Basing Techniques

I have had several people ask me how I created the bases for the Carthaginian unit that I posted recently. Here is a step-by-step guide of what I do to create my bases:

1. Apply the ground texture. I am currently using the new Citadel Texture paint Armageddon Dust. I converted to this texture paint only recently and I am very happy with the results. It allows me to create a very uneven and realistic looking earth. Scoop the texture paint out of the pot using something other than your paintbrush - I use the long wooden stir-sticks from Starbucks. Once you have a glob out and ready, use an old and stiff brush to "push" the texture around the base. Be sure to cover the base unevenly and in a realistic manner. Have some fun with this step - it is almost like finger painting!
2. After the texture has had plenty of time to dry, wash the entire base using a brown shade (I use Games Workshop's Agrax Earthshade). Again, the earth is not uniform, so you can vary the water-to-wash ratio on the same base, leaving some areas darker than others. This is a good thing.
3. Wash the base again using Games Workshop's Seraphim Sepia or something similar. This is an orange/gold wash and it should not be used cover the entire base. Use it as a highlight and in patches and swaths to add visual interest and additional color differentiation to the base.
4. Dry brush the entire base using a medium brown color. I used Vallejo Tan-Earth.
5. Dry  brush the base a second time, this time be a little more light-handed and use a very light color to catch the highlights of your texture. I use Games Workshop Ushabti Bone for this final highlight.
6. Apply rocks and tufts of grass. This is the final touch that really brings the base to life. I use tiny rocks that I pick up while out hiking and apply them to the base using superglue. The tufts of grass are made by Army Painter. A couple of important tips on this step:
1. Use rocks of varying sizes and group them together in places to add visual interest.
2. Do not use a single color of grass. Again, the earth does not work this way (unless you are on a golf course). Use several colors of grass and group them together in bunches.
3. Placing a rock immediately next to a tuft of grass is always great.

That is it. I know some people dread the process of basing their painted models, but I find it a very enjoyable and creative process.

Step 1: Apply the texture unevenly.

Step 2: Wash the base using a brown shade.

Step 3: Wash portions of the base using a sepia shade.

Steps 4 & 5: Drybrush twice. 

Step 6: Apply different sizes and colors of rocks and grass.