This blog is about the world of gaming miniatures, as seen from my perspective. I've been collecting and painting for over 30 years now, and while my primary focus is miniatures for D&D, I also enjoy many other games that use minis, so we'll be covering those as well. Thanks for stopping by!

Saturday, October 5, 2013

David Sutherland's DragonTooth Saurians

It has never been a collecting goal of mine to acquire miniatures painted by other artists. I always figured I would paint minis for myself and for my group, and that was that. And then two years ago, that all changed when I received Asmodai, painted by Ron Saikowski. Having a mini in my collection with a story behind it and a paper trail (or at least electronic trail) makes it interesting, if only to me.

I still wouldn't say that I am actively seeking miniatures painted by others. However, if the right opportunity comes along, I am always willing to consider it. Such is the case with today's feature:

Lean mean fighting machines.

Old-school leadheads will recognize these DragonTooth Saurians (SMC1 Saurian Mounted Champion on Giant Lizard) despite the fact they have been been partially to heavily modified. What's even cooler is that they are products of the skill and imagination of legendary fantasy artist David C. Sutherland III. And it's possible that at least one of this trio is modeled after a rather famous illustration from the Holmes Blue Book seen here:
Colored by yours truly back in the day.

Art imitating art.

It is also possible that the picture was based on the miniature, but I don't know how we could verify that unless someone who knew David was able to chime in. The single horn is unique to the mini, and the rider is sitting in a more upright position. But the polearm and quiver of javelins (complete with skull) are clearly depicted in both print and on lead.

At first glance, they appear to be nicely-painted minis. Upon closer inspection, though, the attention to detail and skill becomes apparent. Each rider carries a unique polearm. Each lizard has a horn or horns sprouting from their heads. Skulls dangle from the horns. The riders hold hand-made reins. Various weapons are slung on the riders and/or their mounts. And there's even some bling in the form of tiny gems here and there. David used drafting pens to accentuate scales to varying degrees on the lizards, as well as on the shields and other bits. You can also see the letter S scribed on a few bits. Is that S for Sutherland, or S for Saurian? I'll go with Sutherland.














It gives me great joy to have these three miniature works of art as the centerpiece(s) of my collection. I hope that David's family would approve that they have passed from one collector to another, and that they will continue to be treasured and cared for.

7 comments:

Zenopus Archives said...

Great to see that you have these fantastic minis now. Thanks for the write-up and photos.

zhu bajiee said...

Beautiful, joyful creations. Thank you for sharing.

Perpetual Role said...

I'm always glad to read a post from someone with great respect for David as a person as well as an outstanding and original artist.

David Wood said...

Wonderful work and a great post.

Steven Satak said...

Ha ha! From a shelf in my garage for the past 16 years to the centerpiece of your collection. Quite a step up in the world and one I am sure David would appreciate.

Keep them dusted!

Steve

Max said...

Can't seem to find an email address, so I'll just leave a comment.

I've got a D&D photoblog centered on my colored-in Monster Manuals and Fiend Folio (http://infravisions.tumbler.com/), and I'm always happy to see other colored-in D&D illustrations. Would you mind if I posted the lizard riding lizard man to Infravisions? I'd credit you and link back here, of course.

Either way, thanks for posting the pic. Cool minis too!

~Max

Max said...

Sorry, here's a working link: http://infravisions.tumblr.com/