Lead Adventure Forum

Miniatures Adventure => Fantasy Adventures => Topic started by: PhilH on February 24, 2018, 11:44:12 AM

Title: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: PhilH on February 24, 2018, 11:44:12 AM: I'm making a set of Beastmen miniatures, with some accompanying beasts. The plan is to have a selection of hybrids, more akin to Narnia than Chaos mutations, but could maybe be used in both roles.

Anyway, first up is the Minotaur ( he still needs some work on his tail, armour etc) 40mm to the top of his head and the Grizzly Bear.
Once I get a clutch of sculpts together, they'll head to Kickstarter, then Bears ahead Miniatures webstore.

(https://i.imgur.com/6lm3mqE.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/9tZfett.jpg)
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: OSHIROmodels on February 24, 2018, 12:12:55 PM: Wonderful work 8)

I like the idea of the Narnia take on them. Dare I ask if you're going to do a similar range of 'good' creatures?
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: PhilH on February 24, 2018, 12:19:51 PM: I want them to remain neutral in design, with maybe an definitely evil or good one here or there.
I think the Minotaur is fairly neutral, but could be presented as evil with a dark paint job and skull or two.
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: Duncan McDane on February 24, 2018, 02:09:11 PM: Those 2 are excellent. :)
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: beefcake on February 24, 2018, 08:07:29 PM: Oh my... wallet.
Those are great.
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: Schrumpfkopf on February 25, 2018, 12:22:47 AM: Great sculpts! I like the bear in particular.
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: OmarR on February 25, 2018, 03:10:28 AM: Quote from: OSHIROmodels on February 24, 2018, 12:12:55 PM
Wonderful work 8)

"Narnia" a similar range of 'good' creatures?

Centaurs could be interesting like the ones from Narnia
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: PhilH on February 26, 2018, 03:51:34 AM: Thank you for the feedback. I'll continue to build on the selection and for the most part keep them neutral in alignment.
Certainly a centaur or two, probably the next addition.
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: Doomsdave on February 28, 2018, 03:59:20 AM: These are a really good start. I like the realism of the minotaur. Looking forward to seeing the rest.
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: PhilH on March 03, 2018, 12:35:24 AM: Another beast added. Still needs some work, but almost done. This time a Great White Shark rising out of the gloomy depths!

(https://i.imgur.com/Df5W24w.jpg)
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: beefcake on March 03, 2018, 03:55:43 AM: What, no laserbeams? lol
Just kidding. He looks great. Very impressed, not something I would purchase but it is great nonetheless.
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: OSHIROmodels on March 03, 2018, 07:08:52 AM: Looks good 8)

Just out of curiosity, what sort of ‘armature’ did you use for this?
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: PhilH on March 03, 2018, 09:25:39 AM: Quote from: OSHIROmodels on March 03, 2018, 07:08:52 AM
Looks good 8)

Just out of curiosity, what sort of ‘armature’ did you use for this?

It started life as a Y shaped piece of armature wire. With three offshoots for the fins. I then bulked out the form with Greenstuff. Once cured I sleeved it with a Greenstuff / polymer mix, for the detail.
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: Hobgoblin on March 04, 2018, 02:10:40 PM: These are lovely - all of them, but the minotaur in particular. Your "neutral" minotaur is much more interesting than a lot of the spikier ones on the market - and it's superbly modelled!
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: OSHIROmodels on March 04, 2018, 02:14:37 PM: Forgot to say thank you for the reply :)
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: Elk101 on March 04, 2018, 03:45:48 PM: Lovely sculpts. I like them all and suddenly find myself wondering how a shark would fit into my existing games?
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: PhilH on March 05, 2018, 12:27:41 PM: Thank you.
I’ve been thinking about how to use the shark too....
RPG wise should be straightforward enough. Maybe some treasure at the bottom of the sea which has to be retrieved or stuck on a boat, with the shark circling.

A powerful Wizard has a levitating magical shark as a bodyguard.

We don’t have any evidence to say that the Vikings didn’t have a war with sharks and that explains why there are no Vikings around today, but there are sharks. So he could be used in Saga?

Sharknado gaming?
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: Phil Portway on March 05, 2018, 12:47:39 PM: Really nice sculpts. I need that shark for my Pirate adventures! Garrrrr!

You might need to do more "above surface " stuff on the Great White
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn208/1815philip/Pirates/DSC02248.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/1815philip/media/Pirates/DSC02248.jpg.html)

(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn208/1815philip/Pirates/DSC02249.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/1815philip/media/Pirates/DSC02249.jpg.html)

(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn208/1815philip/Pirates/DSC02251.jpg) (http://s305.photobucket.com/user/1815philip/media/Pirates/DSC02251.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: PhilH on March 05, 2018, 01:17:47 PM: Quote from: Phil Portway on March 05, 2018, 12:47:39 PM
Really nice sculpts. I need that shark for my Pirate adventures! Garrrrr!

You might need to do more "above surface " stuff on the Great White

Good idea. I’m getting her cast in resin, so I can grind the lower Hal’s off to make a Fin and tal breaking the water. :)
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: Hammers on March 05, 2018, 01:23:44 PM: That bear has one of the best poses in 28mm miniature.
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: PhilH on March 17, 2018, 06:58:24 PM: A tiger miniature. I’m ready to put the seven miniatures into a Kickstarter project, to fund their production. The tiger will be a stretch goal. Any suggestions for other sculpts. Highland cow, unicorn and stag are in the list?

(https://i.imgur.com/1K0hlFe.jpg)
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: Ogrob on March 17, 2018, 07:02:07 PM: That is lovely. I have been looking for a nice tiger for my Ghost Archipelago bestiary, and that is way nicer then Reaper's offering.

How about some giant wasps? They're in the GA book, and I have not seen any suitable miniatures anywhere.
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: Elk101 on March 17, 2018, 07:05:30 PM: It's good news that these will be available. A stag would certainly be of use.

Heresy do a giant waspquito that might be of use?
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: OSHIROmodels on March 17, 2018, 07:10:37 PM: That's a superb pose and sculpt 8)
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: PhilH on March 17, 2018, 07:20:44 PM: Thank you. I loved making him, he needs a little tidying up, but I’m happy with how he came out.
Mighty bull and Boars will be cool to make too. I’ll have a break, then crack on with more tonight.
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: Phil Portway on March 17, 2018, 09:52:03 PM: Fantastic sculpts
:o :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: beefcake on March 17, 2018, 11:56:10 PM: Very nice work.
A bull would be very cool, pawing at the ground.
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: PhilH on March 18, 2018, 01:19:07 AM: Work in progress Stag miniature. It'll make another good stretch goal. Still needs some work on the horns.

(https://i.imgur.com/09QGVSj.jpg)
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: beefcake on March 18, 2018, 03:09:14 AM: More great work!
Your next kickstarter after this should be riders for all these beasts. :)
Title: Re: Beasts and Beastmen
Post by: PhilH on March 18, 2018, 03:39:01 AM: Quote from: beefcake on March 18, 2018, 03:09:14 AM
More great work!
Your next kickstarter after this should be riders for all these beasts. :)

Maybe they could be stretch goals?
Title: Re: Bears ahead Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: PhilH on March 19, 2018, 05:27:25 PM: Owlbear miniature. Almost finished. I just need to cut his head off, then shore up the neck, for casting purposes.
I'm looking at launching the Kickstarter tomorrow!

(https://i.imgur.com/uvahJWH.jpg)
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: Elk101 on March 19, 2018, 06:26:35 PM: Very nice indeed. Make sure you put the link up for your kickstarter.
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: Juxt on March 19, 2018, 06:35:59 PM: Wow! Some great sculpts in here :o
I almost certainly need a bear... and a tiger... and a bull you say? And a boar?
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: PhilH on March 19, 2018, 06:55:42 PM: Quote from: Elk101 on March 19, 2018, 06:26:35 PM
Very nice indeed. Make sure you put the link up for your kickstarter.

