There’s something powerful about combining structure with personality—and that’s exactly what inspired this Bernese Mountain Dog Catan hex tile artwork. Built around a rugged stone backdrop, this piece represents the ore resource from Settlers of Catan, symbolizing durability, resilience, and grounded strength. The Bernese Mountain Dog felt like the perfect match for this environment—steady, loyal, and built for the mountains.

This artwork is part of my ongoing Custom Settlers of Catan Hex Tile Art series, where each piece transforms a familiar board game element into a bold, dog-centered visual story. Each hex isn’t just a tile—it’s a character, a setting, and a moment captured in paint.

From Blank Surface to Stone Wall Texture

Every piece starts with intention—and in this case, it began with building a strong foundation using Stuart Semple Super Base, and White 2.0 acrylic paint. This ultra-bright base allowed the darker tones of the stone wall and the rich colors of the Bernese Mountain Dog to stand out with clarity and contrast.

From there, I used POSCA acrylic paint pens to layer in bold outlines, texture, and stylized detail. The grid-like stone background was carefully constructed to feel structured yet hand-crafted—giving it that “game board meets artwork” feel.

To protect the piece and unify the finish, I applied a protective mattifying membrane varnish, helping maintain the tactile, traditional look while preserving the work long-term.

Blending Traditional and Digital Techniques

After completing the physical artwork, I refined the final image digitally using Snapseed and Procreate. This step helps enhance contrast, sharpen details, and prepare the artwork for print—without losing the authenticity of the original materials.

It’s all about balance: keeping the handmade feel while making sure the final piece translates beautifully into a high-quality print.

Why This Piece Matters

The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for its strength, calm temperament, and working heritage—traits that align perfectly with the stone/ore theme in Catan. This piece isn’t just a dog portrait—it’s a symbolic match between breed and environment.

That’s a core idea behind this series:

• Each dog is chosen intentionally
• Each background reflects a resource or theme
• Each piece tells a story within the hex

Watch the Process 🎥

👉 Want to see how this piece came together from start to finish? Check out the YouTube Short here

Bring the Guardian Home

If you’re a fan of Settlers of Catan, dog art, or unique tabletop-inspired decor, this piece was made for you. It’s perfect for game rooms, offices, or anywhere you want to add a touch of personality and storytelling.

👉 View the artwork here