comicbook style I'm here as back up sorts, because these days the concept seems to have changed and sidekicks for adult fiction are more likely to be partners. Main characters in their own right, but the story just isnt focused on them. I mean it's to the point where when I mentioned needing to come up with a good sidekick piece my husband started listing off the love interest in movies. So then the question becomes what is a sidekick? What are the defining characteristics? Personally I came up with the following, your mileage may vary:

Obviously someone who is there for you, by your side.
Making being around a lot an important aspect.
A friend.
In many stories the sidekick is a moral compass, someone who questions why the hero is doing something.
When the sidekick isnt the guide per say, they are often the student. Martial arts sories do that. This lends well to the concept of the kid as sidekick. I actually went looking for something that would work with a kid looking up to the parent. Really liked the concept, couldnt find anything I wanted to paint.

So the question continues. Was Igor a sidekick? Yeah probably, though many would lump him under henchmen. When your entire purpose in life is do what the hero tells you to do, the partner part of the relationship often just isnt there. Not always the case, but still a finer line for me. Is an apprentice a sidekick? I'd say yes, although again it depends on what the relationship is. What about a familiar? The companion horses in the Valdamar series almost definately qualify, but your average familiar as a pet just doesnt seem to carry that kind of impact. The familiar who is a partner works for me, or the familiar that talks back, gives witty commentary on the situation that kind of thing...

I'd love to hear what others think. If I had time it would be a great subject to do an entire Joseph Campell style analysis on. Given my lack of writing skills though I think I'll let someone else work on that one. Heck, I bet someone's already done it. Maybe I should go peruse the library.

[demonherald]

I reckon that's what's causing half the problems in this round...Vikes little description was obviously his take on it but it is interesting...
I had ideas on a few you mentioned and I might as well say them now as they won't be etting done...
Lone Ranger ..That was my first idea only I was going for Silver and maybe putting tonto in there..idea silver pulling lone ranger out of quicksand with a rope like saturday morning telly.would have been great and I still may do it now I have the parts together.
Batman and robin well I have the hero clix figures ready but will not get time todo them.. idea robin rescuing Batman..
etc etc the idea being that the emphasis will be put on the sidekick by him/her/it being the hero of the piece rescuing the "hero"
Then I played with the idea of what I am now lumping into familiars with little dragons spellcasters etc all coming into play..
So what is a sidekick I agree with your thoughts on it and my own general interpretation is the sidekick is a named character that generally is there to balance up what is missing from a main character...so the comedy relief, the brains, the braun.. generally someone or thing that compliments the main guy in this way...
figures wise things like Grom the Paunch and Gobbla (not just any goblin and squig but named)
now I'vesettled on basically two sidekicks that act as sidekicks for each other Donkey and puss in boots...I ain't keeping anything secret I will post wip if I get chance..I have several potential ideas around them but that's what I'm using..

The thing is for me as you say Disney has a lot to answer for in that I now find myself preferring the sidekick and for me they fill the larger role or at least the role I am more interested in... I couldn't give a rat's what shrek is up to but can't wait for the next funny donkey line...Genie in Alladin same thing..timon and pumba (OK i like cartoons)

of course there could be a whole discussion on when does a sidekick stop being a sidekick and the characters become a group or team ( three stooges, marx bros goonies )

[Wren]

Some very interesting thoughts here. When I started trying to figure out what to paint I went through most/all of the same characters - R2D2, Tonto, Robin. I thought about Igor, but I was concerned about a difference between minion and sidekick. Is it a moral one (evil gets minions, good gets sidekicks so it's really the same thing), or more one of freedom of action (the sidekick chooses their role, often at great personal sacrifice, while the minion just follows orders or fears to leave). My first idea was Sam vs. Shelob, cause I think Sam is a pretty iconic sidekick and that's his big action moment, but I hate spiders so I'm glad I went another way.

