How Many Miniatures Can You Paint in a Year?

I kept track of my output this year and find I painted 135 miniatures in 2024. How was your painting?

The last time I kept such careful records was in 2017, when I painted 220 models. The decline is merely superficial because I painted only during the last six months of this year. During the first half of 2024, my attention was entirely fixed on writing a new rules set for a solo-miniature game (more on this in future posts). After the rules were polished and packed off for editing and playtesting, the paint brushes were finally able to get back into action. 

A dozen or so monsters from the late (and very lamented) Otherworld Miniatures was a particular high point. Painting these models is like stepping back into the pages of the AD&D Monster Manual. Look at this gorgeous WE38 Chimera (sculpted by Drew Day-Williams):

Another beautiful sculpture is Paul Muller's DM47 Night Hag, complete with elongated breasts and protruding bones:

Besides miniatures, I also painted some serious scenery, including this gorgeous 3d-printed Norman Castle (from the King and Country line):

I continue to cling to the same two or three elderly, attenuated, and abused brushes. By now, they are all as thin as Charlie Brown's hairline. I began the year thinking they were past the cusp of total failure. Yet over 100 minis later, and I'm still forcing these pensioner to work. They have the only point that I trust and can control. I guess they'll die at their post. And what will I do then? 

Perhaps I will turn to necromancy. Does it work on paint brushes?

I hope you have all had a lovely 2024. My year has been brightened by the very faithful companionship of Bertie the dog, who snores on a chair next to me whenever I paint. He's next to me as I write this, keeping an eye on my wordcount.

May you and all your dogs sleep soundly in 2025!