Online: 2024

MPO: Online returns for the 2024 edition. From the 1st to 30th November, artists and enthusiasts from every corner of the globe can gather to share their favourite works. This international event is a celebration of creativity and artistic diversity in the world of miniature painting.

Entry

The Miniature Painting Open: Online 2024 is entered through the online entry system: https://entry.miniaturepaintingopen.co.uk/

Here you can enter, upload your images and administrate all your entries.

Award System

MPO makes use of the Open Format Award System.

Recognition is not constrained to a traditional framework of just a single Gold, Silver, and Bronze award. Instead, it allows for the presentation of as many awards at each level as deemed necessary. This year we also used Commended Awards for all categories.

In addition to the Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards, there are also the following individual awards:

  • Creativity Award – Considering creativity as much as painting
  • Grimdark Award – Our favourite Grimdark style piece
  • Best Base Award – Best Base!

Levels

  • Beginner: For people just starting out on their miniature painting journey but keen to share their work.
  • Standard: Geared towards artists with skills ranging from everyday to intermediate, welcoming participants of all backgrounds.
  • Master: Tailored to cater to seasoned painters who have amassed an impressive collection of awards and accolades.

You must choose the same level for all your entries; you cannot have entries in both levels.

Only commended awards were given for Beginner.

Categories

You may enter once per category.

  • Single Figure – Figures up to and including 54mm in scale and 80mm in total height (including reasonable mounts).
  • Unit – 2 or more figures, any scale.
  • Vehicle or Warmachine – Any scale.
  • Monster – Any scale.
  • Large Scale and Bust – Figures larger than 54mm; busts of any scale.
  • Sculpture – Fully scratch-built and unpainted figures; digital sculpts allowed if physically printed.
  • Rust in Peace – Special 2024 category themed around corrosion and decay.
  • Diorama – Large displays with a theme or narrative.

Judges

Standard Level

Andy Wardle is one of the most decorated modern miniature painters around, repeatedly attending and taking home trophies from the biggest competitions in the world.

Henry Steele is known for his calm, clear, and insightful approach to teaching miniature painting. As a seasoned painting judge and veteran of the hobby, Henry brings a keen eye for unique, bold styles and atmospheres.

Master Level

Erik Swinson is one of the most admired current competition painters in the world and a much respected painting tutor and judge.

Dave Colwell continues to produce pieces that always succeed in bringing joy. We’re thrilled to have him back as a judge.

There is a deliberate international feel to the judging panel. We want the MPO: Online to bring together painters from all over the world.