My first model was this D&D griffon miniature, and every year I come back to it with what I've learned. Fun fact: I started with a GW paint set, and didn't understand what "technical" paint meant. So, yes, the reason it looks crunchy is that all of the brown is Stirland Mud.
Completed March 2023.
Thanks for sharing this kind of project. Always nice to see how people have progressed.
Congratulations on your progress. Hope you keep going even further!