A few years ago, I participated in an online competition with a crazy short deadline.
The challenge was to choose and paint a miniature that followed a specific topic in just two weeks. If you paint miniatures for competitions, you know how extremely short the two weeks are when painting miniatures.
Due to the time limit, I had to rethink my approach. I needed to find ways to create something good under pressure.
I’m not gonna lie; I chose a way too ambitious a project, and it bit me at the end. But despite not getting with it anywhere competition-wise, I gained valuable experience, and an epic pirate base in my collection.
I learnt I can work under time pressure. I can find shortcuts and finish something to a decent standard in a time not measured in years.
The theme was ‘Better off (Un)dead’. It made me think of traditional undead creatures like zombies, skeletons and mummies. I wasn’t keen on using zombies because I’ve never really liked them. The idea of flesh-rotting undead creatures doesn’t sit well with me. It’s both aesthetics and personal preference. So zombies were out. I also had no mummies or small-scale skeletons in my model stash.
Given the tight deadline of 2 weeks for the project, I had no time to buy new models online. The trip to the Games Workshop store was a possibility. But luckily, I remembered I had one skeleton after all—just not small scale.
I had a skeleton pirate from a Big Child Creative – Kaptain Albrork in my stash. It’s a pretty cool model and an excellent fit for the theme. The sculpture was impressive. Its dynamic pose, cool accessories, and “facial” expression engaged viewers. But, it had some smooth surfaces to give the eye and the painter a break.
I decided he’s gonna suit the competition’s theme just right. And because he’s a pirate, he, of course, needed a massive pile of treasure to guard.
After all, a massive undead pirate skeleton on a vast pile of treasure screams, “I’m living my best undead life!” It was a solid idea, and I could use a miniature I had in my stash. So I wouldn’t waste time or money shopping.
With the model and idea clear in my mind, I dove deep in search for reference images. Gathering visual references always helps me define the concept for the project. My general idea was simple: a colossal treasure pile with a skeleton pirate standing proudly on top of it, guarding his ill-gotten riches.
I wanted the whole treasure to look truly impressive as if he could swim in it. You know, like that old duck dude from the Disney cartoon. However, at the same time, I wanted to keep the base reasonably small. So, I needed to go up and create a few layers of the base to help me create the feeling of vast treasure.
When I was thinking about pirates and treasures, some cliche images started coming to my mind. I focused on a few classic pirate movie scenes. They were dark, mysterious caverns on forgotten islands, filled with robbed wealth. Vast piles of cursed doubloons and precious stones glisten in the flickering torchlight. The greenish-blue waters reflect the lights. I wanted to capture a mysterious, atmospheric feeling. To make this pirate base somewhat cinematic.
Once I knew what I wanted, it was time to start building.
The first step was to create a rough structure to add height and give space for layers. I constructed it using styrofoam, Milliput, and plasticard.
At this stage, I mainly focused on getting the basic shape and height of the base right. I wanted to ensure that the base didn’t overwhelm the figure but still allowed for a large treasure pile. After adjusting the proportions, I glued the styrofoam together.
With that done, I built the sides of the base. I used the plasticard because I wanted to use artificial water at the bottom of the base. The smooth and straight edges would help with taping the base to prevent the water from leaking.
The photos below show you can check my search for the right shape.
Next, I built stone layers to create the foundation of the treasure pile. I wanted to create the treasure’s depth, a multi-leveled effect. The layers would give the illusion of height and make the treasure appear vast.
Choosing the best stones to create the main steps took me a while. I tried many different combinations before deciding on those you can see in the photo. I was taking pictures along the way so I wouldn’t forget how to glue the stones. Of course, I had to remove some styrofoam from the edge of the top to make the stones fit better and be more secure.
At this stage, the main challenge was ensuring the stones stayed in place while the glue dried. I used long-acting PVA glue because I didn’t want to risk melting the foam with super glue.
And I had to find a way to keep stones in place while the glue was curing. I couldn’t pin them, as the rocks were hard and painful to drill in. So I had to get creative.
I took another base of the same size. Then, I put both bases together with the new one at the bottom and bound both bases tightly with rubber bands. Then, I put the top stone on the bottom base upside down and glued it to styrofoam with some PVA glue. I added some putty to secure them from below when the glue cured a little. I was trying to create matching textures, but it wasn’t too precise. This area would be in deep shadow anyway.
