The second quarter of 2026 came to an end a few days ago. With that in mind, how successful was it?

A saying comes to mind: so close, yet so far away. I almost finished all three planned projects. Let’s take a look.

This quarter’s goals were to complete the bolt thrower operator for the Akhelian Allopex, the Peril Pledges (Gonks), and two Shadow Warriors for my Mordheim warband. I also set myself a bonus goal: a Rat Ogre from Age of Sigmar.

Akhelian Allopex

I started the quarter strong with the bolt thrower operator. Work began in April, and I made steady progress, usually painting him between commission projects.

Once finished, I attached him to the rest of the Allopex miniature, and I think the completed model looks fantastic. Since it’s primarily a gaming piece, I aimed for a solid tabletop standard rather than pushing every detail. If it gets chipped or damaged during play, it’ll be easy enough to touch up.

Peril Pledges

Next came the Peril Pledges Gonks for Combat Zone Cyberpunk.

The box art features bright, vibrant colours, and I wanted to capture that feeling. It was also a chance to step outside my usual comfort zone. It’s not often I use pink, lavender, periwinkle, and fluorescent paints on the same model.

For the bases, I painted an asphalt effect. While I’m reasonably happy with the result, I may add a few bits of scattered debris to better sell the street setting.

Like the Allopex, these are gaming models, so durability took priority over display-quality finishes.

Of course, now I’m eyeing up the Danger Gals. Unlike the other factions, each member has a unique appearance based on their artwork.

That’s a problem for future me.

Shadow Warriors

By the time I finished the Gonks, May had disappeared surprisingly quickly, leaving June to complete two humble elf miniatures.

Unfortunately, that’s where the old saying comes in: “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men…” (Close enough, anyway.)

That isn’t to say no progress was made. Quite the opposite – both models received a fair amount of additional paint and are noticeably closer to completion. So while I didn’t achieve everything I’d planned, I certainly didn’t stand still.

There were outside factors that affected my hobby time, but at the end of the day, progress is still progress.

Looking Ahead to Q3

Overall, I’m pleased with how the quarter turned out.

Unlike previous attempts, adding a bonus project didn’t derail everything else. I completed two of my goals and made meaningful progress on the third.

So, what’s on the table for the third quarter?

First, I’ll finish the remaining Shadow Warriors for my Mordheim warband. They’re close enough to the finish line that it makes sense to push them over.

Second is the Rat Ogre, which was originally last quarter’s bonus project. I want to complete it for a couple of reasons. Painting factions that don’t immediately appeal to me has improved my skills in the past. Goblins were much the same – I wasn’t particularly interested in them at first, but now I genuinely enjoy painting them.

Perhaps the Skaven will surprise me too.

The third project proved to be the hardest decision. I have several unfinished projects competing for my attention.

Do I start the Danger Gals? Finish the last two members of an Undead warband? Or abandon all sense of planning and finally paint the cat wizard I received for Christmas last year?

So many choices.

After some thought, I’ve decided the Undead warband will take the third slot.

The cat wizard, however, has earned a place as this quarter’s bonus project.

As always – paint fearlessly. It’s just paint, and you can fix any mistakes.