The next step in my diorama, after the NVA figures last month, is the prototype of a banana plant. The leafs are made of natural ficus benjamina leafs, the same way I post for my coconut palms. The trunk is made of wood, blue tack, and painter tape.

Comments welcome, tahnk in advance.

Santiago.

Very realistic looking csago. I am very impressed. Looking forward to seeing the completed diorama.

Keep up the good work.

HARV

That look really good. How did you treat the leaves? Are they dried then painted or did you do something too them to keep them from drying out in the future?

I can understand why ficus benjamina work so well for foliage. Just the right texture and shape for use in this area, and because they are rather rubbery, they retain shape well by the looks of it. I think you mentioned that you just paint the leaves, is that right Santiago?

We have a lot here in Australia but I've never tried using them before. I'm going to give it a shot and hopefully my results will look as good as yours.

Well done and thanks for the inspiration.

Chas

Thank you very much for your comments.
About the ficus leaves, I just cut them to size for what you need (coconut, banana, or other plants), and let aside for about 24 hours, so the leaves get the "right" form, curving down and getting the look of real leaves.

When I see that the form is allright, I just paint the leaves with a generous coat of acrilic paint (I use Vallejo aerografic acrilic paint), and make the "effects" I need (drybrushing, washing, and so ...) I only use acrilics, so I don´t know about the effects of enamel or oil paints on the leaves ...

I have some leaves painted this way two year ago, and no problem ... looks like the first day ...

Best regards.

Great work, realism is incredible

Felicidades
Domi

impressive looking tree,look forward to seeing more.

Steve

Hello sir...can u show me step by step making the Banana tree that u have make.....

I really applaud the realism. I have yet to see a rendition with banana bunches.

Wow! That looks great! I look forward to see your diorama develop.

Thoroughly convincing look !
J

Nice banana trees... are you the guy who did the palm tree tutorial? I used it plus enhanced it for the palm trees in my beach dio... thanks a bunch!

Hi guys,
I felt to remind you this post is dated 2008 and seems Santiago didn't visit Armorama since July 2016.
best regards
Engin

Hahahahahaha,thanks my friend ! Nice pick up on your part.
J

WHOOPS!

Our collective "my bad"...

preserving leaves and other plant matter with glycerin.

https://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-preserve-fall-leaves-and-branches-with-glycerin/

I head this method doesnt preserve green color ?