Familiars... that's an interesting question. In RPG terms, I had one character who had a familiar wither higher INT who ended up having his own class, character sheet and lots of things to do. I'd have to call him a sidekick. Or there are those familiars you barely remember are around unless some scouting needs done. I probably would have shied away from a familiar type sidekick for this round, but I wanted to use a Wyrd mini at least one round if I could think of an idea.

I think Skya raises a very interesting point that the modern adult fiction sidekick is really just a question of POV, and could be the main character of a story told by someone else. I think there are a few qualities that often define many sidekicks. The big one I can think of, though I'm sure there are loads of exceptions, is that there's usually something special about the main character - a destiny, his/her past, an unusual ability - while the sidekick is just a regular person. Xena's doing good to erase the sins of her past, Gabrielle just wanted to get out of her boring village. Frodo's got to deal with that ring, Sam's quest is being Frodo's friend. Buffy's the Slayer, the Scooby Gang (at least at first) are just fellow high school kids. Interestingly, I think that dynamic often really means that the sidekick is in some ways MORE heroic than the hero. They don't have to be there, they don't have the same resources to deal with the situation, but they take it on any way for love and loyalty to their friend, or because they know what's at stake and feel morally obligated to participate to the best of their ability.

[DrEvilmonki]

You could also look at the case of Bruce lee in the Green Hornet where he played the side kick Kato.

In Hong Kong the show was called the Kato show as Bruce lee was seen as the star.

[supervike]

In Hong Kong the show was called the Kato show as Bruce lee was seen as the star.

I think everyone who saw that show thought he was the star too!

[Morf]

Interesting.The issue of "Who is the sidekick, who is the boss" might be all about the spread of power. You can clearly say that Batman is superior to Robin in every aspect, yet he needs him.

In my piece I tried to picture a sidekick (a pretty annonymous persona - well not exactly a persona) take the responsibility when the mistress falls. The sidekick to me is all about the situation when the character goes from a background persona into the action.

Sam and Frodo, Caramon and Raistlin, Bucky turned Winter Soldier.

Are Tubbs and Crockett sidekicks of each other? How about some uneasy, forced sidekicking like Slaine and Ukko?

[DrEvilmonki]

Sam and Frodo is a bad example of a sidekick. Obviously from the movies they are actually more correctly termed as "life partners"

[Morf]

Aaaaa... ok, can they adopt children?

[YoungWolf7]

Posted my crappy WIP. I might get to the sidekick by Saturday. :lol:

[Brushmistress]

I agree that a sidekick is someone who is there for their compatriot, and that it does not have to be a person to person relationship. I initially was going with a Dick Dastardly & Mutley comedy piece, then jumped to Don Quixote/Sancho Panza (that was never going to happen in two weeks), and now I finally settled on an old Tom Meier piece with a trusted animal looking out for a friend dozing on the job.

[Brushmistress]

Sam and Frodo is a bad example of a sidekick.
I think they are a great example- Frodo would have been screwed on many occassions were in not for the dutiful loyalty of Sam, though Frodo was clearly looked at as the Hobbit in charge.

[stubbdog]

tick tock tick tock... man that clock just wont stop...

I thought I was going to be feeling good eough last night to start working... But, alas by the time got home, the head was reeling again and off to bed I went.

But, I finally woke up this morning feeling fairly decenteven beore i took my medz. So, hopefully I ill get to do some major work tonight. Gonna have to, to get caught up and have anything respectable worthy of competing with my opponent.

Oh, and hopefully the second mini of my piece will arrive today. If not, I have no idea how I am gonna think about getting that one done in time. I have to do some converting and greenstuffing on it to make it work to begin with.

[r2-j1]

Man I have been so busy with other things I'm behind now. I know I'll be able to do the minis with out to much trouble but I need to get cracking on a base soon if I want to finish. Of course first I need to come up with a good idea for the base.

[DrEvilmonki]

I think they are a great example- Frodo would have been screwed on many occassions were in not for the dutiful loyalty of Sam, though Frodo was clearly looked at as the Hobbit in charge.

Yeah that was a joke you know.

