The first month of 2026 draws to a close, and it’s past time to discuss the progress – or lack thereof – from the fourth quarter of 2025.

Quite a bit happened outside of hobby time that affected it. The holidays consumed much of my free time, work ramped up significantly, and the extra hours brought their share of fatigue. I experienced a bit of burnout and some creative block. Add in a new feline friend to the household and, as one might expect, not much paint flowed from brush to model.

The Labyrinth Witch

In all honesty, I only managed to add more paint to the Labyrinth Witch. Even then, I applied just the final base layers. As a result, she remains on the table.

That said, this will be the last quarter she stays there unfinished. If I don’t complete her this quarter, she’ll be removed from the table with plans to revisit her later.

Labyrinth Models offers a wide range of fantasy miniatures on MyMiniFactory, and this particular sculpt really appeals to me. Fingers crossed I can see her through – it’s a design I genuinely enjoy.

Idoneth Deepkin

As for the Idoneth Deepkin models I added last quarter, I failed to even pick them up.

Technically, I have two different sets of riders and crew for the challenge. The mounts for each set were finished earlier, but the riders themselves remain untouched.

First, the Akhelian Morrsarr Guard stand primed and eagerly awaiting paint. Second, the crew of the Akhelian Allopex need some attention. The “driver” was primed alongside the Guard, but the bolt thrower operator still requires assembly. Poor fellow can’t seem to pull himself together.

Like the Witch, these models remain on the table for this quarter.

The Giant

Lastly, the female giant – the model I continue to struggle with finishing.

Sadly, I think it’s best to set her aside for now. Over the last few quarters I’ve worked on her in short bursts, but never with much enthusiasm. It’s clear the motivation just isn’t there at the moment.

She returns to the unfinished pile for now – not forgotten, simply waiting for the right time. Perhaps in a quarter or two she’ll make a comeback.

What Replaces the Giant?

So what model will take her place?

I have a Stormcast model I began two Geek Weeks ago. It’s partially painted and more human-sized, which should make it a nice change of pace. To be fair, I won’t be painting it in the traditional Games Workshop gold armour motif. Instead, I’m leaning toward reds and warm golden tans – perhaps even experimenting with some non-metallic metal techniques.

We’ll see how it progresses.

Until next time: paint fearlessly. It’s just paint, and you can fix any mistakes.