Critter Crunch!

Here's my two latest Mierce Miniatures beasties... side by side for a size comparison.

In this image, we have MÓRANNACH, BEAST OF CILL CHONN BOG, and THACALDĀN, MOUND BEETLE.

Each of these monsters is mounted on an 80mm base.

Each of these guys required a very different approach.

The Bog Monster had a wide range of interlocking colors, from very warm greens and tans to very cool blues and grays.  In contrast, the Beetle had an extremely limited palette.

In both cases, there was very specific concept art, forcing the issue as to palette choices.

The basing was also going to be extremely restricted, further limiting my choices.  As you all know, basing is something that I love, and I enjoy letting the basing itself decide where some of the color choices end up.

Putting contrasting colors on the base can accent what is done on the figure itself, or provide a nice source for reflected light or colors.

The Beetle had to be placed on a base that was to represent a typical green meadow/pasture in Ireland.  This meant that the foliage was going to be a more intense green, and make the deep reds seem warmer or lighter than desired.

Yes, basing can make all kinds of critical differences, so choose wisely!

In contrast, the foliage of the Bog Monster tends to dull down many of the colors on the figure.  This was an advantage on that particular figure.

Even the "low slung" mounting of the figures directly to the base made me change several things.  I love my bark and branch style basing which elevates the figures above the profile of the base edge, making for more dramatic posing and even provide more ease of painting.

I hope this exploration into the consequences of basing methods and its effect on a figure is helpful!