Artistic approach to bases

[kurtj]

This thread sort of got off track. I must not have asked my question correctly. It was not about the physical bases themselves at all. I was trying to find out about balance, placement of any supporting objects (hats, helmets, discarded weapons, etc.). My objective is for the figure to be the observed object and look like it is natural being there, not in a bunch of clutter and not a contrived situation (which of course it is.)

 

[Forté]

This thread sorted got off track. I must not have asked my question correctly. It was not about the physical bases themselves at all. I was trying to find out about balance, placement of any supporting objects (hats, helmets, discarded weapons, etc.). My objective is for the figure to be the observed object and look like it is natural being there, not in a bunch of clutter and not a contrived situation (which of course it is.)

The correct term you're looking for there is "composition". There is a lot of information about it in art if you have a search about.

Here is one to check out: https://drawpaintacademy.com/unders...ing the visual,the use of repetitive elements.

And another: https://willkempartschool.com/the-secret-of-good-composition/

And a miniatures related one: http://massivevoodoo.blogspot.com/2014/03/basing-composition-introduction.html

But honestly, a lot of it is trial and error in which blutac becomes your best friend.

 

[kurtj]

Forte,

Thanks. I wasn’t trying to duck the hard work, trial and error method going for the more common instant gratification method. I was just interested in what the classical artistic theories were to see what I could adapt them for my own toolbox.

Kurt

 

[yellowcat]

Forte,

Thanks. I wasn’t trying to duck the hard work, trial and error method going for the more common instant gratification method. I was just interested in what the classical artistic theories were to see what I could adapt them for my own toolbox.

Kurt

It is interesting to see why some figure presentations are visually spectacular and others with the same well painted figure with nice ground work are so and so. It is because some figure artists (Shep Paine, Bill Horan, Mike Blank) have the hidden talent which they incorporated the basic design theory into their composition without knowing it. It is so call they have the eye for it. No matter what you are doing, basic design rules and theory never change. It is the fundamentals and principles of creating visual communication and all types of art. This common visual language is in our daily lives.

 

[Forté]

Forte,

Thanks. I wasn’t trying to duck the hard work, trial and error method going for the more common instant gratification method. I was just interested in what the classical artistic theories were to see what I could adapt them for my own toolbox.

Kurt

I know. That's also why I gave three links with very different thoughts on it.