The BONEZONE 2024 painting competition results are in! This year’s challenge centred around the Halgrim model from the Cursed City box, with entrants pushing the boundaries of creativity and skill. From atmospheric storytelling to technical brilliance, the entries displayed an incredible range of talent. Here’s a detailed look at the winners across the three categories: Beginners, Journeyman, and Masters, plus the special awards and the coveted Best of Show.

Make sure you click on the images to bring up the full-size photos, to truly enjoy these spectacularly painted pieces!

Beginners Category Winners

The Beginners category was reserved for painters new to competition painting. Despite the “beginner” title, the entries showcased exceptional skill and creativity. Here’s a closer look at the top three winners.

Gold: Simonks92

Simonks92’s Halgrim stood out for its incredible use of atmosphere and technique. The model featured striking contrast and a captivating cold environment, enhanced by beautifully executed non-metallic metals (NMM). The judges particularly noted how the glowing eye and hair acted as a focal point, drawing attention to the face and adding an eerie, haunting presence.

“The model was particularly interesting due to its fantastic atmosphere and story through use of colour. The painting standard would have been exceptional in any of the categories.”

Silver: Maxistawizard

Maxistawizard’s entry was a testament to classic technique and restrained storytelling. The model featured bronze-toned armour, painted with subtle shading, fabulous verdigris and smooth transitions that gave it a refined and polished look. While it didn’t rely on glowing features or dramatic effects, the strength of the entry lay in its understated elegance and attention to detail.

“Maxistawizard’s work is a masterclass in subtlety. The bronze armour is beautifully painted, with a smooth finish that demonstrates impressive control and technical skill. It’s proof that less can often be more.”

Bronze: Clouded Page

Clouded Page (Peter) captured the judges’ attention with a unique and vibrant take on the Halgrim model. The glowing green hair was a bold and creative choice that added a surreal, otherworldly vibe to the piece. The luminous effect was balanced beautifully with the darker tones of the armour, creating a striking contrast that made the model stand out. Having the warm lighting on the armour to the left, shifting to cooler tones was a great choice.

“Peter’s glowing green hair is such a creative choice—it draws the eye immediately and gives the model a fantastical, almost eerie presence. It’s an excellent example of how bold colour choices can completely transform a piece.”

Journeyman Category Winners

The Journeyman category featured painters who had entered competitions before but hadn’t yet secured a win in a major event.

Gold: Ricky

Ricky’s entry stood out for its superbly clean execution and incredible attention to detail. The model featured a stunning yellow cloak that added vibrancy and warmth, perfectly contrasted by the crisp and flawless non-metallic metal (NMM) techniques. The bounce highlights across the armour demonstrated a masterful understanding of light and reflection, making the model feel polished and lifelike.

“Ricky’s entry is a lesson in precision and composition. The yellow cloak adds a burst of colour that complements the meticulously clean NMM work. The bounce highlights are so well-executed that the armour practically gleams. It’s a truly exceptional piece.”

Silver: Johan

Although Johan was permitted to use a model other than Halgrim due to availability issues, the piece seamlessly fit the competition’s theme. The combination of stark and dynamic highlighting and rusted textures gave the model an aged, battle-worn feel that the judges found captivating.

“Johan’s ability to balance vibrant lighting with gritty, rusted details is remarkable. The overall presentation is cohesive and impactful”

Bronze: Bruce

Bruce impressed the judges with his impactful entry, which showcased stunning orange rust effects contrasting beautifully with the deep blue of the cloak. This bold use of colour created a dramatic visual impact. The model’s base was impressively detailed, adding depth and further enhancing the composition.

“Bruce’s entry tells a great story through its bold colour choices and detailed base. The vibrant orange rust and contrasting blue cloak create an incredibly dramatic effect, making the model truly stand out.”

Masters Category Winners

The Masters category was reserved for seasoned painters with previous competition wins. As expected, with Gold Golden Demon winners joining us to enter, the standard was exceptionally high, with entries showcasing advanced techniques, intricate storytelling, and a deep understanding of colour and composition. Here are the top three winners.

