So you've spent a great deal of time applying dabs of paint to the lead figure on your painting table, only to spend half a minute to cover what the figure is standing on. Dousing the base in white glue, then dunking it into some array of green flocking and kitty litter. It makes for good grass and rocks. If you've spent alot of time on the figure, shouldn't you at least invest similar time into the base? Basing is a way of giving the miniature a surface to stand on. Some people opt for the simple green flock, making the miniature look as though it is on AstroTurf, or on a golf course. I am guilty of the AstroTurf effect as well, because it's simple and less time consuming. But for this steampulp miniature I decided to try and create a base resembling the cobblestone or brick-like surface of the streets of 1880ish. Grabbing my trusty tube of Tamiya Modeling Putty, and a miniature to put on a street, I set about my task.
Smoothing the putty out was harder than I realized, but giving it an uneaven look might add more realism. Once the putty was on the base, I took a toothpick and smoothed it around, being careful not to get any on her feet.
I then scored the surface in a brick-like pattern with a hobby knife. The next step was to let it dry and then paint it with a series of light grays and dark grays. Here is the finished product, a pulp era femme fatale. The model is from
ReaperMiniatures
Here are two other miniatures that would benefit from a similar treatment. The great detective and his trusty sidekick to roam around the streets of London in pursuit of Professor Moriarty.
With some putty and a knife a great base is born. With enough time and inspiration there is no limit to what you can accomplish.
I'll try to make "Miniature Mondays" a regular part of the blog. It will have something to do with the hobby of miniatures, whether it be an after action report, great finds for the gaming table, or something of another nature.
Have a great game!
Kevin
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