Recently, the NOVA Open had an opportunity to talk with award-winning artist Dave Taylor. Dave has been painting and gaming since 1991 and has worked with Games Workshop, Battlefront Miniatures/Wargames Illustrated. Dave currently runs Dave Taylor Miniatures, a production studio offering editing, design, and layout services to tabletop wargaming businesses.

 

A long-time NOVA Open attendee, Dave has worked closely with the NOVA Open Charitable Foundations since 2013 when he joined the Foundation's Redemption of the Fallen Project. This year, Dave generously painted two Dark Age armies for the NOVA Open Foundation's charity raffle supporting Doctors Without Borders. Read below to hear Dave's thoughts on what he's looking forward to at this year's convention, the Warlord Titan he'll be displaying at this year's convention, and his tips for NOVA participants looking to take advantage of NOVA's offerings to improve their hobby.

 

NO: How long have you been coming to the NOVA Open?

 

DT: 2016 will be my fourth year attending, I think. I haven't played in any of the events at all, but have twice participated in the Capitol Palette.

 

NO: What are you looking forward to at NOVA Open 2016?

 

DT: I think the things I'm most looking forward to are firstly, seeing the new Horus Heresy program of events that has been introduced this year. I'm friends with the guys who are planning it all out, and they don't do things by halves. I'm expecting to see some fantastic armies, excellent table, and spectacular games!

 

I am also excited to see the crowds' reaction to the NOVA Open Charitable Foundation's (NOCF) Silent Auction and Charity Raffles. We have so much excellent stuff coming through this year from artists around the world. The focal point for our army raffles will be a Space Marine army facing off against an Ork army over a custom built gaming table. It's going to be huge!

 

NO: NOVA Open will be displaying your Warlord Titan at this year's convention. What are you most proud about the work that went into building and painting the Titan?

 

DT: I think I'm most proud that I stuck with it. It's an enormous beast, and at times I wanted just to push it to the side and call it quits.

 

NO: Are you planning on using the Titan in any events? Where will the Titan be displayed?

 

DT: I think my friends will be using it in one or more of the Horus Heresy events at the show, so I guess it might be displayed either near that area, or somewhere near the Capitol Palette area.

 

NO: Based on your experience, what tips would you give NOVA attendees who want to take their hobby to the next level?

 

DT: There are a lot of ways that you can "up your game" when it comes to modeling and painting at the show. Signing up for classes with folks like Roman Lappat, Raffaele Picca, Justin McCoy, and Caleb Wissenback are ways to get an insight into the minds of some spectacular artists. Another great way is to hang out around the Capitol Palette display cases and chat with other hobbyists gathered there.

 

You can also wander around and take a look at wonderful armies out on the tournament tables - stop and chat with the owners if they are on a break. Last, but not least, there is plenty of great knowledge (and product) to be found in the vendor area. Ask questions about the products and how they might apply to your next wargaming project!

 

NOVA Open would like to thank to Dave for taking the time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions and his continued support for our work. If you want to see more of Dave's work, visit http://davetaylorminiatures.blogspot.com.

Yes, we heard the news!  An official points system coming from Games Workshop to Age of Sigmar?!  What does that mean for our events?  We do not know more details than you, and the General's Handbook release "later this summer" could be anytime between next week and August. Thus, especially considering several players (the main Sigmar event is nearly sold out) already started building and painting armies according to the Clash Comp we plan to use at NOVA , we  currently  do not intend to change our format for this year's event.

 

Although GW discontinued their Tomb King and Bretonnian models, their respective warscrolls remain available for free download. As such, we do not intend to disqualify 'legacy' warscrolls for our event.

Our intention is to create a fun Age of Sigmar event at the NOVA Open. We are trying to create a balanced experience between competition and fun, and are using the Clash Comp to keep things relatively ordered. Especially in the Narrative event, we have planned some unique between-game decisions which will directly result in in-game bonuses and special effects.

 

As always, please let us know if you have any questions comments or concerns, and we look forward to seeing you in September! We'll keep you posted as we hear more about the General's Handbook.