Patrick,
Everything is looking good-- the figures can be a challenge if you let them, but I think the thing to remember about figure painting is to find a technique that works for you and stick to it. In my experience I've tried to teach figure painting to a few fellow modelers, some pick it up quickly, others expect to paint like Michaelangelo on the first try, and give up too quickly because they can't. I recommend you check out some on-line figure painting videos, and do some research for the technique that works for you. Jerry Rutman is a great example to follow, and there are others too. A technique that I used to use for a long time (like for 30 years) was to prime, paint the faces and hands, then do the rest of the clothing. But I learned a new technique a couple of years ago that I really like--similar to something called "color reduction" used by war gamers-- prime everything in burnt sienna, then "reduce" the base color from there- even using an airbrush to shade- the results are striking-- but it's also labor intensive. Just remember, take your time. The key is to practice any technique, and don't give up.
VR Russ
Dioramas
Do you love dioramas & vignettes? We sure do.
Do you love dioramas & vignettes? We sure do.
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On the beach, years later
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Tuesday, August 16, 2016 - 01:32 AM UTC
pnance26
Joined: January 22, 2016
KitMaker: 766 posts
Armorama: 518 posts
Posted: Tuesday, August 16, 2016 - 07:55 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Patrick,
Everything is looking good-- the figures can be a challenge if you let them, but I think the thing to remember about figure painting is to find a technique that works for you and stick to it. In my experience I've tried to teach figure painting to a few fellow modelers, some pick it up quickly, others expect to paint like Michaelangelo on the first try, and give up too quickly because they can't. I recommend you check out some on-line figure painting videos, and do some research for the technique that works for you. Jerry Rutman is a great example to follow, and there are others too. A technique that I used to use for a long time (like for 30 years) was to prime, paint the faces and hands, then do the rest of the clothing. But I learned a new technique a couple of years ago that I really like--similar to something called "color reduction" used by war gamers-- prime everything in burnt sienna, then "reduce" the base color from there- even using an airbrush to shade- the results are striking-- but it's also labor intensive. Just remember, take your time. The key is to practice any technique, and don't give up.
VR Russ
Right now, my major issue is making the pieces parts line up and getting them sanded without removing detail. I was going to try to add some pockets etc but the first attempt sucked so it is back to the drawing board.
And I am going to order some ground cover stuff from David at Last Cavalry. I feel like I owe him after bending his ear for so long yesterday!
Plus I have to pick everything up as the new CO, Col. Callendar is coming to the office. I have the luxury of building while at work so I need to tidy up prior to her visit on Thursday so not much going to happen until Friday!
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Tuesday, August 16, 2016 - 10:00 AM UTC
Patrick,
I'd like to recommend Milliput two-part epoxy putty to you for "blending" in those arms and legs. Milliput can be ordered from Micro-Mark or Model Expo, and many hobby shops carry it. It's a slow drying 2 part epoxy that can be worked with water to smooth it out, formed into sheets, make objects, etc. It works great for making pockets on figures, aircraft seat cushions, really anything you might need. I've made flags and tarps, and cast 1/225 figures by pressing it into hand carved molds (for a build of the Revell Destroyer Escort). It's good stuff and will make life easier for you. It dries hard in about two-three hours, and rock hard in 12 hours. It can also be sanded and carved just like plastic when dry.
VR, Russ
I'd like to recommend Milliput two-part epoxy putty to you for "blending" in those arms and legs. Milliput can be ordered from Micro-Mark or Model Expo, and many hobby shops carry it. It's a slow drying 2 part epoxy that can be worked with water to smooth it out, formed into sheets, make objects, etc. It works great for making pockets on figures, aircraft seat cushions, really anything you might need. I've made flags and tarps, and cast 1/225 figures by pressing it into hand carved molds (for a build of the Revell Destroyer Escort). It's good stuff and will make life easier for you. It dries hard in about two-three hours, and rock hard in 12 hours. It can also be sanded and carved just like plastic when dry.
