Where do I start? What a six months this challenge has been. This is my first time at the OWAC and if I’m being honest, I was not prepared for it in the slightest. I first saw this two years ago when I was just getting back into painting. I’ve always worked best when I have a deadline or an event that I need to prepare for, so OWAC seemed the perfect way to get my mojo on and paint on a regular basis. However, I missed the deadline and forgot about it. Then by pure coincidence I was invited into a WhatsApp chat and who happened to be there but the legend that is Tom Young or Frogbug as he is known on forums. Without his help this would never have happened.
My original post had an army list that is listed below
1 General 160 pts
1 Hero 104 pts
10 Thunderers 130 pts
10 Thunderers 130 pts
10 Thunderers 130 pts
15 Miners (plus 204 pts
standard and musician)
12 Slayers 132 pts
10 Warriors 110 pts
1 Flame cannon 119 pts
1 Cannons 110 pts
1 Gyrocopter 100 pts
1 Bolt Thrower 54 pts
As you can see from the picture this changed as the challenge went on and the final finished models are listed below with a total points value of 1897.
1 General 160 pts
1 Master Runesmith 187 pts
10 Thunderers (with full command) 191 pts
10 Thunderers 130 pts
15 Miners (with full command) 256 pts
10 Slayers 132 pts
10 Longbeards (with full command) 213 pts
16 warriors (with spears and full command) 252 pts
2 Cannons 220 pts
I also have the flame cannon, gyrocopter and 10 more warriors almost finished which would bring the completed army up to 2226 points without any magical items. If I had managed my time a little better, then I would have had all of them painted up but unfortunately real-life issues tend to take priority.
The challenge has been both cathartic and frustrating in equal measures. I have been competition focused and lots of those projects have been on the back burner because of the monthly requirements army painting requires. However, it has made me realise that not every blend has to be perfect and in that unit of 16 spearmen no one is going to notice the pouch hasn’t been painted with all three layers required. It also gave nm back a sense of painting for fun which competition pieces don’t tend to instil due to the time and effort required for that type of painting. It was a really great feeling to see each unit final materialise and it was even better as the army began to build up.
The other motivating factor was seeing the amazing work that the other participants put into this event, and I am blown away by quality of the other projects. It would be amazing to see some of them in real life. I’ve seen Tom’s stuff and it’s very humbling to behold the sheer number and quality of paintjob he produces. I was fortunate enough to go to Finland last year and by sheer coincidence bumped into Kuqury, who is also a member of this forum. Hopefully, at some point in the future I will go back and be able to see his creations for real.
I’ve also learnt that NMM isn’t the best technique for army painting but I am so pleased that I stuck with it. Regardless of what anyone else thinks I and so proud of this army and really pleased with the way it looks on the table. A big shout out to Mr Sawyer who inspired me with his yellow and black Dwarven colour scheme all those years ago.
I’d also like to thank Byron for cajoling and helping me on along the way. Without his reminders and helpful downloads I would have lost the plot. I’d also like to thank everyone who commented on my posts and gave feedback and encouragement as the months went by. It made all the difference when that painting enthusiasm began to fade.
Finally, here are a few more shots of the units on a terrain board. I hope to get my dwarven towers and walls finished so that they can act as a backdrop to the yellow and black stunties when they are in the display case I have finally purchased to show them off. Congratulations to everyone who took part. I’m dying to see the final pics.
Thanks for having me and Kind regards
Paul (Hereticus1964)
Such an incredible effort, to a jaw dropping army. Seeing these in the hand, they're each a tiny gem, and all together in the flesh (so to speak) - well, super inspiring! Many thanks for the encouragement your end too, it really helps; pushing each other along 🤘👊! Stuff of legend.
ReplyDeleteCheers mate. Could not have done this without your kind words and hospitality. I'm pretty pleased with this but it pales in comparison with your little green dudes. Looking forward to the next one.
DeleteGreat choice of colour scheme. I've been impressed with the metals every month and overall it looks awesome
ReplyDeleteYou are too kind Ben. Have to admit now they are finished I am pleased with the way that they have come out. Thank you very much.
DeleteSuch a lovely bunch of Dwarves. Very interesting to see how a "proper" painter (no slight on anyone else intended!) deals with painting a large project in a relatively small time. I'm certainly impressed with what you've produced, if you've had to drop your standards a little to get it done it really doesn't show, possibly because the eye focuses on the gorgeous NMM weapons and the characterful faces rather than a belt pouch or scabbard.
ReplyDeleteHopefully you'll be able to come back next year and impress us all over again :)
Oh you are too kind to refer to me as a 'Proper painter'. I used to only paint armies when I used to play many years ago. I have huge Bretonnian, Empire and Tomb Kings armies and a small WOC Nurgle themed army. I've only recently got into the competition scene and it's been surprising how that has kicked my painting on. By going to comps and seeing other peoples work in real life you start to see how light placement and contrast can elevate minis in ways that you wouldn't think of doing yourself. In addition you get to talk to other people and find out how they did what they did. Also being part of a WhatsApp chat with some very talented people who are always so generous with their time and feedback helps immensely. This challenge has been an absolute blast. It's a shame that there isn't a 'Meet up and Show' aspect so that you could see some of these masterpieces IRL. The creativity in the group has blown me away. It's not just the painting but the lore and scenery, conversions and beautifully themed forces has been absolutely inspiring. Also kind comments from people like your good self help to push you to not let the team down. Looking forward to next years event.
DeleteI still can't quite believe that you painted an entire army in NMM. And they look so good together. I salute you sir!
ReplyDeleteAnd what are the odds that we met last year before either of us had taken part in OWAC! The universe works in mysterious ways!
Can't wait to see what you produce next year!
I know. It's a small crazy world. Have to admit that your undead horde took me back to being a kid. I can't believe the freehand work you put in with the banners and the colour scheme was spot on. It has been a delight to see what you've produced and I am looking forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve for next year. Have a wonderful six months until the next one.
DeleteAs noted above the NMM looks fantastic. It’s seriously impressive to see so many Dwarfs painted to this standard in one project. Love the yellow colour scheme and the cohesive look. Congratulations on an amazing achievement!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Jaska. I thought I was going to go mad halfway through but the kind words and comments from people such as yourself helped me to keep plugging away. See you on the next one.
ReplyDelete