THE SOLAR CROWN
MINIATURE PAINTING COMPETITION
The Solar Crown, hosted annually at QuestCon, is Orlando’s premier miniature painting competition, designed to celebrate the talent, creativity, and technical excellence of painters across the tabletop hobby. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a passionate newcomer, this is your chance to showcase your work, connect with fellow painters, and compete for recognition and prizes.
WHAT’S CHANGING IN 2026?
2025’s inaugural competition was wildly successful, exceeding our expectations, but we have instituted some changes for the next competition.
Starting with Solar Crown 2026, we’re moving from the previous system of awarding 1st/2nd/3rd in each category to a hybrid open merit system. Every entry is judged against an objective standard (not against other entrants) and can earn a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Merit award based on its own quality.
We’ll still celebrate the top work - these are the instances where entries will be compared to other entries:
Judges select Best of Category from the highest-merit pieces in each category.
From those category winners, judges award 3rd, 2nd, and 1st Best in Show.
Why the change?
Fairness & transparency: Your work is measured against a clear standard, not the luck of who else showed up.
More recognition: Excellent work across the board can be recognized - multiple Golds, Silvers, Bronzes (or none) are possible.
Better feedback signal: A merit level (Bronze/Silver/Gold) tells you where your piece stands relative to the standard.
Scales with growth: With more entries, open judging is faster while staying consistent.
How the new system works (at a glance)
Merit Judging: Each piece is evaluated on five criteria, Technical Execution, Color & Composition, Creativity & Impact, Finishing & Presentation, Overall Impression, and awarded Bronze, Silver, or Gold based on its own merits.
Best of Category: Judges choose one Best of Category from the highest-merit entries in each category.
Best in Show: Judges rank the Best of Category winners to determine 3rd, 2nd, and 1st Best in Show.
Note: Teen (13-17) entries are judged with the same criteria but are not eligible for Best in Show.
Youth (12 and under) entries are non-competitive - every Youth entrant receives a ribbon and a small prize.
What this means for you
Though some top slots exist, you’re largely aiming for a standard, more than competing for a slot.
If multiple entries meet Gold level, multiple Golds are awarded.
Even if a category is stacked, strong work still earns the recognition it deserves.
The very top work is still spotlighted through Best of Category and Best in Show.
Quick FAQ
Can a Silver win Best of Category?
If a category has no Golds, judges may select the top Silver as Best of Category.
Why am I not seeing 1st/2nd/3rd in my category anymore?
Open judging focuses on standards of excellence over fixed placements, then spotlights the very best via Best of Category and Best in Show.
We are also slightly changing our categories in order to make the distinctions between them clearer. The new categories are as listed below.
CATEGORIES
Teen (13–17)
Definition: Painters aged 13–17. Judged using the same rubric (Bronze/Silver/Gold merit), but not eligible for Best in Show placement.
Notes:
Teen entries are not distinguished by category and will compete against all other teen entries, regardless of model type.
If a Teen prefers to compete in the adult pool, notify staff at check-in.
Youth (12 and under)
Definition: Non-competitive encouragement category for young painters.
Format: No judging. Every entry receives a ribbon and a small prize.
Notes:
Youth may display any subject.
Focus is on creativity and fun—bring your imagination!
Common Questions & Edge Cases
Q: How exactly do you measure?
A: With calipers or ruler at check-in. We measure the core mass of the figure only (exclude base/plinth, and extensions that aren’t part of the figure’s core mass). Height = the highest point. Length = the longest horizontal extent.
Q: My model’s sword tip pushes it over 2"—do I have to move to Mid-Size?
A: No, the sword is not part of the core mass of the miniature. See the diagram below on how we judge dimensions.
Q: I have a squad on individual bases arranged on a display board. Is that a Diorama?
A: Only if there’s a clear scene or interaction. If it’s a tidy display without narrative, enter an appropriate single (Small/Large/Vehicle) or ask staff how to best represent the work. We do not have a separate “Squad” Category.
Q: My “bust” includes abdomen/hips.
A: That’s fine, it still qualifies for the Bust category.
Q: Can judges move my entry to another category?
A: Yes, to ensure fair comparison if it’s an edge case that could qualify better for another category than the one stated at check in. You’ll be notified of any change.
Q: Conversions, 3D prints, scratch-builds?
A: All are welcome. Judging focuses on painting and presentation, not source or manufacturer.
Q: Multiple entries?