VR, Russ
pnance26
Joined: January 22, 2016
KitMaker: 766 posts
Armorama: 518 posts
Posted: Tuesday, August 16, 2016 - 06:37 PM UTC
Thanks, Russ. I tried the plumber's epoxy but found it was a failed first effort. Will see about the two part Milliput. Too bad bondo is so hot and dries so fast. I am expert with it!
Will order some soon!
Will order some soon!
pnance26
Joined: January 22, 2016
KitMaker: 766 posts
Armorama: 518 posts
Posted: Wednesday, September 07, 2016 - 08:13 PM UTC
I promise I will be back! I have a deadline of November 4...
pnance26
Joined: January 22, 2016
KitMaker: 766 posts
Armorama: 518 posts
Posted: Wednesday, September 14, 2016 - 06:22 PM UTC
I'm not even done with this one and my mind is thinking out the next one...
Ordering some more stuff today. Next dio will be less landscape intensive...
Ordering some more stuff today. Next dio will be less landscape intensive...
jrutman
Joined: April 10, 2011
KitMaker: 7,941 posts
Armorama: 7,934 posts
Posted: Wednesday, September 14, 2016 - 06:27 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I'm not even done with this one and my mind is thinking out the next one...
Ordering some more stuff today. Next dio will be less landscape intensive...
That's how you learn. You go for the unknown territory.
J
Stickframe
#362
Joined: December 01, 2013
KitMaker: 1,661 posts
Armorama: 1,202 posts
Posted: Wednesday, September 14, 2016 - 08:07 PM UTC
Hi Patrick - yes, the build cycle is ever changing for me too.
1) develop an idea
2) start collecting parts
3) start build
4) get really involved with build
5) run out of steam...
6) wonder about finishing - get remotivated - start thinking about the next build
7) start collecting stuff for next build
8) keep going on original build
9) finish and think about the new one
10) start all over again - next project!!
Between the forum and email ads for kits and parts - it's easy to get distracted and into concocting the next big build!
I'm sure we'll see you leaving the beach and arriving someplace new!
Cheers
Nick
1) develop an idea
2) start collecting parts
3) start build
4) get really involved with build
5) run out of steam...
6) wonder about finishing - get remotivated - start thinking about the next build
7) start collecting stuff for next build
8) keep going on original build
9) finish and think about the new one
10) start all over again - next project!!
Between the forum and email ads for kits and parts - it's easy to get distracted and into concocting the next big build!
I'm sure we'll see you leaving the beach and arriving someplace new!
Cheers
Nick
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Wednesday, September 14, 2016 - 08:20 PM UTC
And here I thought there was something wrong with me because I am constantly dragging myself through the same process described above.
I have always had a problem with failure to complete and figured it was something mental. Appearently I am completely normal and just like most everybody else.
Trying to push myself right now to complete my HEMTT project in time for the Dayton show this weekend.
I have always had a problem with failure to complete and figured it was something mental. Appearently I am completely normal and just like most everybody else.
Trying to push myself right now to complete my HEMTT project in time for the Dayton show this weekend.
pnance26
Joined: January 22, 2016
KitMaker: 766 posts
Armorama: 518 posts
Posted: Wednesday, September 14, 2016 - 08:24 PM UTC
Michael and Nick,
I am glad to welcome you to the Brotherhood of Distracted Thinking (I would have included women or females but I don't many post here. I wonder why that is? Doesn't armor have any appeal to women. Speaking of appeal, that reminds me that I need to peel some apples for a pie that I am baking. Anyone here ever do a lattice crust pie? Oh, yeah that lattice work over the porch needs some repair work. While I am at it, I might be able to repair that left idler wheel that shows on the tank in the beach diorama... ) Oh, yeah...
WTF was I talking about?
I am glad to welcome you to the Brotherhood of Distracted Thinking (I would have included women or females but I don't many post here. I wonder why that is? Doesn't armor have any appeal to women. Speaking of appeal, that reminds me that I need to peel some apples for a pie that I am baking. Anyone here ever do a lattice crust pie? Oh, yeah that lattice work over the porch needs some repair work. While I am at it, I might be able to repair that left idler wheel that shows on the tank in the beach diorama... ) Oh, yeah...
WTF was I talking about?
