Some of the world’s best painters got together for
last month, delivering hordes of exquisitely painted miniatures to Warhammer World, winning finalists’ pins, commendations, trophies, and even the Slayer Sword.
Warhammer staff are unable to enter any Golden Demon category apart from the Open Competition – even though thousands of talented artists and hobbyists work here. So to give employees of Games Workshop a chance to show off their painting prowess – and try to match up against literal ‘Eavy Metal staffers – Legends of Paint was born.
More then 160 people entered miniatures into the inaugural review, and the standard was incredibly high. Here are a few of our favourite entries.
First up is an extensive conversion that has it all – using the body of Dexcessa, the head of a Mindstealer Sphiranx, and the Tome of Destiny from Kairos Fateweaver’s staff to create an otherworldly Tzeentchian spellcaster, with a starry night freehand on the robes.
Keeping with the conversion theme, this Stormcast Eternal blends miniatures including Sanguinius and the Celestant Prime with some wonderful non-metallic metal painting to create a fearsome centrepiece hero.
Sometimes simple is best, as proven by this immaculately painted Chaos Familiar who seems to have escaped from the Warhammer+ exclusive miniature Mibyllorr Darkfang. Despite the subject’s small stature, every stroke has been executed perfectly.
That fantasy world you liked is coming back in style – news of The Old World has people excited, as proven by this gorgeous Captain of the Empire with a warhammer, flintlock pistol, baggy sleeves and bags of style.
The Praetors from the Age of Darkness boxed set have proven incredibly popular as the base for conversions – from the extensive to the subtle. This Sons of Horus Praetor has been equipped with a power maul and a new rack of skulls from his counterpart, and decked out in lovely sea green armour.
Crisply painted blacks and whites make this Raven Guard Praetor – based on Dominion Zephon – really stand out. That’d usually be a problem for this most stealthy of Legions, but not here.
The Knights-Errant are a mysterious army of elite Space Marines at the beck and call of Malcador the Sigillite. This miniature has the unadorned ceramite of their Mark VI armour wonderfully rendered with subtle details.
This Drukhari warrior is an absolutely seamless and expertly painted conversion – see if you can spot all the parts that have been used.
With the release of Kill Team: Into the Dark, the Kroot have had a resurgence. This masterfully-painted Kroot warrior looks good enough to eat.
From one omnivore to another, this take on Grimbeorn in his ursine form has had each tuft of hair rendered lovingly, giving him a fantastically furry look.
This Vanari Lord Regent painted in a style reminiscent of the Great Nation of Iliatha features ivory armour alongside non-metallic metal trim and saturated oranges and reds, contrasting neatly with the cool watery base.
The Black Templars don’t field Captains, they field Marshals. This piece of counter-codex chicanery is easier to accept when they look as fine as this one.
Sigvald is a regular at painting competitions thanks to his ostentatious armour and flowing cloak. Azure non-metallic metal makes this attempt stand out from the crowd, as does the reflected tableau in his mirrored shield.
The so-called ‘Sassy Nurgling’ caught our eyes thanks to the colour and blends packed onto such a tiny canvas.
From small to swole, this Ogryn Servitor is painted with smooth transitions and carefully considered colour choices that show off the mix of materials – including a pitch-perfect rendering of skin.
Finally, this curious conversion caught our attention, with a host of classic parts, animal influences, and druidic style.
Thanks to everyone who entered – you’re all winners to us! Head over to the Warhammer Community Twitter and Facebook pages to let us know which was your favourite.
