I was wondering about something.

When I make a diorama I normally paint everything, I mean that I ad the groundwork, sand, grass, rocks .... then prime it black and then paint everything to the colors I want.

This is tedious and takes a while to do the dio completely done.

I do this because I think that this creates a better unity between the materials and make it look more as a whole.

Others simply apply the material and dry-brush/wash if necessary.

I would like to hear how you all do it and why

Just curious

For me it depends on what materials im using. For example if im using a material that already gives the natural look and it can be added to an area where i would not need to paint then thats what i'll do, but if im using it on an area where i'll need to paint and have no choice then i'll do that.

I would say I typically end up painting about 80 -90% of what I put in dioramas. I agree, it brings everything together. Trees, rocks, leaves are probably the most common items I leave unpainted. I will give them a bit of drybrushing or a bit of a wash to blend better. For the most part I paint it.

Same technique for me and like the others I believe is bringing continuity to the diorama. I am always reminded that creating a diorama is more then just building a model and slapping it on a base for display. You are a storyteller. The diorama should present an imagine, a story - something that draws the viewer in.

My only variation is I tend to color my groundwork material- whether Durhams water putty or Celluclay - as I mix it. This eliminates any place that I might miss a spot while painting or where the paint chips or flakes off. Couple drops of my base earth down mixed in and I am good to go.

John
www.johnneill

Much like Roadkill, I tend to "prime coat" everything, but instead of black, I use a light grey or in some cases, a tan. I prefer the lighter neutral base because it doesn't affect thin coats of lighter colors, but still provides a unified platform to paint on.

On your next dio, why don't you do half and half. Do half in your method, and half in another. And then see whih one works for you. I have only done 2 dios so I am not an expert by any means.!

~Chip :-)

I am a total opposite. I never prime the whole dio. I tend to paint some of the items before they go into my diorama so priming the whole thing afterward would make no sense to me. I use washes, dry-brushing and pastel chalks to bring everything together. So far this is working out just nicely for me.

I think this just goes to show that there are several routes to the same destination... as long as you are pleased, learning, and receive enjoyment... then it was worthwhile... the key thing is, be willing to experiment... our hobby is pretty forgiving of mistakes... you can usually correct any disaster!