Painting Award Guide

Introduction

Welcome to the Hits and Crits Dragonglass Painting Award! This virtual painting contest celebrates the creativity and artistry of miniature painters from around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a passionate newcomer, we invite you to showcase your skills and bring your miniatures to life. Submit your best-painted miniatures and join a vibrant community dedicated to excellence in miniature painting.

Contest Categories

To ensure participants of all skill levels have a fair chance to shine, we have two main categories:

Expert and Pro: For experienced painters who have honed their skills and are ready to compete at a high level.
Beginner and Newcomer: For painters new to the hobby or still developing their skills.

Within these categories, we have the following subcategories:

Units: Groups of miniatures that form a cohesive unit, such as squads or regiments.
Non-Combat Units (NCU), Commanders, and Attachment: Most iconic characters or figures of the Game of Thrones universe that are most often not engaged in direct combat but play crucial roles in the narrative or gameplay.
Dioramas: Scenic displays that tell a story through the arrangement of miniatures and terrain elements.

Dragonglass Award 2025

Contest Format

The Dragonglass Award is a virtual contest, requiring image submissions of painted miniatures. Each participant can submit one entry per category.

Submission deadline: 31.05.2025.
Please submit your images to the following email address: hitscritsgaming@gmail.com

Judging Criteria

Technical Quality

Construction: No visible mould lines, untrimmed flash, excess glue, or unfilled gaps. Conversions should blend seamlessly with the original piece.
Painting: Consistent and competent execution within the chosen style. The painting should look good both from a distance and up close.
Presentation: Groundwork and scenic elements should be detailed. All visible areas should receive equal attention.

Artistic Quality

Painting Style: Enhance the form and texture of the model surfaces. Use a color palette that adds contrast and emphasis.
Composition and Design: Focal points, poses, movement, and unity throughout the entry.
General Effect: Invoke an emotional response with expressive characters and convincing effects.

Narrative Quality

Single Miniature: The narrative quality should capture the viewer’s imagination and create a complete story.
Diorama: The composition should include a narrative element, leading the eye from element to element and telling a story.

Jury

Our esteemed panel of judges includes:

Mitch Scribbles: Renowned miniature painter with a flair for intricate details and lifelike effects.
Asten Flaygood: Acclaimed artist known for innovative techniques and creative compositions.
Myt101: Professional painter and commissioned artist.

Paint Techniques and Tips

Here are some tips to help you prepare your entry:

Preparation: Clean your miniatures thoroughly and remove all mould lines and flash.
Primer: Use a primer to create a smooth, even surface for painting.
Base Coats: Apply thin layers of base coats to build up color without obscuring details.
Shading and Highlighting: Use shading and highlighting techniques to add depth and dimension to your miniatures.
Details: Pay attention to small details, such as eyes, buckles, and straps, to make your miniature stand out.
Basing: Create a detailed base that complements the miniature and adds to the overall presentation.
How to make nice IMAGES of your miniatures.