Chicago Gamesday....Hobby Instructionals and Q&A

Games Workshop's Chicago Gamesday is July 30, 2011.  Generally a decent event.  I've had the pleasure over a number years of taking part in the Golden Demon Lounge at Chicago Gamesday, even though I have never won a Golden Demon, that's what knowing people and internet imfamy gets you sometimes.  But anyways, this is good stuff, no matter what your level is in the hobby.  We all gather together, mostly as friends to talk shop, and boy we love the hobby and to talk about the hobby.  Its a great place to learn and see the various techniques being applied. 

Below is the schedule, if you can make it to this event, this is my recommended must see if you love converting and painting miniatures like I do.  I know many of the people sitting at these tables, none of them are arrogant, no question is a stupid question, and these guys have unquestionable ability in the hobby and are willing to share it with you.  I, unfortunately, will be unable to attend this year, otherwise you would see me scheduled below.  I love doing this kind of thing.

9:00AM - 10:00AM
Open Lounge: Here is your chance to show off your 2011 Golden Demon entries before they go in the display cases. Stop by the Demon Lounge before you enter to discuss your entries and get feedback from fellow painters. Several previous Golden Demon and Slayer sword winners will be on hand if you would like an expert's critique.

10:00AM - 11:00AM
Kent Plumb - General Q & A
Chris Borer - Putty Conversion, Sculpting & General Q & A
Dave Pauwels - General Q & A
Brice Cocanour - Blending, Freehand Demos & General Q & A
James Craig - Weathering techniques for armor and vehicles & General Q & A

11:00AM-Noon
Todd Swanson - Painting Demos, Miniature Conversion & General Q & A
Kirill Zhilkov - General Q & A
Dave Taylor - Telling a Story with your Painting and Modeling & General Q & A
Chris Borer - Putty Conversion, Sculpting & General Q & A
Dave Pauwels - General Q & A
James Craig - Weathering techniques for armor and vehicles & General Q & A

Noon-1:00PM
Brian Sobb - General Q & A
Kent Plumb - General Q & A
Jeffery Bowden - Non Metallic Metal (NMM) & General Q & A
Chad Patrick - True Metallics & General Q & A
Yuri Chinenov - General Q & A
Drew Dresher - General Q & A

1:00PM-2:00PM
Todd Swanson - Painting Demos, Miniature Conversion & General Q & A
Brian Sobb - General Q & A
Brice Cocanour - Blending, Freehand Demos & General Q & A
Bennett Blalock-Doane - Building a Solid Basecoat for Highlighting & General Q & A

2:00PM-3:00PM
Brian Sobb - General Q & A
Kirill Zhilkov - General Q & A
Dave Taylor - Consistency in your Army Painting & General Q & A
James Craig - General Q & A

3:00PM-4:00PM
Kent Plumb - General Q & A
Bennett Blalock-Doane - Building a Solid Basecoat for Highlighting & General Q & A
Chad Patrick - True Metallics & General Q & A

There are a few people on the list I don't know that are newer additions to our group. 

Kent is a huge space wolves fan, when I first started in this hobby his space wolves army was something I loved and inspired to. 

Chris Borer is someone that to me was almost legendary in the hobby, I have always loved his models, they are stunning in sculpting/converting detail and the paint is awesome.  I think he has won like 5 slayer swords or something amazing like that.  When I first met him quite a few years ago at Adepticon, he was the one giving my armies praise.

Dave Taylor, yes that Dave Taylor.  He needs no introduction.

Dave Pauwels, for those of you that don't know, he is part of Gorgon Miniatures, and avid historical gamer and modeler also.  And a very realistic like painter, exceptional detail.

James Craig, he's Canadian.  lol.  A great guy, very good converter, painter, sculpter, teacher.  Has a beastman army that is simply amazing.  And always a smile.

Brice, I don't know well, but I know his work and know his love of the hobby.  He will teach what he knows.

Bennett Blalock-Doane, this kid is absolutely amazing.  You can learn awful lot from him.  I've been contemplating asking him to give me some tutoring for a couple years now.  His armies are the most unbelieveable things I have ever seen in person.  Always look forward to what he does next.

Brian is another awesome painter, and loves to talk shop with people.  Always enjoy visiting with him.

Todd Swanson, I've yet to meet him in person, but I know his work and its simply awesome.  Thank him for organizing our little group of disorganized troopers, I think James has normally done this in the past. 

Kirill, I do not know him personally, but his work is stunning.

Jeffrey, Chad, Yuri, and Drew, are new to me, I have never met them.

So there you go guys, if you are going, sit down with these guys, you will learn something in our wonderful hobby.  It does not matter what level you are at in the hobby.  Seeing things done and being personally instructed is not something to be avoided.