Stone-Bound Guardian – Bernese Mountain Dog Catan Hex
Stone-Bound Guardian is part of a larger Custom Settlers of Catan Hex Tile Art series, where each resource tile is reimagined through dog-inspired artwork.
This piece features a Bernese Mountain Dog set against a structured stone backdrop, representing the ore resource. The breed was intentionally chosen for its strength, working heritage, and mountain origins—mirroring the durability and grounded nature of stone.
The composition blends bold outlines with geometric texture to echo both the physical qualities of stone and the structured layout of a tabletop game board. The hex format reinforces its connection to Settlers of Catan while allowing the artwork to stand independently as a finished piece.
Materials & Workflow:
• POSCA acrylic paint pens
• Stuart Semple Super Base
• Stuart Semple White 2.0 acrylic paint
• Stuart Semple Protective mattifying membrane varnish
• Digital refinement using Snapseed and Procreate
Context & Series Direction:
This project is part of an ongoing exploration of how tabletop mechanics and visual storytelling can merge. Each hex tile in the series pairs a specific dog breed with a corresponding resource environment, creating a cohesive system of symbolic design.
Process Video:
https://youtube.com/shorts/3rxE-ZauWBc?si=xLbUtSTfO5NL1dFA
Full Breakdown (Blog):
https://www.theartisticshepherdart.com/blog/blog_posts/stone-bound-guardian-strength-in-every-stroke
Available as a Print:
