On duty!

[Ben90]

Dear friends,

the 52nd Painting Competition is over. As always it was a pleasure to participate. After seeing all these fantastic entrys of other participants, I knew this would become a tough one! Having an entry with only a single figure, I really did not expect to win.

My little dio shows a Roman navy soldier on board of a vessel. While being a bit bored, he shares his bread with some seagulls.

Everything you see is scratch-built and sculpted by myself. I am more than happy that you guys liked it

[Licaón]

Your diorama leaves me speechless, Ben... It's amazing how detailed and beautifully composed this scene is. Congratulations for the excellent sculpting and paintjob, it's a unique piece in all aspects

[Kekso]

Deserved win, there's no doubt about it.

[Kostis Ornerakis]

My best compliments for your work!
I think you could make a living by sculpting figures!!

[Bluefalchion]

Your dio won because it is beautifully conceived, constructed, and presented. I love how you have captured such a simple moment--a soldier idly feeding some birds, showing that we can be one with the world and all of its creatures, even during warlike times.

Brilliantly, brilliantly done.

[Konrad]

Simply great!
My respect.

[santifernandez]

A beautiful scene, deserved award.
Santi.

[Ben90]

Thanks, friends!

[blacksmith]

I have no words. The sculpting, the painting, the composition... Congratulations!

[k.b.]

Congratulations Ben on a sublime little composition. It was my personal favourite from round 1. Little did I imagine that you had sculpted the whole thing ; soldier, seagulls et al. WOOOOW. A worthy winner indeed.

[Gardefar]

Absolutely beautiful.

[MABO]

Your sculpting skills are very high. Like Kostis I think you could sell master for sure. Amazing work!

[C M Dodson]

Wonderful work with something very different on show.

The sculpting, painting and composition are excellent.

Best wishes,

Chris

[huib]

Wow, beautiful! Very good sculpting and painting.

[Ben90]

Thank you guys, means a lot to me

[Bessiere]

I wondered where the seagulls came from. Holy *! Superb sculpting Ben. Even better was your concept that I found very touching. How common soldiers (or sailors) spend their off hours (99%) of the time. You captured the solitary existence of sentry duty and how he in particular finds respite from the loneliness and boredom. His smile is genuine and you can feel the freedom of the birds in the clever means you have them mounted. They are really flying. You struck gold with the theme and went to the fullest extent to make it reality. A deserved 1st place finish among very tough competition.

[Michael Robert]

Ben, I join in the crowd. Everything has been said. I am in awe and full admiration.
Michael

[tullo]

hi
very very good

[Bill Slavin]

I, too, want to add my praise. The sculpting is beautiful, the scene poetic, and the painting marvellous. Truly inspiring!

[T. Dürrschmidt]

I can only copy what the others said. A more than worthy winner. I thought this is 3d printing or a very good conversion.....but built from scratch....WOW....or.....Saxndi.....like we say here in Bavaria.