So its that time of year again where the good folk over on the LAF get their annual painting competition, the Lead Painters League, going again. Big thanks to LAF'er, Overlord for stepping in to the breach as an organiser this year - its a big job!
Entry is limited to 50 competitors again this year, mainly because of the logistics of handling that many submissions each week. I guess it'll be a first come, first served basis again so fingers crossed...
Its a great competition with the LAF's finest on show each year - the range of creativity and painting excellence always amazes me. Have a look at previous year's entries and you'll see what I mean! Oh and you may get to see other Oldhammer stalwarts like Blue in VT and Phreedh who are also renowned LPL veterans.
Anyway, back to my question - do I enter or not? The pros are clear - tons of painted minis at the end of the 10 weeks of the competition, along with the sense of achievement that would bring and the enjoyment of being part of such a great competition.
Here's what I got done last year -
As you can see - not a bad way of getting going with my Lustria project, whilst dabbling with a few other scales and painting some minis I'd been itching to for ages!
And the year before...
The cons are slight in comparison - brushes worn threadbare through overuse, insomnia as entry deadlines loom and the sheer relentless pace of ensuring a team of at least five minis (and sometimes two teams to qualify for bonus points!) is ready each week.
Hmmm I think I may have talked myself into it!
It took me a little too much time on Google to figure out you might mean "Lead Painters League"
ReplyDeleteMy apologies - I must have inadvertantly published the post somehow before it was ready.
DeleteThat would be me falling asleep at the keyboard again instead of going to bed like a normal human being!
Hopefully it all makes sense now :)
I'm loving that dark elf fleet! I haven't seen a black ark for ages!
ReplyDeleteThanks OLL - I've been itching for a game of Man O War for ages now. Got a load of Orc ships and a smattering of Empire too.
DeleteMight repaint the WW1 camouflaged Dwarf Ironclads though...?
Wow, Thantsants! It is a great treat to see all of these treasures in one post! Very beautiful. And I don't remember ever seeing those Chaos Dwarves or your WWII diorama before. Wonderful work. If the LPL inspires you to such feats, you should do it. Who needs sleep anyway? And you can always get new brushes. Best of luck on it.
ReplyDeleteCheers Private - The Chaos Dwarves are from Dave King's excellent Bederken range - I've a load more that need some paint on them still. The WWII scene was for one of the bonus rounds where you can gain bonus points for going with the theme - think it was famous movies, so I went for Cross Of Iron - again I've got a load more Blacktree Ruskies and the 1st Corps "Steiner" set, along with some Blacktree Fallshirmjaeger, to paint up and maybe game with one day.
DeleteI think the fact that my desk is now covered with minis to make up the 10 teams necessary probably says I'm in! Mind you I have to make the cut yet and be in the first 50 to enter...
Look forward to seeing your painting again this year mate(:
ReplyDeleteI'll be in,so you have to too(;
Its a deal - I look forward to seeing more of your wonderful creations, even if it means instant LPL death being in the same round as you! ;)
DeleteA good catalyst to finish stuff, and if you can paint that well under pressure, I should go for it. Look forward to seeing the entries.
ReplyDeleteThanks Springisfield - the comp is definitely a good kick up the 'arris in painting terms!
DeleteMy issue is that amount of time commitment and late nights is going to upset the misses. If yours is happy being a paint widow then go for it seams it is worth it.
ReplyDeleteOH and I think MoW would work great on roll20.
DeleteThat's my main worry, aside from any reservations about skill in the company of many who are LPL stalwarts (including the two of you) - that I might be sleeping on the sofa for months!
DeleteLuckily the wife is quite supportive of this kind of thing. She even got quite involved with the Saturday/Sunday morning ritual of logging in to see who I had drawn that week and being happy/indignant if I was winning/losing!
DeleteErny - I would love a game of MOW on Roll20, although it is a game I have never actually played...
Rab - I wouldn't worry about me. Have you seen Blackwolf's stuff?!
Yes, it makes me cry in envy - that loch was stunning!
DeleteYou two! You both do excellent work,in fact the pair of you have been very inspiring to me as an painter and in photography.
ReplyDeleteAh you guys - Group hug! ;)
DeleteI'm having much the same dilemma myself. Its a lot of fun...but it is quite the marathon! tough call...I think I'll go for it?
ReplyDeleteHope you do Blue - always good to see your stuff, even if that does mean more serious opposition! ;)
DeleteMy deepest respect for everyone who is able and willing to participate in something like that. I found out the hard way that I am not cut out to paint under pressure, lost all my fun and momentum, but it's coming back and I am looking forward to your entries. Cheers Theatralic
ReplyDeleteGood to see you Theatralic - how's the Dwarves coming along?
DeleteOh and I loved your entries last year - great work!
I have thought about giving it a crack a couple of times.
ReplyDeleteGetting involved in that sort of thing certainly helps you get a load of stuff painted. It is hard to maintain month after month. My hat goes off to anyone who has successfully run the course.
Seeing all you fantastic entries above is certainly a great advert for it.
Cheers Harry - it certainly can be quite punishing but very rewarding.
DeleteThe deadline is this evening - just got a few more bits to do to complete my first three teams - fingers crossed...