[PaintMinion]

You have to remember that the "sidekick" is a writer's tool, a fictional workhorse, a sidekick as a type of secondary character to contrast and showcase the main character's traits, weaknesses and strengths, emotions, morals and actions. They are the sounding board and "backdrop" all in one that must compliment the main character and allows us, the reader/viewer, to judge the main character in an emotional, moral and world context. The sidekick allows the main character to shine, points to deepest fears, failures, and quirks of character.

And that's as far as I'm going because I've got painting to do, not a paper to write! Dang you Noel!

[orkydave]

Well better late than never!

Cool theme, cool matchup, and can't wait to see the posted masterpieces on Sunday!

Time permitting, I may try and get my ltd edition collectors Gotrek Gurnisson and Felix Jaeger done for the I think I can! Category, although looking at my to do pile, I think I can't might be more appropriate!

[Nathan Caroland]

Where the heck you been Dave?

[demonherald]

He's working for GW now so he doesn't get time to go on the net too many armies to paint.....I thought about the Gotrek and Felix models too Dave can't find my bloody Felix though

[stubbdog]

well crappers in a handbag... I am in a tough bind now.

I just found out that I have to go n a business trip leaving Friday. And I still havent even received the second mini in the mail yet. It should have arrived back on Monday based on regular postal timeframes.

I am not going to DNF, but I am not sure yet if I will have a complete piece either. This totally sucks.

[Sculpta the squig]

Gah, I have to downgrade my idea. AGAIN, the gladular fever and my festering lip (I bit it badly after it had been anesthatized by my dentist, while eating a grape. I didn't realize I had finished the grape and started on my lip unitl there was ton's of blood in my mouth :( ) So now I'll be painting the little gunpowder monkey from the new Handgunners set from GW

Squig

[Ritual]

Damn, that sounds nasty!! :(

[demonherald]

hey Stubbs your having some bad luck there chief fingers crossed for ya...
I had just about built my entry (I thought) another look this morning revealed that my aching head meant I missed a million mould lines and in fairness the whole thing looks a bit ****e...more drugs today so another day or so flat on my back leaves me Saturday to get it done..Oh Joy but like stubbs I ain't gonna DNF....

[Morf]

OMG that sound like a bad mojo round! I better take the pics today before my dog eats the contest entry!

[Brushmistress]

I truly hope that everyone feels better over the coming week. It sounds like this round has been a rough time for all, both artistically and health wise. Have some Evan Williams Egg Nog, sit by a fire (or by the ocean if it's warm outside!), enjoy your family & Be Merry!:fest06:

[Morf]

Next round for the lucky four may be really tough, who's got the Iron to work through holiday season???

[Wren]

Working through the holiday season would affect me too much - we live a long distance away from both our families and no visits were arranged this year, so it's just me and hubby. After we open presents it'll pretty much just be like a weekend. Of course movies and Mass Effect will be calling and tempting me to not work at all, but I could try to be moderate.

But since right now I feel like I picked a very stupid plan that I'm too unhandy to ever pull off and I'm frustrated and annoyed and not sure I even want to bother trying, I don't think I'll have to worry about it. :-<

[demonherald]

You've got to bother trying Wren ..If I beat ya I'll have to try and get something done over xmas while simultaneously trying to catch up on a month of commissions that have suffered due to me being medically inept...So please put the game down and get the modelling and painting head fixed.

[Wren]

This is kind of funny dh - I'd be fine with losing this round so I can starting taking a few more commissions and getting more serious about the huge house purge/clean/reorganization that's long overdue. But I'm not goofing off to lose, honest. :-> I was talking about it would be harder to keep nose to grindstone over the holidays if I made it to the next round because even though we won't have a lot of social engagements, when my husband is off work he'll want to do stuff like watch movies and play games. Right now the stuff keeping me from putting as much time into my entry as I'd like is writing Christmas cards and other stuff that is far from gaming fun.

