At SprayGunner, as is our custom, we continue to promote creativity and modeling with our annual online modeling contest, and in this second year, the participation was simply incredible. First, we want to thank all the contestants for submitting their magnificent work, and especially congratulate all the winners, whose work honestly left us speechless! Furthermore, we want to commend our guest judges; they really had an extremely difficult task this year in choosing the winners, due to the massive participation and the quality of the work. As you may know, our judges this year were prominent figures in the modeling field: Nico Suratos, Mig Jimenez, Javier López de Anca, Juan Layos, and Rubén Martínez. We sincerely hope that this year’s contest will have even more entries, and we look forward to seeing even more talent…
Here we present the winners:
Category 1 – Airplanes
Winner: Ioannis Tzortzakakis - Plane
Ioannis participated in this contest with an A-7E Corsair II from the Greek Air Force. This model stood out for its worn and authentic look, typical of Greek Air Force aircraft but uncommon for modern aviation in general. Unlike the immaculate planes of other forces, this model showcases the stains and dirt that tell a true and characteristic story of service and intensive use. Every stroke and detail, from the chips to the shading of the panels, transports us to the harsh and real environment of Greek aviation. Without a doubt, this is a work that successfully embodies the essence of robustness and authenticity in a model of this aircraft!
Category 2 – Civilian Vehicles, Cars, and Motorcycles
Winner: Dan D. Models with his AMT 1949 Ford
Dan managed to bring this 1949 Ford to life with a finish that highlights the beauty of a classic like the 1949 Ford and the boldness of modern restorers and modifiers of vintage vehicles. The "Woodgrain" tones used alongside that golden touch make the vehicle stand out with a harmonious combination of colors. In his work, we can appreciate how the colors blend naturally, and the detail in every curve and shadow demonstrates a great eye for modeling. The model is not only a faithful and excellently crafted replica of a period vehicle, but it also conveys that nostalgic and elegant touch that only a good finish can provide. A true gem for classic car enthusiasts!
Category 3 – Gundam and Mecha
Winner: Brian Freeman with his MG Duel Gundam wGK Resin Conversion Kit
Brian ventured into the challenging world of resin conversion kits and did so with unparalleled mastery. His model was based on the Bandai Gunpla MG 1/100 Gat-X102 Duel Gundam Assault Shroud kit, which is already a great piece on its own, but to top it off, he added a resin conversion and additional decals that transformed the 1/100 scale Gundam into a detailed beast. The integration of resin into the plastic kit gave it a robust and polished look, demonstrating that even in modeling based on the mecha universe, technical precision can be combined with a touch of art. Without a doubt, this is a work that clearly shows this kit is not for beginners!
Category 4 – Military and Armored Vehicles
Winner: Greg Edmonds with his Tamiya M18 in 1/35 scale
Greg delighted us with a Tamiya M18 that appears to have truly traversed the European battlefields during WWII. One of the standout aspects of this work is its subtle and realistic fading on the panels, along with a light touch of dust on the wheels that inevitably gives the observer the sensation that the model tells a story of real use in difficult terrain and under harsh and "wearing" environmental conditions. In this model, every detail reflects a perfect balance between realism and technique. This M18 is undoubtedly a work that showcases realism and well-applied modeling techniques.
Category 5 – Figures, Sci-fi and Fantasy
Winner: Chris Newton with his He-Man
Chris's He-Man is an interesting piece, very dynamic and full of personality. This model showcases great skill with the use of the brush and the application of glazes and gradients, which spectacularly highlight the figure. Considering the small scale typical of these pieces, it is impressive work. In the painting of this piece, we can appreciate how the colors blend smoothly, bringing out tiny details. This makes the character come to life.
Category 6 – Sea, any vehicle or composition on water
Winner: Juan Francisco Ocaña Arguello with his Diorama D Day in Omaha Beach
Juan Ocaña's proposal focuses on a composition over water that transports us to the Normandy landing. His diorama includes a Sherman tank, as well as other elements that recreate the atmosphere of that moment at Omaha Beach. In this diorama, I stand out in this category for the precision in the water effects on the waves, the wear on the vehicle, and the recreation of uniforms and details in the sand. Considering the composition as a whole, it is a work that, with an almost cinematic touch, managed to capture the rawness and emotion of "The Longest Day." Great Job!!!!
Category 7 – Warhammer
Winner: Jake Forgie with his Magnetized Questoris Knight for House Althalos
Jake participated in this category with a warrior from the Warhammer universe. A piece truly full of details and dynamism. The effects he achieved in the painting of the cannon, along with his good handling of shadows and lights, give it notable sharpness and depth. Every detail of this work, not only in the piece itself but also in the setting of the base, has been meticulously addressed so that the Questoris Knight appears ready for battle. As we can appreciate. This is a work that combines passion and technique masterfully.
Category 8 – / Scratch Building and Kitbashing
Winner: Jason Cope
Without a doubt, Jason presented an impressive piece of work!!! He created a foam sculpture made from scratch that combines a realistic finish with a projection outside of the composition itself; he even used real "fur" that was later airbrushed to realistically represent the leopard spots. The technique he employed to achieve the integration of the portrait with the structure is astonishing; the realism is evident in every detail, and the combination of textures, color transitions, and precision in the gradient make this piece stand out as one of the best examples of kitbashing/Scratch Building we have ever seen. This is a great project that demonstrates what can be achieved with patience and creativity!
Special Mention – Iwata Micron Award
Aaron Knight-Braun's work "Avatar of Khaine"
In addition to the regular categories, this year there was a special mention awarded by representatives of Iwata. Among all the entrants, the judges of this special mention were impressed by Aaron Knight-Braun's work "Avatar of Khaine". This work really stood out among all the others for its originality and level of detail. The judges valued this great and impressive work, the innovative application of techniques and the way Aaron managed to bring out all his inspiration, which turned his model into something truly impressive. The special award for his dedication was a brand-new Iwata Micron. With this award we at SprayGunner celebrate Aaron's excellence and creativity in modeling. Congratulations, we hope this special mention inspires many more to elevate their art!
We will see you at the end of the year in the third year of this great SprayGunner modeling contest!!! Prepare your models!!!
The second year of the 2024 contest was an event in which each participant allowed us to see a sample of the artistic talent of today's modelers, showcasing the passion of those who make up our artistic and modeling community. This second contest has been more competitive and exciting than ever, and we eagerly look forward to seeing your great works in future years so that together we can continue to drive the creativity that inspires us. Congratulations to all the winners and a huge thank you to our judges for their dedication and expertise!
Keep painting, experimenting, and demonstrating your passion, and get ready for the next year of the SprayGunner modeling contest!