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Author Topic: Generic terrain: second tree done  (Read 1973 times)

Offline Duke Donald

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Generic terrain: second tree done
« on: April 15, 2018, 01:24:36 PM »
I realised I needed more terrain pieces. I decided to build some fairly generic, yet hopefully attractive pieces. The rationale is to be build a set of pieces that should be useable for essentially any genre or period from antiquity to near future.

I started with a tree.
« Last Edit: April 22, 2018, 05:04:16 PM by Duke Donald »

Offline Codsticker

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Re: Generic terrain: scratch built tree
« Reply #1 on: April 15, 2018, 07:58:03 PM »
I like it very much. :)

Offline Duke Donald

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Re: Generic terrain: scratch built tree
« Reply #2 on: April 16, 2018, 04:27:28 PM »
Thanks Codsticker!

I started working on the next one.


Offline OSHIROmodels

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Re: Generic terrain: scratch built tree
« Reply #3 on: April 16, 2018, 05:14:16 PM »
Looking good  :)

I would suggest a little more foliage at the top of the first one though.
cheers

James

https://www.oshiromodels.co.uk/

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Offline Duke Donald

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Re: Generic terrain: scratch built tree
« Reply #4 on: April 16, 2018, 05:58:48 PM »
Looking good  :)

I would suggest a little more foliage at the top of the first one though.

I felt something didn't look quite right bit I couldn't put the finger on the problem. You nailed it. I added a few clumps on the top and it looks far more natural. Thanks a lot! It's fantastic to get advice from professional model makers.


Offline OSHIROmodels

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Re: Generic terrain: scratch built tree
« Reply #5 on: April 16, 2018, 06:21:32 PM »
Yes, that does the job  8)

Offline FifteensAway

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Re: Generic terrain: scratch built tree
« Reply #6 on: April 17, 2018, 01:06:04 AM »
Thought it was a wire wrap armature.  Curious how you got the trunk texture?

Another way to jazz up a tree is to do each of the following: from the bottom, spray a darker color of green to enhance the shadows and - then - from the top, spray a lighter, greenish-yellow works, color to enhance the highlights. 

If you don't trust using a dash of paint (floral paint would be best option, less chance of overly dense coverage), then you can use a cheap brand of hairspray and some lighter and darker bits of flocking to achieve the same effect.  WARNING: use completely unscented hairspray.  That scent lasts for decades.  Believe me, I know (old college years art work that still emanates a hint of the hairspray fixative).

Offline Duke Donald

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Re: Generic terrain: second tree WIP
« Reply #7 on: April 21, 2018, 08:40:35 AM »
Thought it was a wire wrap armature.  Curious how you got the trunk texture?

I covered the wire armature with liquid latex, and then some putty on top (photo below). Thanks for the suggestions. I'm experimenting with different materials and techniques to work out what works best, and will at try out the hairspray approach for flocking.


Offline Codsticker

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Re: Generic terrain: second tree WIP
« Reply #8 on: April 21, 2018, 03:39:21 PM »
I covered the wire armature with liquid latex, and then some putty on top (photo below).
Using liquid latex to coat the armature is a great idea- I will have to try that.
« Last Edit: April 28, 2018, 02:38:34 PM by Codsticker »

Offline Duke Donald

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Re: Generic terrain: scratch built tree
« Reply #9 on: April 22, 2018, 04:27:54 PM »
Quote
Using liquid latex to coat the armature is a great idea- I will have to try that
Liquid latex works well and is fun to play with. It's a bit expensive but I've now got enough to build hundreds of trees!

Second tree done. A bit bland (and the flash didn't help) and might benefit from another round of dry brushing on the bark. For the next tree, I'm planning something a bit different

Offline Juxt

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Re: Generic terrain: second tree done
« Reply #10 on: April 24, 2018, 09:48:18 AM »
Pretty sharp looking trees, really like how you've based them too  :)

the second tree might be bland to your eyes, but every tree in your collection can't be the most characterful one, you need some more mundane ones to make the special ones stand out enough.

Offline Karadek

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Re: Generic terrain: second tree done
« Reply #11 on: April 30, 2018, 06:38:54 PM »
Well done.  I like the tulip on the base.  It's a nice touch.

Offline FifteensAway

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Re: Generic terrain: second tree done
« Reply #12 on: May 01, 2018, 02:41:00 AM »
If I may, I think one of your challenges is the base color you are using for your trunks.  If you live near a bunch of trees, go out and look at them with a critical eye.  And then count how many of them are actually brown.  I think you will find the answer is not many - and very rarely ever a uniform brown.  Something as simple as a base color of gray with a brownish (not brown) wash, maybe a red brown, with a lighter dry brush will give a very different result, say mixing your red brown with a dash of white to tone it down for the dry brush and then a bit more white for some highlighting.

Offline Smokeyrone

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Re: Generic terrain: second tree done
« Reply #13 on: May 01, 2018, 07:36:56 PM »
Very good
Reigning USTA Florida, and National 50+ Singles Champion  (tennis)  TWO Time Florida 50+ Singles Champion!  Just won State 2019!