The Workshop
A complete two day experience focused on composition, diorama building and the artistic process behind creating compelling miniature scenes. Across the weekend, Erkka will guide you through physical and colour composition, the use of different materials, and his structured workflow for building dynamic scenic bases. You will explore how to create narrative, how to balance visual weight and movement, and how to transform simple elements into expressive, storytelling environments.
All essential materials are included: a plinth for your project, a broad selection of basing components and textures, and access to tools required throughout the course. By the end of the workshop, you will leave with a finished diorama base ready for painting, along with practical techniques and creative methods you can apply to future projects.
To get the most out of the experience, participants are encouraged to bring a small unit of 3–5 figures or a compact diorama idea. While single figures can work, multi figure scenes tend to offer more options for composition and storytelling. The workshop is designed to be exploratory, so we advise not to over plan your piece beforehand. Keeping an open mind allows you to experiment freely and benefit from the creative process.
Painting will not be covered during the weekend, but on Sunday afternoon Erkka will provide individual guidance on how to approach painting your finished base. His goal is to ensure you leave not only with a completed scene, but with the understanding and confidence to continue developing it.
All necessary tools, basing supplies and general materials will be available during the workshop. You are also welcome to bring your own preferred tools, putties, prepared figures or unique elements you may want to incorporate into your project.
On the evening of the 12th we will host a casual dinner where Erkka will review models, offer personal feedback and share his perspective on composition, painting and the judging of miniature pieces. This extra session provides an invaluable opportunity to understand how a professional evaluates artistic work.
Note: By attending our workshop you adhere to Helvetian Brushes’s Code of Conduct
Erkka Marttio is an internationally awarded miniature artist and experienced teacher from Finland. Known for his strong sense of storytelling and composition, he has earned top placements in some of the most prestigious competitions in the miniature art world. His major achievements include:
- Gold Medal – Monte San Savino Masters Fantasy Painting
- Masters Gold – World Model Expo (WME) for Wargaming Scale
- 4× Golden Demon Awards (two golds, two silvers)
Beyond these top tier awards, Erkka has received numerous medals across the international competition circuit, and he is widely recognised for his distinctive approach to narrative, emotion and composition in miniature art.
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What’s Included
- High quality MDF plinths in various sizes
- A curated selection of 3D printed bits for basing decorations
- Wide assortment of basing materials: DAS clay, cork, foam, natural roots, texture pastes, slate, ground scatter, tiles, tufts, paper plants, wire, popsicle sticks, plasticard, aluminium foil and more
- Tools available on site: Dremel, hand tools, sandpaper, masking tape, heat gun, activator, sketching materials, pinning equipment and extra figures for exercises
- Access to all general materials needed to create a complete scenic base
What You Should Bring
- Hobby lamp and extension cord
- Dust mask
- Hobby knife and clippers
- Tweezers and any hand tools you personally prefer
- Prepared miniatures (preferably unpainted, but painted is possible)
- Green Stuff, Milliput Standard or any sculpting putty you like
- Sculpting tools (silicone tipped recommended)
- Superglue and sacrificial brushes
- Any specific bits or terrain elements you want to include in your scene
Friday Evening Social Event (12th June)
- Informal dinner with Erkka and all attendees
- Erkka will review participants’ models, discuss initial concepts and share insights on composition and storytelling
- Opportunity to receive early feedback before the workshop starts
- A relaxed setting to ask questions and understand how Erkka approaches judging and evaluating miniature displays
Workshop Format
- Two full days focusing on composition for dioramas and multi figure scenic bases
- Exploration of both physical composition and color composition
- Demonstration of Erkka’s personal workflow, tools and creative decision making
- Hands on exercises guided individually
- You leave with a fully built scenic base ready for painting
- Optional time to start a second base if you finish early
- Personal one on one discussions with Erkka on Sunday about how to approach painting your finished base