Painted Ursa 2025


Presented by:

The Painted Ursa Painting Competition was created to inspire new painters to learn more about painting and the hobby, as well as to push established and veteran painters to explore new techniques. Painted Ursa is intended to provide an atmosphere that encourages learning and the sharing of techniques and knowledge.

Painted Ursa is an open competition with awards given based on merit. This style of competition awards medals based on level of skill. Your entry will compete against itself as opposed to those entered into the same category. While there is still an element of competition between painters, the primary goal is to reward painters for their current level of skill and help give them a measurable goal for improvement from year to year.

We’re looking for your best models!


Entry details

  • First entry free with BZU convention badge.

  • Additional entries $5.00 each.

  • Models entered can be from any manufacturer.

  • Multiple entries into the same category by the same painter are allowed, however the judges will determine which one entry in each category will be judged and awarded.

Introducing the new Golden Ducky category! Details in the Categories section below.

    • Single: Any single fantasy, sci-fi, chibi, or historical model on a base of up to 60mm (oval bases up to 32×60mm)

    • Vehicle/Monster: Machines and monsters of any size.

    • Unit: Infantry and Cavalry or any group of figures subject to the following constraints:

      • Base size 50mm or smaller (52×90 or smaller for oval bases).

      • The unit must consist of 3-10 models.

      • Units should have a clear theme, and it should be obvious that they are part of the same group.

      • Units MUST be attached to a single base for transport. Figures must be secured to the base using methods such as blue tack, white tack, or magnets to prevent damage while judging. Click here for some examples. Any unit entries not attached to a single base will not be accepted!

    • Open: This category is open to anything and everything: singles, monsters, dioramas, terrain, judges’ entries, and sculpted models, with the following limitations:

      • This category is excluded from the “best of” and “overall” awards.

      • All models in this category will only receive awards based on their merit.

      • Models in this category should be kept to an 8” x 8” size restriction.

    • Youth: This category is only open to painters 14 years old and younger. Any and all models will be accepted.

    • Golden Ducky (NEW!): This category is open to any Duck, Ducky, or Ducks from Epic Duck Studios

      • Models must be an Epic Duck Studios model.

      • Models must be attached to a base.

      • This category is exempt from the “best of” and “overall” awards.

      • The top three models in this category will be awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The rest will not be awarded.

    1. The judging panel will consist of three judges and one standby judge.

      1. The standby judge will assist as needed to break a tie in the event of matching scores for the “best in” awards.

      2. The standby judge will assist in the review of any judge entry, along with the remaining judges.

    2. The judges will use scorecards to assess each piece. These scorecards will be used to determine final placement and given to the entrant when the piece is picked up.

    3. All entries will be judged on four criteria:

      1. Difficulty: Complexity of the piece and the techniques used.

      2. Creativity: Use of innovation and implementation of new or unusual concepts, techniques, color schemes, arrangements, and added details.

      3. Workmanship: Judges will seek technical precision in cleaning, preparation, and construction. Thorough removal or resurfacing of flaws in the piece, seamless joints, clean and model-appropriate modifications, or sculpted elements.

      4. Painting Skill: As this is a painting competition, this is very important for all categories. Judges will evaluate the techniques used and the overall effect achieved. For example: subtlety in shading, crisp details, freehand, layering, blending, etc.

    4. Judging will take place October 24, 25, and 26(if needed)

    5. Judges’ scale:

    • Certificate of Merit: 12-26 points

    • Bronze: 27-39 points

    • Silver: 40-51 points

    • Gold: 52-60 points

    • Painted Ursa Medal: Each eligible entry will be awarded a ribbon of merit or bronze, silver, or gold medal as appropriate.

    • “Best of”: The highest-scoring entry from each of the Single, Unit, Vehicle/Monster, and Youth categories will be awarded a “Best of” award.

      • No single person may be awarded multiple “best of” awards. If a single person does have the highest score in multiple categories, they will be awarded their highest-scoring “best of” entry.

      • The open category is excluded from this award.

    • “Best Weathering”: Sponsorded by GoblinsHut

    Award announcements will take place October 26 (time TBD). Attendance at the award announcements is not required to be awarded.

    • Drop Off: Entries can be dropped off during the following time periods:

      • Friday, October 24 12pm - 11pm

      • Saturday, October 25 9am - 6pm

    • Pick Up: Entries can be picked up during the following time periods:

      • Sunday, October 26 12pm - 9pm

    Entries not picked up by 9:00pm on October 26 will be shipped to the entrant at the entrant’s expense.

  • The Winners List and Photos might take multiple weeks after Battle Zone Ursa to be posted. We will try to do it as soon as possible.

    Judges will be available to give in-person feedback from 7pm - 9pm on Sunday, after the competition awards ceremony. Feedback is also attached to the judging forms and will be provided via email for each entry.

Rules and regulations

  1. Entries must be made in person by the painter and be the work of that painter. Entries painted by anyone other than the entrant will be disqualified.

  2. You may not enter painted models previously published in any professional print or online media (e.g. manufacturer magazines or gaming material). The intention is that painters provide untested entries. This does not preclude “Work-in-Progress” type photos shared online.

  3. Disqualified entries forfeit all prizes, titles, and awards. The painter is also barred from entry in future Painted Ursa Competitions. Awards forfeited will be given to the next winning entry. Information that may result in disqualification should be brought to the attention of Painted Ursa and the competition administration immediately.

  4. All entries must be finished and based. Please look at the size restrictions within each category description above. Management determines the final category placement of all entries and reserves the right to change said placement before or during judging.

  5. Entry registration also constitutes permission for Battle Zone Ursa and Painted Ursa to photograph entries and show those photographs in all public media both online and in print.

  6. Battle Zone Ursa and Painted Ursa staff, crew members, and competition management cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged miniatures.

  7. Judges are forbidden from entering any categories aside from the “Open” category.

  8. All decisions of the judges and management are final.

  9. Entries must be received by 6:00pm on Saturday, October 25.

  10. Entries and prizes must be picked up by 9:00pm on Sunday, October 26, or the entrant will pay shipping and handling for their entries and/or awards to be mailed to them. If we receive no replies to our attempts to contact an entrant who has not picked up their items by phone or email by December 31 of the convention year, that entrant’s prizes will be forfeit, and entries still in our possession will be auctioned.

  11. Entrants must pick up their entries in person or sign a release form upon drop-off allowing their entries to be picked up by another specific individual. IDs will be checked upon pick-up by the designated individual.

  12. If you must pick up your entry during times that BZU is closed, arrangements can be made with management prior to the end of Painted Ursa.

  13. Models entered cannot be removed from the case during BZU. Do not enter models that you intend to use for playing games during the event.

If you have additional questions, please contact Trevor Allision: Trevor.Allison@battlezoneursa.com