NOVA Open 2025

Capital Palette Entry

Capital Palette Tickets- Please purchase one ticket per entry.

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See the latest Capital Palette Primer for more information

Also check out: Capital Palette FAQ

After purchasing your entries in Tabletop Events, you must create an Emperor account and register each entry. The Link for Emperor App registration will be open in late Spring. Stay tuned for information in the NOVA Open Newsletter.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

There are a LOT of different miniatures, in many scales and many sizes. So many that we'll never be able to cover them all with simple descriptions for our categories. We ask for your flexibility and patience and common sense. “Scale” is how we describe the size of the model as a ratio compared to the full-size subject. This is not the size of the base used. Where "all scales" are permitted, be aware that if a piece is too large, it may impact Capital Palette’s ability to display.

The Capital Palette has three Divisions based on relative skill and experience. Each of these Division contains six Categories. Entries may be upgraded to the next Division or moved to another Category at the discretion of NOVA Open staff and/or Capital Palette judges if they have a justifiable reason for the move. Entries will not be moved to deprive the Artist an award.

Divisions

  1. Apprentice - The Apprentice Division is for beginners and is designed for young painters and new miniature painters who are just starting their journey.
  2. Journeyman - The Journeyman Division is focused on artists that are developing their painting skills and artistic expression. The Journeyman Division is for hobbyists that are active in their local communities, participating in painting competitions, as well as established artists getting back into painting after an absence.
  3. Masterclass - The Masterclass Division is for artists who are actively refining their painting skills and leading their local hobby and painting communities. These painters may have won major awards (e.g., Golden Demon, Crystal Brush, and of course Capital Palette), and/or paint and teach this art form professionally. This is a challenging Division, and not for the faint of heart.

Model Categories

  1. Single Model – Small (up to 54mm Scale) - Any single figure, up to and including 54mm scale figures. Single figures on a display base may include ancillary models (e.g., familiars, small animals, mounts, etc.) necessary to add to the scene. Examples include: all Warhammer 40k and Age of Sigmar playable figures, Star Wars: Legion or Shatterpoint figures, or Marvel: Crisis Protocol Characters.
  2. Single Model – Large (greater than 54mm Scale) - Any complete figure(s), over 54mm scale or monstrous sized creatures. Multiple figures are allowed but must be displayed on a single base. The focus of the category should be on the characters. Examples include: 75mm knight, 32mm Dragon, or a Warhammer Greater Demon.
  3. Diorama, All Scales - Any diorama, in all scales, in any theme. Diorama entries convey a story or communicate a story to the viewer. Dioramas can involve multiple models, as with a duel, or no models, as with a burning shed in a field. Note that some commercially available miniatures may be presented in a particular setting. These entries may be moved to the Single Model or Unit/Squad categories if the judges feel that the artist has not injected their own story-telling elements into the piece. Please also keep in mind the size requirements for all entries.
  4. Vehicle, All Scales - Any vehicle, in all scales, in any theme. The focus should be on the vehicle, with ancillary figures in support of the story. Examples include: war machines (e.g., Dreadnoughts, Warjacks, mechanical constructs), cars, planes, tanks, ships, trains, etc.
  5. Unit / Squad - Squads /units consist of three (3) figures to five (5) models displayed as a cohesive unit. Entries in this category must be submitted on a single coherent base to better indicate that they are part of a single submission and reduce model handling.
  6. Bust, All Scales - Any bust, in all scales, in any theme. This includes scale busts, and “partial figure” busts that include a torso. Please keep in mind the size requirements for all entries.

Sponsored Awards

Capital Palette will also have Sponsored Awards in addition to our Standard Awards:

  1. Youth Award - Top three painted entries by our hobbyists under and included 15 years of age.
  2. Creativity Award - Top three most creative entries from all Capital Palette submissions.
  3. Historical Award - Best Historical figure or display will be awarded within Apprentice, Journeyman, and Masterclass Divisions.
  4. Sculpting Award - Awarded for best original sculpted entries in a single Category. Entries can be hand sculpted or 3D printed.

Capital Palette Hours of Operation

  • Wednesday: After Setup, entry submissions as time permits
  • Thursday: 9am – 5pm
  • Friday: 9am – 5pm
  • Saturday: 9am – 12pm
  • Sunday: 8am – 4pm (may be limited during Award Ceremony)

Capital Palette Award Ceremony

Capital Palette Award Ceremony will be conducted at 12:30 am Sunday afternoon until complete; expect completion by 2:30pm. Those winning awards will have priority for seating. Remaining seating will be first come, first served.

The location of the Award Ceremony will be updated as we get closer to NOVA Open.

Locations for Judges critiques will be shared before and during the Award Ceremony