Kevlar06
Joined: March 15, 2009
KitMaker: 3,670 posts
Armorama: 2,052 posts
Posted: Thursday, September 15, 2016 - 08:52 AM UTC
Patrick,
Go over to aeroscale and look at my response to your question about aircraft dios. I think I know where you're headed next, I made a suggestion to visit the Wingnut Wings site to look at a crashed W-29 model. I'll also send you a couple of shots of some dios I've done via email, since I can't figure out how to post on Kitmaker.
VR Russ
Go over to aeroscale and look at my response to your question about aircraft dios. I think I know where you're headed next, I made a suggestion to visit the Wingnut Wings site to look at a crashed W-29 model. I'll also send you a couple of shots of some dios I've done via email, since I can't figure out how to post on Kitmaker.
VR Russ
pnance26
Joined: January 22, 2016
KitMaker: 766 posts
Armorama: 518 posts
Posted: Thursday, September 15, 2016 - 09:03 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Patrick,
Go over to aeroscale and look at my response to your question about aircraft dios. I think I know where you're headed next, I made a suggestion to visit the Wingnut Wings site to look at a crashed W-29 model. I'll also send you a couple of shots of some dios I've done via email, since I can't figure out how to post on Kitmaker.
VR Russ
Sent you a message, Russ. Will send second tomorrow as I have discovered something!
pnance26
Joined: January 22, 2016
KitMaker: 766 posts
Armorama: 518 posts
Posted: Tuesday, September 27, 2016 - 03:31 AM UTC
Well, here it is, almost the end of September and I have very little to show for it... except for the fact that a very serious vertigo issue resurfaced a couple of weeks ago and then I broke off a tooth that required oral surgery last week.
Today, I ordered a whole bunch of stuff from Dave at Last Cavalry that have been kind of holding me back... stuff like ground cover, some bamboo that will be lying around (actually thinking of replacing the table and lift with bamboo structures), some chain and other stuff...
Figure avoidance is big but I need to find a Milliput source as my first try with the plumbers stuff didn't work out so well.
I can feel motivation building after reading this whole thread... and I have put off the next idea until I get this one done... this diorama is going to go to a contest in Lancaster in November. The next one will be for next year.
So, all that said, I think tomorrow will be a good day to get restarted. Then stitches come out on Thursday and no impediments are on tap so far.
SO what have you been doing?
Today, I ordered a whole bunch of stuff from Dave at Last Cavalry that have been kind of holding me back... stuff like ground cover, some bamboo that will be lying around (actually thinking of replacing the table and lift with bamboo structures), some chain and other stuff...
Figure avoidance is big but I need to find a Milliput source as my first try with the plumbers stuff didn't work out so well.
I can feel motivation building after reading this whole thread... and I have put off the next idea until I get this one done... this diorama is going to go to a contest in Lancaster in November. The next one will be for next year.
So, all that said, I think tomorrow will be a good day to get restarted. Then stitches come out on Thursday and no impediments are on tap so far.
SO what have you been doing?
jrutman
Joined: April 10, 2011
KitMaker: 7,941 posts
Armorama: 7,934 posts
Posted: Tuesday, September 27, 2016 - 04:05 AM UTC
Nice to learn that you are almost back in the saddle.
J
J
pnance26
Joined: January 22, 2016
KitMaker: 766 posts
Armorama: 518 posts
Posted: Tuesday, September 27, 2016 - 09:23 AM UTC
To mix metaphors and languages.... manana in shallah
pnance26
Joined: January 22, 2016
KitMaker: 766 posts
Armorama: 518 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 04, 2016 - 12:07 AM UTC
Well, I have found a whole new way to spend money!
Thanks and a tip of the hat to Dave at Last Cavalry for sending me some really cool stuff! I actually made some progress today and will have photos to post tonight! I am waiting on the bamboo to come in and have decided to rebuild the hoist and table using more "natural" looking elements. Nad, yes, I am avoiding the figures. Anyone tell me the best place to buy Milliput? Does MicroMark carry it? Or Squadron?
Thanks in advance!
Yippee!
