influence of Edges and even Vertexes (the latter normally not controllable through the convential SketchUp interface).
The next image shows what happens when the four Edges are creased.

As you can see from the image below, a nice smooth and once again organic transition has been made from the base shape to its footing.

Now some details will be added, again using the proxy.
Rectangles create the subdivided geometry ready for modification through the proxy. The rectangles are copied to the other sides also.

The next tool (Joint Push/Pull) will allow us to extrude them all at once, as shown in the image below.