Gold: James

James S took the top spot in the Masters category with a breathtaking Halgrim on a snow-themed base. The model radiated a chilling atmosphere, with a cohesive colour palette that evoked the cold, desolate environment. Every detail, from the meticulously painted NMM to the bounce highlights on the rivets, demonstrated unparalleled technical skill. What truly set this piece apart was its storytelling—viewers could feel the frigid setting through the model’s execution.

“James’s entry is a masterclass in atmosphere. The colour palette and base work together perfectly to create a sense of cold isolation. It’s not just beautifully painted; it’s a story brought to life.”

Silver: Magnus

Magnus’s entry stood out for its incredible use of texture and the beautifully refined finish achieved through expert stippling techniques. The subtle yet striking application of blue verdigris added depth and character to the piece, enhancing its aged and weathered feel without overpowering the overall composition. The result was an exceptionally well-executed and beautifully presented model.

“Magnus’s use of texture and stippling is outstanding. The blue verdigris is bold yet balanced, adding just the right touch of character to an already stunning piece. This is a masterclass in creating depth and refinement.”

Bronze: Miriam

Miriam captivated the judges with her exquisite use of non-metallic metals (NMM), proving that subtlety can be just as striking as bold contrasts. Her model featured soft, refined transitions and a harmonious colour palette that conveyed a sense of quiet elegance. The texturing on the base and the delicate balance of light and shadow added depth and realism, making it a standout in the competition.

“Miriam’s NMM work is breathtaking in its subtlety and refinement. The transitions are smooth and natural, and the overall composition tells a story without needing to shout. It’s a truly sophisticated piece.”

Best in Show

James S

The ultimate accolade, Best of Show, was awarded to James S for his stunning snow-based Halgrim. This piece encapsulated everything the competition aimed to celebrate: technical mastery, atmospheric storytelling, and creative vision. The cold environment was palpable, with expertly chosen colours and meticulously painted details, such as the subtle bounce highlights on the armour. The combination of artistry and narrative made James’s piece truly outstanding.

“James’s model is the epitome of what we wanted to see in this competition. It’s technically flawless, with every detail meticulously painted, but more importantly, it tells a story. The atmosphere is so vivid you can almost feel the chill of the snowy landscape.”

Special Mentions

Owen

Owen’s entry dazzled with its bold use of colour and a striking background that hinted at the style of an 80s heavy metal poster without overshadowing the model. The glowing green lighting on the figure was expertly applied, creating a dynamic focal point that tied the entire composition together. The balance between the vibrant backdrop and the model’s details showcased a fantastic sense of colour and atmosphere.

“Owen’s piece is a celebration of bold colour choices and creative lighting. The glowing green effects on the model are masterfully done, and the vibrant backdrop adds an extra layer of impact without overwhelming the composition.”

Lamia Purpurea

Lamia Purpurea’s entry was a true labour of love, showcasing a staggering amount of work and attention to detail. The diorama-style composition creates a visually immersive narrative that left a lasting impression.

“The sheer level of detail in every aspect of the diorama is fantastic. It’s a piece that rewards closer inspection and stands out for all the right reasons.”

A Final Thank You

As the BONEZONE 2024 Painting Competition draws to a close, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated. The incredible standard of entries has been truly inspiring, making this an unforgettable showcase of talent, creativity, and passion for the hobby. Judging was no easy task, but it was an absolute joy to see such diverse and stunning works.

A huge thank you to Artis Opus and Element Games for their generous sponsorship, providing fantastic brushes as prizes, and to Andy Wardle for lending his expertise as a judge. Your support made this competition even more special.

And now, a little teaser for what’s next: get ready to embrace decay and chaos, because the next competition will be Nurgle-themed! It’s time to perfect your grime palettes, get comfortable with pustules, and dive into the world of rot and ruin. Keep an eye out for the official announcement soon.

Thank you all once again for making the BONEZONE 2024 such a success. I can’t wait to see what you create in the future!

Watch the video on the BONEZONE winners, here :

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