With the central stones already in place, I filled the base’s bottom part. I added more rocks and filled any gaps between them. I added textures to the sides, bottom, and top where the rocks joined the styrofoam.
Once the putty cured, I cut the plasticard to match the stones on the left side of the base at the bottom. I covered cuts with a bit more fresh Milliput if needed. I will do the same with other areas later on.
And that’s how the base looked like with the skeleton on it. As you can see, Albrork’s sword was hanging in the air, so I needed to add another stone to make the top layer more protruding. I used the same technique as before. You can see the result in the photo below. Of course, I needed some more putty to mask the join of the new stone with the rest. But, it was easy.
With the rocky part of the base more or less done, I focused on the treasure. I started by gathering everything useful to see what I was working with.
I used homemade coins, rock salt, small chains, and some flat ‘gems’ I found in a hobby store to make the treasure. I could have tried to sculpt gems myself. But it would have taken a lot of time, and I was on the clock. Not to mention, making the coins took time.
I had bigger plans for the treasure. I wanted to sculpt some silver plates, chalices, swords, daggers, and candle holders. You know, the stuff that usually gets plundered. But, time was short.
To create coins, I used Milliput and a thin metal rod. I tried a few other options (cutting a rod, hole puncher and plasticard), but it didn’t look good enough.
So here’s the recipe.
One of the things I enjoy most about these types of projects is finding new uses for old, unfinished pieces. I repurposed almost all the bottles, jars, plates, and other containers used in this project.
The plate holding the glowing stones is a mushroom cup made for my ‘Little Alice’ ages ago. The bottle on the first plane on the lower level is simply a test thing I sculpted and forgot about completely. For the big jar full of coins, I used a very unsuccessful attempt to sculpt a broken amphora.
The chest is the only new container made especially for this project. I decided to add it quite late in the process, so I went for a simple metal one without any decorations. If I did it again (with more time), I’d add metal fittings and other decorations. But it’s good enough.
With all the elements gathered and ready, I started carefully building the piles of gems and coins.
To arrange the gems and coins on the base, I took the broken amphora, cut it to shape and size
and placed it in the corner of the base behind the skeleton pirate. I filled the gaps between the jar and the plasticard. I fixed the container’s rim and filled it with putty almost to the top. Then, I placed coins and gems on the top to make it look like the jar was full of treasure. It was hard because the coins were giant compared to the vessel. But I’m happy with the result anyway.
Then, I started to build up the treasure around the jar. I built it gradually, ensuring enough space for his coat to fly in the wind. Sadly, there are not too many photos from this process, but hopefully, you can figure out how I did it.
After that, I moved to the bottom of the base and added some coins and gems there.
I was still thinking about pouring some artificial water at the bottom. I tried to create a composition that looked both pleasing and realistic. I wanted it to look like a treasure spilt into the shallow water from the higher rocks. Then, I thought adding a bottle would add diversity to the base’s lower part. So, I threw in something I sculpted ages ago and never used.
The stones glued to the base looked like stone steps. So, showing the treasure spilling from the top to the lower levels would be nice. To achieve this, I needed to glue the candles quite early. I sculpted them myself; you can read about the process here. I went for a triangle composition, ensuring they all looked different. Once they were secure, I poured some PVA glue around them.
The glue would both fix them to the stone and create a nice pool of melted wax. I even built some wax on the side of the step. I made sure some of the coins were under the wax, looking like they were lying there for a long time. Candles, at this point, still have no wick and flame; I’ll add these elements later.
I knew the base’s bottom, under the rocks, needed a light. It needed something to liven it up and create more interest. I didn’t want to go for another candle. So, I used some rock salt and an old mushroom cap sculpted for my Little Alice project. With that, I created a bowl of magic stones glowing blue.
The bowl is not too even; you can see the imperfections on the rim, but I’m not worried about this. After all, it could be an ancient bowl made by some druid or shaman or some member of a very primitive culture. Be careful when glueing salt stones, especially with long bonding glues. Salt melts in liquids, after all. Securing it with some varnish before priming is a good idea.
Below is a shot of this area with some paint splashed on already. Hopefully, you’ll agree the light adds some interest to this dark area. I cranked up the contrast here even more during the painting; the photo is still a work in progress.
I have been trying to decide what I should use for the second container for a long time. I thought of using another failed ‘sculpture’ with an Egyptian design. But I decided to build a simple metal crate. If I had more time, I’d make a more complex project with decorative elements and metal fittings. I’ll make sure to try this next time.
