Basing principles.

[gorgosaurus]

When to use round, oval, square, oblong bases - are there any guiding principles?

I´ve been using round bases for figures I want seen from all angles and oval or oblong bases for my longer Dinosaurs. Mounting a running Tyrannosaurus on a relatively small oval or round base throws more emphasis onto the animal itself. A longer oval or oblong base allows me to describe the animal´s environment, but can detract from the animal itself. Either way, tails often overlap the edges of my bases and I have to be careful when transporting models to shows.

Are there any sites with discussions on basing principles?
Any positive input will be appreciated.
Spike.

 

[Nap]

Hi Spike

Basing is I think a personal thing , you raise some good points as to how choice could affect the result , I use 99% square on my busts primarily for uniformity in the display cabinet

There's always a worry about damage no matter what type of base

Hope we see more of your modelling soon

Nap

 

[Mirofsoft]

Yes usualy you use square one, but,if you prefer oval, go for it, nowadays if you like better round ones, buy it, but you stay with a dilema, wood, plastic, resin, stone, marble ....... , then the ratio between the height of the figure and the base 2,2.5,3 or .....

 

[Forté]

Use what looks good to you.

Couple of things that may help deciding though.

If you want to fix a preferred viewing angle, something with squared off sides and corners is the easiest option for that. However; you can attach a name plate to your preferred viewing section no matter which shape.

Circular without a name plate can encourage viewers to look from any direction though which can make something interesting.

 

[Blind Pew]

Very much horses for courses.
I now do not start a figure without ensuring I've got an adequate base for it. Years ago, I was the opposite. I'd be, "Oh shite, I've just finished a figure....better find some scrap timber to nail it to." I have the opposite approach now. A good base will not turn a poor figure into a good one, but it can really influence the 'look & feel' of a finished piece.

After all, you wouldn't put a Rembrandt in a frame from Ikea*, would you?

*other shops are available.

 

[DEL]

Agree with everything preceding.
The only bit I can add is make sure the overall height fits into your transport box
Fallen foul of this a few times
D.

 

[Ronaldo]

I think that base choice is ultra important ,too big it drowns the figure , too small it doesn't look right . The days gone by using light pastern's are long past
A well painted figure will shine in the right presentation .
We are totally spoiled for choice these days with plenty of high quality stuff for not to high a price considering the time and equipment required to turn out something nice .

No real rules here but one that does work for the angled bust base is ; set you bust slightly back from centre. For mounted set the horse at an angle

 

[Wayneb]

Visual balance from every angle.