I think I've found an alternate way to approach what I was freaking out about earlier. It should be a little easier time-wise and avoid some other issues that were making me cranky. Might even look more interesting. Doesn't make me any less stupid since I bought some stuff for plan A I won't be using, but oh well.

[demonherald]

I'm always buying stuff for Plan A I don't use...In fact when the dust settles health fixes 08 starts commissions are back in line and Santas been I may do all my Plan A's and pop them in my gallery.My entry for this round should be allright ..The toy aspect of the kinder toy Has been overcome with copious greenstuffing but I'm a little wary that it may take more out of me to paint than I can currently commit....The drugs today weren't as much of a shock to the system as the first lot so hopefully painting by Friday.. luckily having to rest means I haven't had a chance to get hooked on my new toy (Nintendo Wii) otherwise it could really be game over....

[stubbdog]

Well, I just posted my WIPs.

Anylast mnute small changes or suggestions you mght have are appreciated. I only have tonight to paint so I will b a praying that my physical well being will be up to it. I would say that I am already running at only about 60-70&#37; right now and its still a long way til I get home, deal with kids, and house items before I will finally get to try and test the paintbrush.

[demonherald]

Prayers and well wishes for ya...good luck.

[Brushmistress]

Just checked out the WIP Stubbdog- good luck finishing - it's looking really excellent.

[Bexley]

I got my drones from DemonHerald, so I'll be painting up my loser's entry this weekend, alongside more work on the Lioness. My entry for the loser's round will be fairly simple, as I want to be ABSOLUTELY SURE that I'll finish.

[demonherald]

well I've managed a good 3 hours today and the head now says rest....got a fair bit done...base basecoated sidekick one complete sidekick 2 greenstuffed (damned Kinder egg toy..mutilated it beyond recognition) and overall shaping up ok....

[Morf]

I'm happy to announce my weekend starts right now, I posted my entry and deperately need to tend some social issues: S.O., family, dogs, friends. For the last two months I paint an average of two minis a week, that is way too much for a non-pro who happens to work two jobs! :)

Dear Judges, just don't treat this little whining session as "kick me out of the IP" :)

[Wren]

I'm making pretty good progress, I think. The frosty monarch is almost done, I just need to finish up her hair and do touch-ups on places where paint has rubbed off. I started construction on the base and an accessory. I want to get all the placements and such arranged and the lion glued firmly onto the base before I start to paint him. I don't think his two halves are attached that securely so it seems safer to do it that way. It's not cause he's not the star of the show, honest!

[demonherald]

I'm looking forward to seeing the finished item as always Wren.....I don't thnk there's been any smack anywhere this round very civil mutual respect all round ..morf's entry has set a high bar cracking stuff...great fun...I've primed The donkey and it actually looks allright.. If I sound shocked it's because before undercoating it looked a bit ****e...quick tip for anyone using kinder toys ever...a quick brush with Brush restorer (I used vallejo) and a coat of thin filler (vallejo plastic putty) makes a nice surface for undercoat to take....My only problem now is that the puss isn't dreamworks enough but considering the scene I may get away with it.....

[YoungWolf7]

Down to the last 24 hours and I'm stuck here @ work. Crap. Good thing I'm in the loser's bracket already.

[PaintMinion]

A bit worse for the wear after yesterdays family clan horde christmas party, and I must get this finished and pics taken! And then Skya had toc all and give me that most excellent idea to do with it and i don;t think i have time! Dang you Skya! And your piece is looking soooo gooood!

[Beelzebrush]

Done... and posted :D

C'mon Skya let's see it :D

I really enjoyed that round, but it was a bugger finding the time to do it.

[PaintMinion]

Noel??? 1 hour and 15 minutes left! Where are you??? I'm debating calling because I'm afraid I'll interupt your last minute scramble, but I gotta know you're okay!

[YoungWolf7]

In under the wire. Lots of minor things left undone, but hey. I'm not competing. ;)

[demonherald]

Noel??? 1 hour and 15 minutes left! Where are you??? I'm debating calling because I'm afraid I'll interupt your last minute scramble, but I gotta know you're okay!
Dramatic entry ...... keeping us all in suspenders...