A: You may enter multiple categories; limit of one entry per category.
Quick Self-Check Before You Enter
Does my entry clearly fit the category by size/type?
If I claim Diorama, is there a narrative moment—not just a nice base?
If I claim Bust, is it truly a bust (head/shoulders/torso only)?
Am I entering Teen or Youth appropriately?
Solar Crown 2026 — Category Definitions
Small Figure
Definition: A single miniature 2" tall or under and 2" long or under (figure only; base/plinth doesn’t count).
Typical examples:
Human-sized infantry, small monsters or familiars
Gaming-scale characters (28-40mm)
Mounted models that still fit within 2" x 2" (measured on the figure, not the base)
Edge cases & notes:
Dynamic poses are measured at their highest/longest points (e.g., raised sword, outstretched wing).
If any dimension exceeds 2", the entry belongs in either Mid-Size or Large Figure.
MID-SIZE Figure
Definition: Any single non-vehicle model taller than 2" and/or longer than 2" (excluding base/plinth) but not exceeding 4” in either dimension.
Typical examples:
Champions, heroes, or monsters that are clearly larger than standard infantry but not centerpiece-scale, most 75mm scale human figures
Medium beasts/creatures (e.g., dire wolves, small drakes) that stay ≤ 4" in all dimensions
Riders on medium mounts that exceed 2" in at least one dimension but do not exceed 4"
Heavy armored suits or exo-frames larger than humans but under the 4" limit
Edge cases & notes:
If any dimension exceeds 4", enter Large Figure instead.
If both height and length are ≤ 2", enter Small Figure.
Non-organic vehicles or military ordnance (tanks, walkers, bikes, mechs, artillery) belong in Vehicle & Ordnance.
Busts are not Mid-Size; use the Bust category.
Large Figure
Definition: Any single non-vehicle model taller than 4" and/or longer than 4" (excluding base/plinth).
Typical examples:
True centerpieces whose height or length exceeds 4": giants, greater demons, adult/elder dragons
Massive creatures that break the 4" limit in any dimension: hydras, mammoths, tyrant lizards, titan-scale beasts
Mounted figures on very large beasts where the combined model exceeds 4" in height or length
Large constructs/golems or exo-frames (non-vehicle) that exceed 4"
Edge cases & notes:
If your subject is a non-organic vehicle or military ordnance (tank, walker, bike, mech, artillery), enter Vehicle & Ordnance instead.
Busts are not Large Figures; use Bust category.
Vehicle & Ordnance
Definition: Standalone vehicles or artillery, with or without crew/riders.
Typical examples:
Tanks, APCs, walkers, mechs, bikes, aircraft
Ballistae, cannons, siege engines, heavy weapon platforms
Edge cases & notes:
A single pilot/rider attached to a vehicle still counts as Vehicle.
Multiple vehicles with a scenic narrative may fit Diorama if storytelling is the focus; otherwise keep here.
Bust
Definition: A sculpt intended to represent the head/shoulders/torso (i.e., not a full-figure miniature).
Typical examples:
Display busts in any scale (1:10, 1:12, 1:16, etc.)
Shoulder/torso studies, character portraits
Monument Hobbies Texture Trainers
Diorama
Definition: A scenic entry with clear storytelling or interaction between elements (figures, environment, or both).
Must include at least one of:
Multiple figures interacting (duel, squad action, character moment)
A single figure within a narrative environment where the scene is integral to the story (not just a fancy base)
Environmental storytelling (terrain, props, effects) that communicates a specific moment
Typical examples:
Duel/vignette scenes
Multi-mini encounters with terrain and narrative focus
Scenic “slice” with lighting/effects that tell a story
Edge cases & notes:
A single model on an elaborate base is not automatically a diorama; the scene must carry narrative weight
How we measure size
Measurements exclude the base/plinth. We measure the tallest point and longest point of the painted figure itself.
Thresholds:
Small Figure: ≤ 2.00" tall and ≤ 2.00" long
Mid-Size Figure: >2.00" tall or > 2.00" long but ≤ 4.00" tall and ≤ 4.00" long
Large Figure: > 4.00" tall or > 4.00" long
If in doubt at check-in, staff may measure and help place your piece. Judges may reclassify to keep the field fair.
There is a maximum allowable footprint of 18” long or wide, and a max height of 24” for all entries, due to display space constraints. These measurements DO include the basing.
