"The Archduke Mousin" – A Private Commission

"The Archduke Mousin" – A Private Commission from Victoria, Australia
This striking piece was a private commission for Josh, a collector based in Victoria, and features the incredible sculpt The Archduke Mousin from Rescale Miniatures. From the moment I began, I knew this model offered an opportunity to explore contrast and texture on a grand scale.

My main goal was to strike a balance between realism and fantasy—particularly in the wings, where I aimed to replicate a subtle prismatic sheen without losing the grounded, organic feel of the feathers. Thanks to Josh’s trust and creative freedom, I was able to bring my full vision to life, with just a few stylistic preferences requested to make the piece uniquely his.

Interestingly, this is one of two Archdukes I painted in close succession. While both shared foundational elements, I made sure to differentiate them—this version features a mouse inspired by the American field mouse, with nuanced shifts in tone and personality. The branch too, while similar in structure, carries its own mood and colour story.

I had a blast experimenting with 'Dirty Down' moss effects on the base—especially on the log—and used Kimera's new Velvet Acrylic Inks extensively throughout the figure. I can confidently say they're fast becoming my go-to medium for the richness and depth they bring to a surface. The way they layer and blend is pure magic, and I think they really helped elevate this piece.

Hope you enjoy exploring the final result as much as I enjoyed bringing it to life.