[Skya]

Hehehehe. I spend way too much time working on my pictures and they never actually seem right, so I'm consistently up to the wire when I do my final pics on the Sunday deadline.

[supervike]

That's it...deadline has passed. Sorry Stubbdog!

Judges, they are yours to judge...

[Wren]

Whew, that was a lot closer to the wire than I'd hoped for. There was a bit more I could have fiddled with, but that's almost always the way. Took a quick look and there is some super cool stuff in there, congrats everyone! I'll have to take a better look after I get back from some dinner and relaxation and trying to get the smell of epoxy glue out of my nose!

[demonherald]

Hey stubbs I guess you didn't get done thursday..real shame te illness got the better of ya..hope ya finish it up and post it when ya return as the idea was tops..Wren you are mad and Skya worth the wait...

[Beelzebrush]

Crikey! You ladies like to keep us chaps waiting! :D

I was lucky with my photos this time, they came out ok first(ish) attempt lol.... probably something to do with new white lightbulbs I bought for this round - my old ones were really rubbish :)

Great entries again. This comp is really inspiring!

[Beelzebrush]

... ack

Actually Brushmistress posted ages ago ... doh!

[Skya]

Yeah I got me some new compact florescent daylight bulbs for this round. Two of those on the sides and then a clear reveal bulb up top and I'm finally happy with the lights I'm using. I've got to do some odd things with putting stuff up on the lower sides of my tent to get light to diffuse right, but all in all it's a *much* better setup now that I've figured out how to use it right.

There is some absolutely great and thoroughly crazy stuff up this round. This competition just keeps getting better and better.

[supervike]

The bar has not only been raised, but it's been sent into orbit. The quality of entries we are seeing is unprecedented. But the thing that amazes me is the fact that you folks are putting out serious competition level entries in an incredibly short turnaround time.

I was sure the Iron Painter was something special in that very first 'season' but this latest incarnation just goes to show what creative folks can do when pressed. Kudos to each and every one of you. I can honestly say any of you folks left could win this thing, and I wouldn't be surprised at all, no matter who does it. Wow, just wow.

[LavronYor]

I was going to go to bed, but I will have to see the entries first...

[Ritual]

The bar has not only been raised, but it's been sent into orbit. The quality of entries we are seeing is unprecedented. But the thing that amazes me is the fact that you folks are putting out serious competition level entries in an incredibly short turnaround time.


Not to take away any of the impressiveness of this, but in my experience, a competition level mini can be done in a short time if you've got the right mix of inspiration and determination (with a little splash of panic). One of the minis I did for Ravage Mix Open earlier this year I started less than a week before I was going, and I had 2 more minis to finish in that time as well. Now, what I find REALLY impressive is managing to do this not once, but again and again without rest in-between. :)

[DrEvilmonki]

Some nice stuff. As always it is good to see what you all come up with - 7 different ideas all good.

[Skya]

Not to take away any of the impressiveness of this, but in my experience, a competition level mini can be done in a short time if you've got the right mix of inspiration and determination (with a little splash of panic). One of the minis I did for Ravage Mix Open earlier this year I started less than a week before I was going, and I had 2 more minis to finish in that time as well. Now, what I find REALLY impressive is managing to do this not once, but again and again without rest in-between. :)

We get a week off for good behavior while you guys go through and do your judging thing. :ahhhhh:

[Ritual]

Ah, forgot that... Good point! We should really speed up the voting process till next round! ;) To up the iron level of the competition! :vb_devil:

[Skya]

Ah, forgot that... Good point! We should really speed up the voting process till next round! ;) To up the iron level of the competition! :vb_devil:

*snickers*

That's a great idea! :idea:

Let me know when the blue moon aligns withe Venus and the judging actually gets finished by Wednesday I'd be all for it. :slug: :P

[Ritual]

I'm going to show that it is possible by having my votes in tonight, (I think...).