JUDGING RUBRIC
Merit Standards (Open Judging)
Not every entry receives a merit award. We judge painting and presentation only - style-neutral and manufacturer-neutral. As long as techniques are well executed, no particular style is favored. “Smoothness” is not the only criteria for judging paint application - as long as the lack of smoothness is clearly an intentional artistic expression, and is successfully executed, it will not be negatively judged.
Merit Eligibility Gate - All must be true (or no merit)
Preparation & Coverage: No conspicuous mold lines or gaps at 12-18". Opaque, even coverage, no primer showing; no chalky or gritty surfaces.
Clear Value Structure: Readable light-dark hierarchy that separates major forms and materials at 12-18".
Intentional Light Placement: Highlights/shadows support the value structure (not random or uniform).
Edge & Line Control: Neat edges; minimal spillover; no major tide marks on smooth areas.
Finished Presentation: Base is finished and tidy (rim included) and supports the model.
If any Gate item is missing, the entry does not receive a merit.
Bronze - Competent, Clean, Clearly Finished
All must be true (building on the Gate):
Readability at 12–18": Primary forms read clearly; focal area is discernible (even if subtle).
Transitions & Edges: Controlled transitions on major surfaces; some roughness acceptable in harder spots. Edges generally crisp.
Color & Contrast: Palette is coherent; value steps are intentional (no “all midtone” look).
Finish & Base: Varnish/finish appropriate; base is finished and tidy without drawing focus.
Examples of Allowable flaws at Bronze: unintentional texture on a large smooth area; a few wobbly edges; small prep blemish that isn’t obvious at 12-18".
Deal breakers for Bronze: value structure unclear at 12–18"; obvious seam/gap; unfinished base/rim; large tide marks.
Silver - Refined, Cohesive, Readable
All must be true (Bronze +):
Clean Transitions: Different materials are distinct and do not blend into each other (armor plates, cloaks, skin); Value transitions are controlled and intentional.
Focal Hierarchy: Value/contrast placement guides the eye—the main focal reads first at 12–18".
Palette Integration: Color choices reinforce the value design; no hue shifts that muddy the read.
Polish: Nothing distracting at a glance (no visible rough patches; neat micro-details where needed).
Examples of Allowable flaws at Silver: tiny rough transition in a tricky recess; a single slightly soft edge that doesn’t affect the read.
Deal breakers for Silver: inconsistent quality across similar materials; value flattening around the focal; sloppy micro-details that pull the eye.
Gold - Exceptional Fundamentals, Clear Vision, High Polish
All must be true (Silver +):
Excellent Control: All material, color, and value transitions are cleanly executed with intentional, controlled technique; uniformly crisp, confident edge work; micro-details intentional and clean.
Clarity & Focus: Light logic is deliberate; the eye flows naturally from focal to secondary reads. Instant readability at 12-18", with depth up close.
Integrated Presentation: Color, value, details, and base work together to communicate a clear, intentional vision; professional finish throughout.
Important: Gold does not require specific named techniques. Advanced effects are optional and only help when they support clarity and finish.
Allowable flaws at Gold: none that are obvious at 12-18"; very minor issues only visible on close inspection.
Deal breakers for Gold: any visible prep flaw; any rough transition or edge that disrupts the read; base or color choice that confuses the focal.
Auto-Demotes (can drop a merit level)
Visible mold lines/gaps at 12-18"
Heavy tide marks, frosted varnish, or chalky/patchy coverage
Over-busy or unfinished base that detracts from the read
Value collapse: uniformly highlighted; no focal control; everything in midtone
WHAT IS “Value Structure”?
Value = lightness/darkness (independent of color).
Good value structure separates forms and leads the eye.
You can achieve it through where you place light/dark, how you control edges, and how you balance finishes. No single technique is required.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 SPONSORS
RULES, REGULATION, AND REGISTRATION
More information will become available as we get closer to the 2026 competition, but in the meantime here are a few fundamental rules, that will not be changing:
1) All entries must be the original work of the competitor. You may not enter a piece that has been painted by someone else. Exception - parents/guardians may enter pieces in the Youth Categories for their children.
2) You may enter as many categories as you wish, but you may only enter one piece per category.
3) You may enter a piece that has won other competitions, but you may not enter a piece that has previously won “Best in Show” or “Best Of” in a category in a prior Solar Crown competition.
THANKS TO OUR 2025 JUDGES
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Contact Us
Questions about the competition? Interesting in sponsorship? Fill out the form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible!