I have started on a new quest to upgrade the realism of all my animal carvings. Better poses, color blending and texturing are all going to be looked at closely before a carving will be "released". After much thought and some prodding from some of my friends at the Woodcarving Illustrated Forum, I am also going to start using bases that are as close to a natural setting as possible. I like the cherry or walnut bases, but they don't add to the realism I am trying to depict in my carvings. Here are some pictures of one with a natural setting base. Look for more in the future.