Thank you all. I’ll report back when the Kickstarter is ready.
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: PhilH on March 20, 2018, 07:23:02 PM: The Kickstarter is now live. Hope to get all these sculpts into production, with some more stretch goals on their way!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/98300108/bears-head-miniatures-wilderness-encounters (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/98300108/bears-head-miniatures-wilderness-encounters)
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: Elbows on March 20, 2018, 07:35:27 PM: They look well sculpted, but I fear I'd be turned off by the lack of exaggerated detail/undercuts. As they stand now, I feel that when cast the detail would fade very heavily. It just doesn't look like the details are deep enough or prominent enough to pick up paint from dry-brushing etc, particularly after transitioning to actual metal/resin.
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: PhilH on March 20, 2018, 08:06:04 PM: It may be that the photos don't show the depth of detail too clearly, but I'm happy with the sculpts and confident the right level of detail will come across in the casts.
The tiger and shark are relatively smooth by design, so some freehand painting won't be interrupted by deep scores etc. The shark has lots of scars and scrapes, becoming of a real brawler, I'll get some better pictures to show this.
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: pelonas on March 20, 2018, 09:40:53 PM: These look amazing! Will be looking out for the kickstarter.
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: PhilH on March 20, 2018, 09:54:52 PM: Quote from: pelonas on March 20, 2018, 09:40:53 PM
These look amazing! Will be looking out for the kickstarter.

Thank you Pelonas. The project is live and almost 50% funded :D

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/98300108/bears-head-miniatures-wilderness-encounters (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/98300108/bears-head-miniatures-wilderness-encounters)
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: Elk101 on March 20, 2018, 10:37:08 PM: The bear and werewolf look like must buys. I love the shark too. If I had any sort of underwater setting or island setting (pirates) I wouldn't be able to resist it. I hope the owl bear gets unlocked too.
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: PhilH on March 21, 2018, 08:52:42 AM: Thank you Elk101.

I've got a Highland Cow joining the project. The Owlbears going to need something to eat :)

(https://i.imgur.com/PZtXW0w.jpg)
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: Ogrob on March 23, 2018, 05:00:08 PM: Owl Bear and fluffy Cow unlocked now, lovely minis.
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: Captain Blood on March 23, 2018, 08:32:22 PM: Splendid creations. Well done 8)
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: PhilH on March 24, 2018, 06:02:53 PM: Thank you. I've got more sculpts on the way to join the others. More Highland cows, orangutan, Sasquatch and maybe something a bit different.
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: Cubs on March 24, 2018, 06:14:48 PM: You've done another fantastic job on that, not just the technical stuff, but you have that gift of grabbing the feel of a creature and making it look like you've captured a natural moment in its life.

I once thought of converting a minotaur into a highland cattle stylie beast for a Caledonian themed Bloodbowl team. That would be an interesting project for you!
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: PhilH on March 24, 2018, 08:18:55 PM: Quote from: Cubs on March 24, 2018, 06:14:48 PM
You've done another fantastic job on that, not just the technical stuff, but you have that gift of grabbing the feel of a creature and making it look like you've captured a natural moment in its life.

I once thought of converting a minotaur into a highland cattle stylie beast for a Caledonian themed Bloodbowl team. That would be an interesting project for you!

Thank you Paul. I've heard the Highland Cattle Minotaur mentioned a few times now. I'll get one on the blocks. I'll give him a hammer, but also without any weapon.
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: Momotaro on March 24, 2018, 08:24:40 PM: Missed this - will be buying!
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: PhilH on March 28, 2018, 06:41:13 PM: I've added a Sasquatch miniature, he's an unlocked stretch goal for £8. Cast in resin and 55mm tall.

(https://i.imgur.com/tS7Ao0Z.jpg)
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: PhilH on March 29, 2018, 10:08:14 AM: Orangutan Mage miniature, but I guess he could just be an ape with a stick. One of the stretch goals for my Kickstarter. Finishes Friday.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/98300108/bears-head-miniatures-wilderness-encounters (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/98300108/bears-head-miniatures-wilderness-encounters)

(https://i.imgur.com/WLiuNvS.jpg)
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: PhilH on April 12, 2018, 02:45:18 PM: My Owlbear got a scenic base. He's guarding his most recent kill from those bothersome adventurers.

I'll have the Pledge Manager up in about a weeks time. Once the remaining sculpts are finished.

(https://i.imgur.com/xojsMK4.jpg)
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: PhilH on April 30, 2018, 10:28:48 AM: Great White Shark ( complete with mold lines) with his scenic base.

(https://i.imgur.com/ZBsYbrs.jpg)
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: PhilH on May 21, 2018, 10:21:46 PM: My Werewolf got a rather superb lick of paint from Dragonborn Painting.

