From StuartL - A Squirrel by any other name.

Was that really three months? Sure, it felt like it when I was putting brush to mini for the umpteenth time, but looking back it seems like only yesterday I was wondering what madness I had signed myself up for. 

As it turned out, it was a madness I embraced all to readily.

At the start of the challenge, I thought a modest target of 500 points would be reasonable. I usually average about 30 minis a month, so 500 didn't seem to extreme. As it was, I managed around 90 models per month, with a grand total of 269 figures, (counting the multi-based 6mm minis as 1 figure per base), over the course of the challenge. Of course, during that time I practically gave up every aspect of my life except for work and those odd times when my wife dragged me away from the painting table and threatened me with violence if I didn't put the brush down.

I understand that a mug shot and a picture of all the painted models is obligatory at this point.

I began the challenge with the intent to post comments on everyone's entries, but that swiftly became a difficult proposition. The only time I could find a chance to post was during my daily commute and the volume of entries quickly created a backlog that I couldn't work through. So, I would like to take this opportunity to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed looking at everyone's work, whether they entered just a couple of small groups of minis or painted an entire army or three. The sheer enthusiasm for the hobby is astounding and I am glad to have had the chance to participate.

My entries can be divided up into 4 smaller categories. The first is the Fantasy group. I had some of these models lying around for ages, though the Blood Bowl team was donated by a friend for the sports round and the Warmachine figures were done for a friend's collection.

The second group is SF and is the only one where I varied scales. The Epic minis were certainly a challenge as they are so small. I did my best to get them looking prettier than just a small green lump. This challenge certainly gave me a chance to try out different techniques.

This small group is Modern Historicals. I play a lot of Bolt Action and Black Powder, so have plenty of armies half built and in need of reinforcements. The British armour, AZW minis and Japanese infantry will go to join their brethren in their respective army cases. The Germans in winter gear and the Poles will form the start of all new forces.

And finally the main Historicals. I had a plan to paint up three large batches of figures over the challenge. The Crusaders on the left and the Bretons on the right were two of them. Sadly the third never materialized due to logistics issues.

I am very happy with finishing in 10th place. Truth be told, it is far better than I expected. My hat is off to those who finished in the top places. Even if I had had more free time, I don't think I could have managed much more painting. As it was I felt really burned out towards the end and have taken a 1 week break from my hobby room to clear my head a bit. The last couple of days I had to force myself to pick up a brush to finish off the last licks of paint on my final entries. I actually had the day off on the final day of the event, so I could have done another squad of something, but at that point I would rather have taken a hammer to my figures than a brush.

Which brings me to the Squirrel Side Duel. Despite claims to the effect that I only had 1 Squirrel wearing a series of ever more elaborate hats, I am very, very happy with my victory. I thought Noel was going to win it, simply because he outpaints everyone. I knew that to stand a chance, I had to paint smarter. You'll notice that a lot of my entries are quite small. Throughout the time I was working on the bigger groups, I had one or two smaller groups of figures on the sidelines. When I had spare paint in the pallet, I would grab one of them and add a quick coat. I also kept a set of notes on my desk of what was in the queue, what could go in next and what I had posted. I tried to move an entry into each column each week to ensure a steady output, with the final couple of weeks being focused on getting the last few details in on a bunch of different entries.

So that's about it from me. I would like to thank Curt (I have some Curtgeld that I need to finish off once my painting hiatus is done), and Lady Sarah for hosting the event. Ev, my minion for his fair and even-handed scoring, as well as the special guest minions who stepped in when needed. I'd like to say thank you for everyone's kind comments on my entries and I would like to thank Noel for giving me a serious run for my money on the Squirrel Duel.

Despite vowing never to paint again once I posted my final entry, I think I would quite like to come back for the next challenge. I have a novel idea for what I would like to enter, but it will probably take me several months to get everything I need built and prepped. Plus I am likely to change my mind and go chasing off after the next Squirrel that comes my way.

Thank You!