Wednesday, March 15, 2023

A-to-Z Blog Challenge 2023 Theme Reveal

I'm probably going to regret this, but I'm throwing my hat in the ring for the 2023 A-to-Z Blog challenge.

I haven't done the A-to-Z since 2017. I stopped doing it because April is a very hectic time for me at work, so it never made sense to try and write and visit so many blogs during my busiest time of year. So why am I doing it this year? I don't have a friggin' clue. Maybe because I have something interesting I want to talk about?

I guess that leads me straight into my topic reveal reveal. This year, I want to blog about... MINIATURE PAINTING!

What is miniature painting? Not limning, which is the 16th-17th century art of executing small, fine portraits on vellum, prepared card, copper, or ivory.

I did not paint this 1524 portrait of Henry VIII. That was Lucas Horenbout (probably). Credit: Britannica.com

No, I'm talking about painting miniature gaming figurines - the kind you get with board games, tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons and wargames like Warhammer 40K. It is a fun, finnicky hobby that takes up a lot of time (and money). Personally I love it and find it very peaceful and relaxing - though I can appreciate it's not everyone's cup of tea. Painting tiny details on models that are barely an inch tall may appear daunting to some. 

Here are some minis that I did paint, along with a handy Canadian quarter for size comparison.

It can certainly be tricky at times, and frustrating, but I enjoy learning and improving. I painted my first minis nearly twenty years ago, but I never really got into it because I had no idea what I was doing. I just recently got back into it about six months ago, and I've gone hard. (Please don't tell my wife how much I've spent on paint and brushes) (Though it's partly her fault - she bought me a 3D printer for Christmas) I've basically been trying to catch up on the last two decades by painting as many models as I can as quickly as I can, and yeah, it's a hobby that's rapidly turning into a bit of an obsession.

Anyway, I've been chronicling my painting adventures here on this blog (read part one here and part two here), but I'm going to get into more of the nitty-gritty in the month of April where I'll talk about different painting techniques, types of paints and brushes, as well as share pictures of my own work as well as photos from people who are way, way better than me. I'm sure it will be of absolutely no interest to anyone but myself, but that's what the A-to-Z blogging challenge is all about, isn't it?

That's it for now. I know you're waiting with baited breath to read about brush hair length and zenithal priming, but you're going to have to tremble with anticipation for a little bit longer. I'm off to check out some of the other participants, and I'll be back April 1st!

Good luck, everyone!

Hugs & Kisses,
-CDGK

7 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sounds interesting to me!

Deborah Weber said...

Sounds like fun. I can't imagine working that small.

Kristin said...

I was imagining you doing tiny miniature paintings. This type seems more in character for you. Can't wait to find out what zenithal is! Some sort of gesso? I could google it, but I will wait until Z to find out.

MJ said...

We can have a creative April together!

A Tarkabarka Hölgy said...

My husband is really into 40k too, this is familiar territory for me. Cool theme! :) The Multicolored Diary

Timothy S. Brannan said...

FANTASTIC! I am looking forward to seeing what you post all month.
The Other Side | Blogging A to Z Theme Reveal: Doctor Who

Wes Ikezoe said...

I love this. I have been painting miniatures on and off for years. I know the time and effort it takes and can't wait to see you examples.
https://skokiedungeonsanddragons.weebly.com/the-crimson-empire/a-alhoon

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