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In hobby terms, I got a few minis painted in 2013. A little Malifaux, one rushed entry for Gen Con, a bench queen or two. On the other hand, I got in a bit more tabletop gaming and, for the first time in several years, ran a couple of RPG sessions. So, the year wasn't a complete bust.
There was a long break from painting, though; from September to January, there just never seemed to be time and energy left for painting. For another two months, I pretty much lost interest in painting, modeling, anything mini-related. Now, I can't say I'm back in full stride, but earlier this week I did pick up a brush and throw a little paint at a couple of old models.
What changed? Well, lately I began to realize mini painting felt less like a relaxing hobby and more like work. Everything I considered painting looked like a lot of time to invest for little reason. When any hobby morphs from 'want to' into more of a 'need to' then I lose interest. So, about a week ago I shut out all the distractions and spent some time digging through The Vault, looking only for something that I could connect with, something that spoke up and said, "Paint me!"
Complex, multi-part or detailed models were off-putting. Models part of a larger unit, requiring specific color schemes or cohesive basing were ignored. I could not bring myself to even open a box set. Finally, after a couple of hours of searching, I found myself coming back to the same Julie Guthrie Personalities models from Grenadier. Simple & clean, if rather small by today's standards, these models have been in my collection for many years. I have always liked them, painted a few a long time ago, and there they were, still waiting for paint.
So, two are on my workbench. No, I won't be putting a ton of time and effort into them or showing photos. The purpose is not to improve skills, get critiques or display. Just to paint simply for the fun of painting, because I want to, not because I need to.
Time will tell if I progress beyond this point and take up competition or game painting, again. For the moment, one small step - sitting down at the painting table - is enough for me.
I'm looking forward to seeing what you paint, no matter what it is or what level its at (gods know that I'm the last person to comment on someone's painting level, but you get the idea). Its just good to know that you're back at the brush & paint. Hang in there brother and letting your painting mojo flow.