The filling process for this chest was precisely the same as with the jar. I first used the putty. Then, I added the coins and a plasticard lid. Finally, I put some more coins on top (to come later). I also used a thin silver chain for some diversity. I don’t know if that worked out too well in the end, but the chain is still there.
With all the main objects in place, I filled the rest of the space on the top of the base with coins and gems. Once I secured everything to the base, I trimmed the plasticard’s sides to the treasure’s shape. I did this very carefully.
At this point, I encountered a slight problem from the designer’s point of view. I was glueing the coins (round objects) to the inner side of the plasticard. When I started cutting the sides of the base out, I got some weird shapes that looked nothing like round coins. In some cases, I tried to mask it with some putty (more photos).
Where I could, I added some coins on top to hide the plasticard edge. Then, I had to gently clip off parts of the coins behind the base, file it and mask the joining line with a bit of putty. I’m pretty sure I could do it all in a much easier way, but all in all, I’m pretty happy with the final look of the base.
After building this base, I had to paint it quickly. I needed to finish in time to meet the competition’s deadline. Because of that, I had to take out the big guns. Aka ‘The Airbrush’.
Once the pirate base and treasure elements were sculpted and glued into place, it was time to start painting. The first step was airbrushing. I used black paint to cover the entire base, which helped set the dark nighttime atmosphere. Then, I added white light from a steep angle to simulate moonlight. From the side of the candles, I used a stronger white from a low angle to mimic their light. It would help me with the complicated light and shadows later.
I also added some white paint to and around the magical stones at the base. I used the light spot to create a glowing effect later.
After this, I moved to adding colour to the light. I used fluorescent orange to simulate candlelight. It created a warm glow around the base. I applied a cold blue hue for the moonlight, using Dark Sea Blue. The warm candlelight and cool moonlight made a nice contrast. They added depth to the piece.
I had the miniature on the base for this stage to create uniform lighting.
With the airbrushed part done and the lights firmly established. I turned to brushes to refine the painting. I worked with thin layers of paint to build up colours on the base and figure. I made sure to keep the contrast between warm and cool light sources. This step was crucial for adding realism to the base. Whenever I felt I was losing the light effect under too much paint, I just sprayed the relevant areas with a few very thin layers of Dark Sea Blue or fluorescent orange to bring it back a bit.
There is not much I can show you about my painting process on this base. I tried to take photos. I did, but my painting is way too chaotic. I jump from place to place without any particular plan. So, taking pictures of stages and describing them is simply impossible.
Remember to follow the light when painting, especially in more complicated scenes. By doing that, you will have a cohesive scene.
When I thought I had finished the painting, I gave myself a break to rest my eyes. After that, I went back to touch up more details to make them stand out even more. I painted the wax on the candles. I highlighted the coins. I used a fluorescent blue on the glowing stones to make them stand out. As a result, I had a vibrant and dynamic pirate base that looked alive despite the scene being about an undead creature.
To finish off the project, I needed a name plaque. I wanted something that fit the theme of a pirate base. So, I created a nameplate using tracing paper and tape. To make the paper look old, I splashed some sepia wash on it, giving it an antique, weathered feel. It was the perfect addition to the project.
With all the elements in place, I took a good look at the completed piece once more. Ideally, I do that after a few days from finishing the painting to have more distance to the painting. This time, though, I didn’t have the luxury of time.
I made a few last-minute adjustments. I’ve deepened some shadows and added details to the mini. I wanted the Pirate to match the base’s atmosphere. The result was a piece that felt cohesive, detailed, and full of life.
Looking back at the 2 weeks I spent on the project, I learned a lot. I learned how to work within a limited timeframe and best use available resources. While it didn’t win the competition, I’m still proud of how it turned out. The very limited time forced me to be creative and quick. I had to find shortcuts without compromising quality.
I don’t want to repeat this experience any time soon; I prefer more time. But going through this challenge gave me a lot of confidence. If needed, I can speed up my painting significantly.
If you’re a hobbyist trying something similar, remember this. Creativity is often about making do with what you have at hand. Whether on a tight deadline or lacking certain materials, look for creative ways of solving the issue. Think outside the box, find ways to repurpose old elements or find shortcuts. The satisfaction of completing a project is worth it, even if it’s not perfect.
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