Plinths, and how do you choose yours?

[Forté]

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?

 

[kagemusha]

For me personally....the base/plinth...has to form the link that tells the story the piece portrays.....it is integral to the scene....and not just a means to support/display it....
Many of us look for unusual cracks or splits in a plinth....and use this feature to extend the scene.....
One particular piece I did is a good example of what I mean...http://www.planetfigure.com/threads/avant-gardé.72594/

This particular base was chosen to reinforce the 'feeling' of the rider looking down from above....
Hope this helps

Regards

Ron

 

[Forté]

Cheers Ron.

This is the sort of thing I've done so far really.

Otherwise, it's more been a black plinth.

 

[Ferris]

One could write a book on picking bases I suppose!
Here's the main things I consider:

1. How does it fit next to others? I like some consistency in my display cabinet and between figures. Not all bases have to be the same, but I don't like mixing too many different types, because it distracts from the figures.

2. The right size. I like it when the base is about 2/3 the height of the figure itself. The (groundwork) width depends on the figure, but I like to keep it below 2/3 of the base's height.

3. Straight edge or groundwork extending over the edge. I let this depend on the figure. For my recent 120mm British para I extended the rubble groundwork over the edge and liked it. For the roman that came before, in high field grass and poppies, I used a straight edge, but looking back I should have extended it a bit as well. i'll let this depend on the figure and mood in my case....

4. I like rather neutral bases, so no complex wood pattern and a restrained nameplate, to keep the focus on the figure. This is pure personal preference of course.

For what it's worth!

Cheers,
Adrian

 

[Forté]

Cheers Adrian.

So, for example, on a 75mm mini you'd likely use a 50mm tall plinth. Sounds like a good way to work it.

This is another I have made (the base of the plinth came from Bespoke Bases and is the same as I used on the Gladiataure above). What feedback would you give?


Cheers,
Steve.

 

[kagemusha]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with what you are doing Steve....it is very much down to personal taste/interpretation mate ....
Make use of the many examples on this site and others....you will soon get a 'feel' for what you like

Ron

 

[Forté]

Many thanks

 

[Mark S]

Just don't make the same mistake I did with this figure...............which is titled " The terrible consequences of the inappropriate choice of figure base"

 

[kagemusha]

 

[Forté]

Bet that gets a fair few comments

 

[Jim]

I did this one a few years ago for my buddy, Pete Herrera.
I displayed it at SCAHMS and got a silver medal.
Pete's slogan: "When In Doubt, Paint a Nazi".
He liked it and I had fun with it.

 

[Forté]

I see you were painting a pole dancer too

 

[Blind Pew]

I can't add a lot to what others have already said, but I will say that I don't start a project without having an adequate base for it. Haven't for ages now. One thing I also take into consideration is not to have parts of the figure protruding off the base - it's asking for trouble!

 

[Babelfish]

I very rarely buy a plinth/base with a specific figure in mind. Basically if I see a base that I really like, I will buy it and worry about what to put on it later. Especially unusual "one-off" bases. I might think "that would work well with a mountain man / viking / Roman" etc., but that's as far as it goes.

As a result I have amassed a respectable collection of bases these past few years, so when I decide to start a figure, my first job is to rummage through my bases collection to find the right one to go with the subject. And I'll always come up with at least one.

- Steve

 

[Helm]

I tend to play it by ear re basing, usually wait till the figure is pretty much done before basing it, occassionaly I have a base in mind though
Steve

 

[Forté]

I try to plan it first and build all at the same time. Paint the base first too so it sets the scene.

 

[Mirofsoft]

An idea for your busts

 

[peedee]

My approach is completely different ro many figurists in that all my bases are black.
There are two reasons for this deliberate choice.

Firstly I travel and display at a lot of uk model shows and take a whole heap of figures to show.
When figures of all scales and periods are on show, but all on similar bases the display looks as if it all belongs together regardless. I also use additional under blocks and boxes to raise them up to a better viewing height when on the table.

Secondly it does both annoy and frustrate me when people pass by any display and say oooh that's a lovely base , and make no comment about the figure on it! After I started using all black bases they just concentrate on and talk to me about
The figures. Before they leave they always comment about the display fitting well together too.
But there is some lovely fancy wood well worth showing off.
so like everyone else I say what suits you is the only correct choice.

Paul.

 

[Forté]

Cheers Paul. Can understand what you mean with that.