Cancon 2026's Crimson Brush Painting Show Jan 24-26 at EPIC Canberra

Painters from across Australia are filling EPIC Canberra as Cancon 2026 hosts the Crimson Brush painting show, a dedicated display competition that puts finished work front and center and prioritizes education and community feedback. The show is part of Cancon, billed as Australia’s largest tabletop convention, and runs through Jan 26, giving visitors two more days to view entries and speak with fellow painters.

Crimson Brush uses an open-format judging system that awards Gold, Silver and Bronze standards while separating entries into Masters and Standard divisions. That format emphasizes clear display standards and practical critique rather than a strict points-only tournament, so entries ranging from competition-level cabinets to tabletop-ready armies are assessed against consistent benchmarks. Judges will evaluate work across several categories, including single-figure, unit, bust, diorama and an open category that captures conversions and mixed-media pieces.

Beyond the competition framework, Crimson Brush is built around community exchange. A painter’s lounge on the show floor creates an informal space for artists to swap techniques on basing, glazing, weathering and contrast, or to deconstruct a color recipe after seeing it in person. Opportunities for feedback are scheduled alongside the displays, giving painters targeted advice on presentation, finishing touches and how to meet display or masters criteria at future shows.

The display format also benefits viewers. Seeing pieces in a curated setting highlights lighting, basing and scenic context decisions that do not translate well through photos alone. That helps painters refine gallery-style presentation and tabletop readability at the same time, whether preparing for Masters-level judging or simply aiming for a standout army on the table.

For Cancon attendees, Crimson Brush complements the convention’s gaming and events by making finished models a focal point. New painters can compare standards and learn what elevates a figure from solid to Gold-level. Experienced painters can test new basing treatments or diorama techniques in a competitive yet constructive environment.

Crimson Brush runs through Jan 26 at EPIC Canberra, so there is still time to drop in, study display pieces, join a feedback session or use the painter’s lounge to work alongside peers. Expect practical takeaways you can apply at the bench tomorrow: basing choices, display lighting considerations and clear benchmarks for progressing from Standard to Masters.