(https://i.imgur.com/tBNyLZu.jpg)
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: OSHIROmodels on May 22, 2018, 12:49:59 AM: Lovely stuff :)
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: Arundel on May 22, 2018, 02:34:44 AM: Yes, those are some gorgeous figures. Great job!
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: PhilH on May 22, 2018, 03:01:49 PM: Thank you chaps. I've also just received this picture of my Highland Cow miniatures. I'm now smarts biggest fan, they look awesome. So excited to get them in the flesh.
(https://i.imgur.com/eZBHrI6.jpg)
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: PhilH on June 17, 2018, 01:26:50 PM: My Grizzly Bear, painted by Dragonborn painting.

(https://i.imgur.com/aIZXz7q.jpg)
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: Cubs on June 18, 2018, 04:17:26 PM: Some additions to the range now, painted by myself. I don't know if these can be taken as official names, but it's what I've called them!

First up is the halfling wizard's apprentice, known affectionately as Willy the Peck.

(https://myalbum.com/photo/AR6uzAIcTHok/1k0.jpg)

(https://myalbum.com/photo/UdP1cyfxXHcY/1k0.jpg)
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: Cubs on June 18, 2018, 04:18:53 PM: An angry, drunken Brawling Dwarf is next, clearly from some obscure northern clan.

(https://myalbum.com/photo/X64wotUi180z/1k0.jpg)

(https://myalbum.com/photo/9GQV0EuPgGpg/1k0.jpg)
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: Cubs on June 18, 2018, 04:21:03 PM: A touch of class is next up, Sireyan the Mage, rumoured to have powers of magnetism and be pretty good with fireworks.

(https://myalbum.com/photo/KIab4OycXf6O/1k0.jpg)

(https://myalbum.com/photo/0zoFNl3FVOaP/1k0.jpg)

(https://myalbum.com/photo/08EfwAOqUCJC/1k0.jpg)
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: Cubs on June 18, 2018, 04:23:03 PM: Finally, something no collection should be without, an Orangutan Shaman with chameleon familiar. I predict scenarios everywhere will find themselves tweaked to include him at some point, it's just too good a figure not to have.

(https://myalbum.com/photo/lEgpsql8X1yX/1k0.jpg)

(https://myalbum.com/photo/cPGiHBV4ynl5/1k0.jpg)
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: Little Odo on June 19, 2018, 06:53:42 PM: Those are lovely figures and the painting makes them really pop. Great stuff.
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: Daniel36 on June 20, 2018, 07:42:24 AM: Will any of these become available for purchase at one point? Some of these are an absolute must-have for me!
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: Cubs on June 20, 2018, 09:02:41 AM: Quote from: Little Odo on June 19, 2018, 06:53:42 PM
Those are lovely figures and the painting makes them really pop. Great stuff.

Some figures are just a doddle to paint - the texture on the orangutan's fur, for example, is so well done it just guides the paint to the right places with a lazy drybrush. The crisp detailing on the faces means a flat flesh colour with a wash will probably come out a treat. They really are very good models.

Quote from: Daniel36 on June 20, 2018, 07:42:24 AM
Will any of these become available for purchase at one point? Some of these are an absolute must-have for me!

Let's hope so! It's an eclectic (not to mention eccentric) mix of subjects, from bears to zombies to tavern brawlers and I'm sure loads of people would like to pick and choose from the range at a later date.
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: Duncan McDane on June 20, 2018, 09:08:47 AM: Quote from: Cubs on June 20, 2018, 09:02:41 AM
They really are very good models.

True to that. Animals is where Mr. Hynes really shines. Nick Bibby-esque quality. Believable posing, great finishing. That bear easily is the best bear I've ever seen in miniature ( have the one from Annie already, a very good model but this one takes to the next level ). :)
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: PhilH on June 20, 2018, 04:25:46 PM: Quote from: Daniel36 on June 20, 2018, 07:42:24 AM
Will any of these become available for purchase at one point? Some of these are an absolute must-have for me!

Thank you guys. I'm really thrilled with seeing the miniatures painted and brought to life. They are available to pre order via my Bears Head Miniatures store. They're currently being cast in metal and should be ready very soon.
I've got more sculpts on the way, with plenty of animals too!
Title: Re: Bears Head Miniatures wilderness Encounters.
Post by: Clearco on June 20, 2018, 04:54:03 PM: Great!! I want that bear :-*