From LeeH: Santa Claws [5 Points]

I’ve made a bit of a personal tradition to kick off my entry to the Challenge with a Christmas-themed miniature of one kind or another. Some of my previous entries have been fairly traditional, and others less so… Enter Santa Claws and his mechanical arm. This guy is definitely nightmare fuel for anyone on the naughty list so I'd better watch out!

This 28mm miniature metal was sculpted by Kevin Adams and was added to Foundry’s Christmas collection in 2020. Looking at the Foundry website, there is still plenty to keep me going for many Painting Challenges to come. 

I have to say, despite being a regular Challenger, even I found myself referring back to Tamsin's Guide for picture size specifications etc. 👍👍

So with this chap out of the way and a pile of homemade mince pies and other goodies to keep me going, I’m moving on to my main project for this year's Painting Challenge. Anyone following my blog or YouTube channel knows by now that I am taking a huge step outside my comfort zone to paint my first 28mm Napoleonics. Ray and I are collaborating on figures for the Retreat from Moscow using Sharp Practice. If you are shocked, you’re not alone. Less than six months ago I recalled saying on my channel that I’d never do Napoleonics and that I only go larger than 15mm for fantasy figures, yet here I am. It’s all Ray’s fault. Bless him. 

While waiting for various stages of Santa Claws to dry I've started on my first Russian unit. The wife has been very tolerant of her wargamer husband today and took pity on me after a tough few weeks at work (sooo much to do, so little time in the runup to the Christmas break). She literally ORDERED me up to my room this morning "You look miserable, go paint some models" she said as I tried to get on with a few chores. Never one to ignore my wife's orders I did as I was told. Maybe if I practice my knackered/frazzled/stressed look I'll be sent to my room a lot more over the holidays. 🤣

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I always very much enjoy your traditional Challenge-Start-Not-Santa posts, Lee! I agree, 'Santa Claws' is definitely a heap of nightmare fuel. That being said, I can think of more than a few personalities on the world stage that I'd love to see him visit this holiday season.  :)

I'm also very much looking forward to seeing what you and Ray come up with for your Retreat from Moscow project. It's such a brutal but evocative campaign - lots of inspiration for the brushes!

5 points it is BigLee! Happy holidays to you and yours!

- Curt