Thanks and a tip of the hat to Dave at Last Cavalry for sending me some really cool stuff! I actually made some progress today and will have photos to post tonight! I am waiting on the bamboo to come in and have decided to rebuild the hoist and table using more "natural" looking elements. Nad, yes, I am avoiding the figures. Anyone tell me the best place to buy Milliput? Does MicroMark carry it? Or Squadron?
Thanks in advance!
Yippee!
pnance26
Joined: January 22, 2016
KitMaker: 766 posts
Armorama: 518 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 04, 2016 - 12:10 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Well, I have found a whole new way to spend money!
Thanks and a tip of the hat to Dave at Last Cavalry for sending me some really cool stuff! I actually made some progress today and will have photos to post tonight! I am waiting on the bamboo to come in and have decided to rebuild the hoist and table using more "natural" looking elements. And, yes, I am avoiding the figures.
I have a target date of November 5 for a contest in Lancaster, CA and if the figures don't make it, I think the rest of the work will stand on its own merits. The figures would be way cool but I can add them later!
Should I buy the superfine grain Milliput? Or the standard for working with figures?
Thanks in advance!
Yippee!
Jberardi
Joined: July 10, 2007
KitMaker: 95 posts
Armorama: 88 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 04, 2016 - 12:16 AM UTC
Patrick:
Micro-mark does sell Milliput - both superfine and standard.
Thought it may be too late, feathers make great palm fronds when wet with diluted white glue. If you are interested I'll dig up an old Pacific dio I did and post a picture or two.
Micro-mark does sell Milliput - both superfine and standard.
Thought it may be too late, feathers make great palm fronds when wet with diluted white glue. If you are interested I'll dig up an old Pacific dio I did and post a picture or two.
pnance26
Joined: January 22, 2016
KitMaker: 766 posts
Armorama: 518 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 04, 2016 - 12:32 AM UTC
Post away, Jim! I am sure someone would like the info... luckily, I got my fronds to work from ficus leaves and today I was handling the trees with no issues. Maybe the paint helped seal them!
Thanks for checking in and I, for one, will be very interest in your feather to frond technique!
Thanks for checking in and I, for one, will be very interest in your feather to frond technique!
pnance26
Joined: January 22, 2016
KitMaker: 766 posts
Armorama: 518 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 04, 2016 - 07:50 AM UTC
Finally!
Your comments are always welcome!
Your comments are always welcome!
jrutman
Joined: April 10, 2011
KitMaker: 7,941 posts
Armorama: 7,934 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 04, 2016 - 06:20 PM UTC
Yes! That really is getting to have a nice "feel" to it. The colors all seem spot on to me.
J
J
pnance26
Joined: January 22, 2016
KitMaker: 766 posts
Armorama: 518 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 04, 2016 - 06:41 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Yes! That really is getting to have a nice "feel" to it. The colors all seem spot on to me.
J
From you, Jerry, that is high praise! Any suggestions?
jrutman
Joined: April 10, 2011
KitMaker: 7,941 posts
Armorama: 7,934 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 04, 2016 - 07:27 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextYes! That really is getting to have a nice "feel" to it. The colors all seem spot on to me.
J
From you, Jerry, that is high praise! Any suggestions?
None that come to mind right now. Maybe when you get around to your figs ?
J
pnance26
Joined: January 22, 2016
KitMaker: 766 posts
Armorama: 518 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 04, 2016 - 07:31 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextQuoted TextYes! That really is getting to have a nice "feel" to it. The colors all seem spot on to me.
J
From you, Jerry, that is high praise! Any suggestions?
None that come to mind right now. Maybe when you get around to your figs ?
J
Thanks!
Jberardi
Joined: July 10, 2007
KitMaker: 95 posts
Armorama: 88 posts
Posted: Friday, October 07, 2016 - 12:54 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Post away, Jim! I am sure someone would like the info... luckily, I got my fronds to work from ficus leaves and today I was handling the trees with no issues. Maybe the paint helped seal them!
Thanks for checking in and I, for one, will be very interest in your feather to frond technique!
Patrick:
Here are a couple of photos of the feathers in action. Really like the ground cover and water in your scene.
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