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Author Topic: Bearwoodman's Gnomes  (Read 6789 times)

Offline Bearwoodman

  • Mad Scientist
  • Posts: 609
Bearwoodman's Gnomes
« on: June 07, 2020, 11:18:55 PM »
One of the first things I did after I returned to miniature paintings few years ago was to back a Kickstarter for an army of Gnomes. I loved the characterful sculpts, but when they arrived I was daunted by the need to to paint a large number of (admittedly very small) figures, and I could not see a game system that they would fit with. Instead I focussed on painting odd adventurers, beasts and monsters that could be used for skirmish games and which would avoid the risk of me getting bored of painting multiple similar figures in the same way.

Lockdown has not really given me more time, but it has meant I can paint what I want rather than focussing on an upcoming game. I have therefore made a start on my Gnomes, and have decided to create this thread to record progress, motivate me to keep going, and to air any questions that arise.

Typically, as soon as I started on the miniatures I got distracted by a side project: building a home for my Gnome wizard.  I used a CD as a base and built up the earth with cardboard and pollyfilla.

Inspired by DeafNala's wonderful Last Hurrah thread I had a go at making some mushrooms to grow on top of the Gnome house.


I also received some helpful advice from the LAF members on the workbench subforum on the window.



Here is a picture with a Gnome, and a Perry Knight for scale.

Offline Grumpy Gnome

  • Galactic Brain
  • Posts: 5333
    • The Grumpy Gnome
Re: Bearwoodman's Gnomes
« Reply #1 on: June 08, 2020, 02:02:48 AM »
Great work! This Gnome heartily approves.
Home of the Grumpy Gnome

https://thegrumpygnome.home.blog/

Offline PhilB

  • Scientist
  • Posts: 431
    • A Dragontooth Grognard
Re: Bearwoodman's Gnomes
« Reply #2 on: June 08, 2020, 05:20:21 AM »
I love it! It's like a downsized hobbit hole.

Offline Sir_Theo

  • Mastermind
  • Posts: 1266
Re: Bearwoodman's Gnomes
« Reply #3 on: June 08, 2020, 09:13:35 AM »
Outstanding, I absolutely love it.

Offline Elk101

  • Moderator
  • Elder God
  • *
  • Posts: 10510
Re: Bearwoodman's Gnomes
« Reply #4 on: June 08, 2020, 11:13:56 AM »
That's excellent. It would be great for Badgers and Burrows too.

Offline DeafNala

  • Supporting Adventurer
  • Elder God
  • *
  • Posts: 10104
Re: Bearwoodman's Gnomes
« Reply #5 on: June 08, 2020, 05:52:55 PM »
OUTSTANDING! The mushrooms are lovely, AND the Gnomish residence is the stuff of pure inspiration.  VERY WELL DONE!
I'd NEVER join a club that would have me as a member.  G.Marx

Offline Robosmith

  • Librarian
  • Posts: 123
Re: Bearwoodman's Gnomes
« Reply #6 on: June 12, 2020, 01:01:10 PM »
This is a cool little project. Don't let it fall short. Keep on gnomeing!

Offline Bearwoodman

  • Mad Scientist
  • Posts: 609
Re: Bearwoodman's Gnomes
« Reply #7 on: June 14, 2020, 11:03:36 AM »
Rick W: Thanks!

PhilB: Yes it unashamedly imitates the style of dwelling popularised by residents of the Shire. Gnomes are obviously not the same as Hobbits, and they have their own ways and customs, but to my mind the more well travelled and educated Gnomes (such as Gnome wizards) may aspire to and take inspiration from some of the comforts of Hobbit life.

Sir_Theo: Thank you, I am glad you like it!

Elk101:Thanks - that means a lot! I have not tried Burrows and Badgers but I do like the style - it makes me think vaguely of Wind in the Willlows. And a badger would make a great warbeast for my Gnome army!

DeafNala: Thank you! Your work was in my mind when I made this. I think it is generally accepted that mushrooms play a central role in Gnome culture. There will be more...

Robosmith: Haha! I will do my best to live up to your expectations!

Anyway, I had better post some pictures. There are some rank and file on the way but first finished are my wizard apprentice (his master in in the paint queue waiting for inspiration)..


...and a Gnome Bard.

Offline Dark choda

  • Bookworm
  • Posts: 63
Re: Bearwoodman's Gnomes
« Reply #8 on: June 16, 2020, 08:27:50 PM »
Really nice work!  I've never given much thought to gnomes but these guys are so cool.

Offline Blackwolf

  • Potato Cup 3 winner
  • Supporting Adventurer
  • Galactic Brain
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  • Posts: 6225
Re: Bearwoodman's Gnomes
« Reply #9 on: June 17, 2020, 01:13:44 AM »
Cracking work Bear! And fantastic that you mention Wind in the Willows  :)
« Last Edit: June 17, 2020, 01:15:20 AM by Blackwolf »
May the Wolf  Walk With You
http://greywolf1066.blogspot.com.au/

Painting Clubs Joined: APC,MPC, PPC,PAPC,LPC.

Offline Golgotha

  • Scatterbrained Genius
  • Posts: 2176
    • BMC Miniatures - All things wargame related.
Re: Bearwoodman's Gnomes
« Reply #10 on: June 17, 2020, 01:29:21 AM »
Very cute - love the idea.

Offline Bearwoodman

  • Mad Scientist
  • Posts: 609
Re: Bearwoodman's Gnomes
« Reply #11 on: June 28, 2020, 09:07:11 AM »
I finally finished a unit!


These Gnomes are armed with shields and spears, and some have mail armour too. Standing shoulder to shoulder these Gnomes should be able to see off maurading goblins, bands of human brigands or even the odd rampaging troll. In a larger battle this solid unit will anchor the line of battle.


These Gnomes are cleverly sculpted to be "Alpine" Gnomes with visual nods to medieval Swiss style. Mine are, however, painted as more conventional northern European style woodland Gnomes, such as might well populate a fantasy version of my local area in the UK.  "Beechwood" is a place name with special meaning for me, and the beech tree leaf is the unifying symbol of this particular Gnome collective (that is what the blobs on their shields are meant to be!).  Each unit will also have its own individual standard.


I have 15 of these spear-armed Gnomes, although I could bolster this to 18 using odd characters for a game of Dragon Rampant as I think that would fit the strength point system in that game better.

Offline scatterbrains

  • Scientist
  • Posts: 434
Re: Bearwoodman's Gnomes
« Reply #12 on: June 28, 2020, 10:21:00 AM »
  :-*

Love 'em beautiful work! Perfect flag for 'em too!

Offline Mallo

  • Librarian
  • Posts: 157
Re: Bearwoodman's Gnomes
« Reply #13 on: June 28, 2020, 10:43:51 AM »
Wow, what a superb looking project! I've been thinking about picking some of these gnomes up but was on the fence, but this has convinced me that they look great!

Offline Grumpy Gnome

  • Galactic Brain
  • Posts: 5333
    • The Grumpy Gnome
Re: Bearwoodman's Gnomes
« Reply #14 on: June 28, 2020, 05:22:16 PM »
Lovin‘ it!

 

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