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Dioramas: Water Effects
Water! A sometimes intimidating effect.
Hosted by Darren Baker
Knee Deep in Water's Bottom
Trisaw
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Posted: Saturday, June 08, 2013 - 04:56 AM UTC
Question: If a 1/35 figure was knee-deep in water, could one actually see the bottom of the lake or river?

I intend to buy this base, cut off a DML figure at the knees, and glue it to the base. I'll add water and paint the effects in.

http://www.coolminiornot.com/shop/miniatures/secret-weapon-miniatures-bases-2/round-lip-bases-50mm-blasted-wetlands-base-02-1.html

Somehow, the ground and sense of scale with this base seems a bit off. If one were to look at it, the figure will be in sole deep in water, not knee deep. One cannot see the bottom of the river knee-deep, IMO. Could I pull this visual trick off?

Thanks.

retiredyank
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Posted: Saturday, June 08, 2013 - 05:30 AM UTC
I can look out my window and see people, in the water just fine. They are about 70 feet away. However, it depends on how clear the water is.
parrot
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Posted: Saturday, June 08, 2013 - 05:33 AM UTC
Hi Peter,

I've done some Nam dio's with figures in knee deep water and have always seen the bottom.In your case I would think you can do it if the water is very murky.What setting and era are you considering?

Tom

PS,Matt that must be a great view.
Trisaw
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Posted: Saturday, June 08, 2013 - 11:36 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Hi Peter,

I've done some Nam dio's with figures in knee deep water and have always seen the bottom.In your case I would think you can do it if the water is very murky.What setting and era are you considering?

Tom

PS,Matt that must be a great view.


Hi Tom,

I am think of a 1990s SEAL M60 gunner. I am thinking of cutting the legs off at knee-level. But with the base not very deep, I am not sure if the illusion could be created that well because it might look like quicksand instead of the bottom of a river. I am thinking a plain base with no bottom details might be a better idea....and cover that with resin water. Comments?

As for the water, has anyone used White Glue as a quick, cheap, and easy way to make water? After all, doesn't it dry clear? Or would White Glue be very hard to sculpt?
Biggles2
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Posted: Sunday, June 09, 2013 - 03:29 AM UTC
White glue, if more than a few mm's thick, will never dry. If I want to make 'brown water' I would make the depth of the water with celluclay, paint the surface, then apply successive coats of gloss acrylic gel medium, available at artist's supply stores. Not expensive, and a jar will last forever. You can texture the surface with a brush as you apply it. Because its a gel form it will hold it's shape.
jrutman
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Posted: Sunday, June 09, 2013 - 04:15 AM UTC

Quoted Text

White glue, if more than a few mm's thick, will never dry. If I want to make 'brown water' I would make the depth of the water with celluclay, paint the surface, then apply successive coats of gloss acrylic gel medium, available at artist's supply stores. Not expensive, and a jar will last forever. You can texture the surface with a brush as you apply it. Because its a gel form it will hold it's shape.


I second this technique. Besides,a river or stream is rarely cristal clear and after people walk in it even if it starts out clear the water gets cloudy from the silt getting stirred up on the bottom,
J
LeoCmdr
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Posted: Sunday, June 09, 2013 - 04:20 AM UTC
White glue will shrink and that will create both creep and gaps.

You have to think that at 1/35 scale what would someone be able to see in real life at 35 feet away? Will they be able to see a person's lower legs in real life?

Moving through water creates a disturbance....water, silt, current, etc. Unless the person is standing in crystal clear water perfectly still there will always be a distortion of what is seen below water.

Do a Google search for "Wading Soldier" and you'll find tons of images you can use as a reference...both B&W and colour.
Trisaw
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Posted: Sunday, June 09, 2013 - 05:08 AM UTC
OK, thanks for the answers, guys.
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