Frydaal The Chain Maker, Monument Hobbies, Miniatures As Art, 2026

Lady Frydaal the Chain Maker, Old World

This miniature was a wild ride. She was originally painted for Golden Demon 2026, but at the last minute, I decided not to enter her. While she’s probably my best miniature yet, the original base just wasn’t up to my standards, and I knew I would be heartbroken if I entered her as she was. As a finale, as I peeled the painters tape off the original base / plinth that I had used to protect the plinth finish, the stain came up with it. At that point, it was obvious - this wasn’t her year.

I spent the next day completely heartbroken. But then I realized I had a choice: I could let that be the end of it, or I could find another way to get her out into the world.

So, in just over an hour, I found a new base, painted it, and entered her into Monument’s Miniatures as Art competition: just to have her in the case. She didn’t win anything, but honestly, it meant a lot just to see her there.

Next year, I’ll be back for Golden Demon. I have bigger, better plans for the base, and if anything, this just means next year’s piece will be even stronger.

I had a lot of fun painting the glowing back and using value to guide the eye across the front of the model. I’m especially happy with the chainlink earth-sky NMM, and I’m really proud of her face.