[supervike]

Speaking of a week off....I was toying with the idea of not announcing the new theme and match ups until the Friday AFTER Christmas...essentially giving the competitors an extra week off, but not interfering with the time constraints of the contest. I figured with travel and family time that comes with the Christmas holiday, it may be a good idea to bump it back.

What do you folks think?

[Nathan Caroland]

I'd give the Christmas off to be honest - sort of goes against the Iron in Iron Painter but there has to be a limit somewhere.

Oh, and some very, very nice entries.

[Ritual]

As long as the time for painting is the same, I see nothing but advantages with putting the whole thing after Christmas.

[Morf]

Up to you. Not really knowing if I am through or not, I'd like to see the theme this Friday and eventually maybe extend the deadline. But that's just me. First week of January is a work nightmare with zounds of miles to travel for me.
So deadline extension would be the most prefferable.

[Wren]

As long as we do get more than a day or two off right now, I'm fine either way. (My back is the least iron paintery part of me, and it's bitching pretty loudly about yesterday's marathon right now.) Though I'd be just as happy to have Xmas week off so I can goof off with hubby guilt-free.

[Beelzebrush]

I don't mind really... maybe extend the deadline a few days to compensate for Christmas being in the middle. I wouldn't mind having this to do over Christmas though.... but then I am supremely iron lol

Actually, if the theme requires a certain type of mini, it's going to be a pig (impossible really) to order it until after the holidays.

[Hinton]

I'm all for giving the rest of the entrants a week off. With shopping, travel and so many other things going on they probably wouldn't be able to spend enough time working on a solid entry.

[YoungWolf7]

I'd be for having the week off. I'm still playing along so I guess my vote would count.

Speaking of which, with only 4 entries this time in "I think I can" can I trouble the judges to score those entries as well?

[Ritual]

I suggest we follow Supervike's idea to hold the theme and match-ups till after Christmas, then do things the way we usually do it. Friday-Sunday two weeks later.

[Sculpta the squig]

I wouldn't mind having it over X-mas, lot's of free time, and when the year starts up agan, there will be work/school/obligations etc.

Squig

[stubbdog]

Well hello all.

Tis a disapointed morning for me. Back here in the land of the living, yet not being a part of the big game anymore. What can I say, just wasnt meant to be. I was very happy with my idea. Just couldnt get tings to work out for me timing or health wise.

I just looked in the gallery and all top notch enties in there.

Thanks for letting me participate in this contest. I had a ton of fun, even in the waning moments.

[Ritual]

Hope to see you among the entrants next IP season, Stubbdog.

[Brushmistress]

@ Stubbdog- I hope you get the chance to post your entry when you are feeling better.

Great entries all around- the level of competition at this level is crazy! I'll post comments on the rest of the entries later today.

[LavronYor]

yeah, Stubbdog, hope you are feeling better....

[demonherald]

Well depnding wether or not through the week break would be a good thing I guess especially as mentioned if anything new needed it would be impossible to get..would be a shame to see anyone adversely affected by xmas the level has been so high that it would spoil it if anyone couldn't get time....

@stubbdog I feel ya..things were all to cock for me and to be honest if it wasn'tfor the act the missus was off wrk Saturday I wouldn't have finished..It's a bitch when health affects things like this ad sometimes the tiniest of breaks can make all he difference..hope to see it finished off chief.

[PaintMinion]

I don't know...Do those painters have real iron or not? The holidays are just another good obstacle to overcome. Do they work with what they have, or try to order new? Do they do something elaborate and spend less time with family and friends, or do they scale it back to fit it into the time they have? Do they nap after the holiday feasting, or do they get back to painting? Come on! I still finished an entry during the time limit while celebrating my birthday, my anniversary, my daughter's concert, and being on chemo! It can be done! If you truly want to have mercy upon the current contestants, give them the theme ons chedule and give them 3-4 extra days to work on it. But I would say it's only cuz you're addicted to good entries now. ;-)

[Ritual]

I made up for last round when I was late with my votes, by being early this round. My votes are in, and with comments this time! I will try and do votes and comments on the "I think I can..." entries in the next days.

