Hi.

I'm still pretty new to the whole display painting idea, having spent too many years on Games Workshop products (and I apologise for using those words. It won't happen again).

I've noticed my painting change the past two years buy I'm intrigued as to how others choose what type of plinth to use to display their work.

Now, coming from a more fantasy/sci-fi oriented painting background I've noticed that the painters I often see work by involve quite elaborate basing where the limited contact with historical pieces seem to be framed tightly with a bit of ground work and major focus on the miniature.

So basically, what things influence your decisions?

Great question. I only do mostly historic subjects. I consider environment to be part of the narrative, so I tend toward more than the little bit of ground you accurately describe as more common. Concern plinths, I try to match it with the subject. Some are simple, so a simple, nothing out of the ordinary base I find to be appropriate. A more complex or unusual piece, say with action or needing more environment to get the point across may result in something different. I need to point out that common wisdom on the subject says nothing should detract from the figure, and so minimal groundwork is in order. I understand this. It just does not work for me. Hope helps and does not confuse.--Steve

I keep the groundwork to a minimum, just because I don't like doing it.....!

Exactly! Although I do admire exponents of the art.

I like to see the fantasy groundwork and the wonderful colours they paint them with the idea of using some of the
techniques on my bases. I think it works well with doing some fantasy figures with the help of their techniques. I have used some of those toned down colours on some wood bases as rocks/stones etc. Since it is fantasy any thing goes. WWI figures if set in a trench usually have more details/complexity in them. Just my opinion.
Cheers
John

Balance...........

I on the other hand like to use it as it takes the eye away from the mess I made of the figure
Steve

Steve - Dont do yourself down , mate!!

I don't have to, I have a wife who does it for me
Steve

Hi mrbeanhq , there are quite a few reasons for choosing different types of ground work on bases , 1/ bring out the colours of the figure 2/ trying to represent the terrain the figure was likely to be in . Take a look at some of the WW1 figures set in trenches . 3/ If the figure is a straight up and down parade figure even a few cobble stones or paving slabs help set it off . 5/ Basically to give the figure a time and place . Hope that helps
chippy

Ground work can make or brake a figure.A mediocre figure on a good base looks much better than expected while a fantastic figure on a mediocre base looses half of its glory.

Oda.

Story.

That's the main thing that drives my basing thoughts as I see the miniature, basing, and plinth as a complete picture so usually build them all up at the same time. This also helps with my painting decisions as it helps set the mood and light direction.

Yes....Very important to try to visualize the overall finished piece as you're working. And that includes a balance and a presentation that is pleasing to the eye....And I think that applies to pretty much any scale.

Wayne

Thanks all!

The weather ....

some display bases get away with bringing the detail right to, and often over, the edges. I like to see a bare, or sparse, border around the focal point to emphasize just like a fairly generous mat on a picture. this allows some contrast, and I think better appreciation, of the subject.