[Morf]

Wow, thanks! That is fast!

[Ritual]

Yeah, they're not that many this round and I have been following the competition as people have entered so I've had plenty of time to look at the entries.

[Skya]

Meh, two weeks till we know who's still in? That's kinda rough. I'd be just as happy painting over xmas, but I can see the issue of people not being able to order stuff over the holidays. I mean I dont usually buy anything for the competition, but I know a some of you guys dont have the massive lead pile to choose from. I'm happy to do things however Supervike decides, but I'd *really* like to know who's in the next round this week, as Iron Painter is one of those things that drastically affects my schedule.

[Ritual]

I would assume the results of this round will be presented as usual (later this week). It would only be the announcment of new theme and matchups that would be postponed till after Christmas. Am I right, Jim? Personally, I don't care much if we give an extra week off or not, as I'm only judging and that will be after the holidays any way.

[supervike]

Yeah, that was my thought. I wouldn't delay the winners announcement at all, just the NEW theme and NEW matchups.

I dunno, I thought a week off would be nice for everyone.

[Morf]

It seems like out of the: participants, judges and audience it's the latter that has the least Iron in their blood :)
Audience, keep the Iron spirit alive, don't give in to Christmas!

[demonherald]

Well in fairness I'm only away util thursday so If I'm still in then it shouldn't be too big a worry and by he looks of it anytime in januar is gonna be busy....your call vike or do a poll wth the winners see what they wanna do....

[cdukino]

Oh my... quality in IP has really skyrocketed. Just saw the figures for the sidekick round and i just had to comment on them (and yes... i am still around eventhough i am awfully quiet of late). Man am i glad i'm not judging this round. All very high quality and a very nice diversity among the entries. Enjoyed looking at them a lot.

[stubbdog]

Yep, I think even if I had been ableto finish my piece, not sure I would have been able to compete with this round's entries.

[LavronYor]

compete, yes, win maybe....

don't sell yourself short, unless you are Vern Troyer....

[supervike]

don't sell yourself short, unless you are Vern Troyer....

Now that is funny!

[EricJ]

my scoring is in :)

[supervike]

Just one judge left.


I wonder which one that is?

[goblyn13]

Just one judge left.


I wonder which one that is?

It's eric, he just claimed his scoring was done so no one gangs up on him

[demonherald]

lok at the shoutbox and I think it's pretty clear..now des the judging count as the mundane stuff as I gotta say I've enjoyed looking and commenting but wouldn't want to score..whateverhappens four great painters leave....boo hiss.....

[Wren]

I know no one's on the edge of their seat waiting for my comments (as I'm not the one with the scores), but I just wanted to mention that I've commented on all of the entries for this round, and the ones I had missed from last round, in both the main directories and the I think I can section. Great work, really enjoyed looking at all of it!

Thanks muchly to the people who've commented on mine. Honestly I surprised myself by going through with it, particularly as the painting on the witch shaped up! I'm thinking about painting another in the same scheme some time, she wasn't at all painful to paint. Though I'm debating whether to do the hair a different colour, not sure if it's good cause it fits the scheme or ends up being too much of the turquoise. I did intend the ice to be a bit blue, as it's magical ice I thought I'd give it a bit of a glacier touch instead of just being clear. I painted her with that in mind, using a deep blue green in all the shading. I'm going to try to play around a bit with some of the suggestions on my test subject, see if I can spruce up the ice a bit. Thanks for the ideas everyone. (It was weirdly warm here until a few days ago, so I wouldn't have thought of real ice or gaterade or whatever at all. ;->

[stubbdog]

you could always try painting the negative colors of that scheme to give a good contrast , basically a warm witch rather than the cool version...

[supervike]

Get your final licks in soon.. This thread will be closed, as the winners anouncement is on its way.