TheLost
New member
You're too kind good sir
I'd say I'm more novice level than master though lol.. Thanks though! It keeps me motivated!
TheLost WIP
- Thread starter TheLost
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You're too kind good sir
I'd say I'm more novice level than master though lol.. Thanks though! It keeps me motivated!
SaintToad
New member
A shot of everything sort of slapped on there would help me get a sense of where you are. However, looking back at the last 'panorama' shot, I see what you're saying. Shrinking the size of the layout would definitely combat the 'flatness'. I definitely try to work in really tiny spaces to avoid flat and empty spaces, but there is no reason you cannot salvage (ork-style) what you've begun. Some basic principles to follow (bearing in mind that I'm definitely not the modeler you are, so I don't want to seem lecture-y) would include:
1) don't center things. Barricade is pretty central. It doesn't necessarily need to be moved, but additions or the addition of various junk to imbalance it would help.
2) don't square things up. Again, the barricade follows the line of the back of the scene. The thing in the back left is also sort of 'tucked in'. When designing a scene, I take extra pains (and it is a pain in the ass) to establish that there is no 'edge', only a cut that passes through things. Some cut items (barrels, pipes, absolutely anything) that communicate visually with the world beyond the diorama really help hide the edges that are necessary.
3) vary heights. Your vertical elements have some variation, but perhaps not enough. More importantly, the fact they are all located in the same background plane of the composition makes it look far more artificial.
4) don't frame it (too obviously). Again, the vertical elements are too obvious a frame. While you want to leave visual clues for 'reading' the scene, you want to disguise them as well as possible. If you've ever taken an art history course, you've probably seen diagrams of the compositional geometry within works of art; the best pieces surprise us with the rigor of their organization. The need to disguise order is probably doubly significant when dealing with orks!
There's more one could say, but that's a start.
Lastly, don't underestimate the power of finishing touches. Often people spend an eternity painting things, then slap a few tufts of grass on it and call it done. The more you can pack the scene with bits, bobs, puddles, rocks, grass, tracks, etc., the more chaotic and real it will look. Some very specific and unexpected items also help tell a story (which you should emphasize by asking yourself how that item got there). Empty space can be very effective (I have tried to do that here), but you should make a decision to use it rather than default to it. When you think you have enough stuff, double it. If you cannot, it's probably too big!
Anyway, perhaps there are some helpful thoughts in there. I really like the look of what you're doing and certainly salute you for the ambition of this piece. Keep up the good work!
1) don't center things. Barricade is pretty central. It doesn't necessarily need to be moved, but additions or the addition of various junk to imbalance it would help.
2) don't square things up. Again, the barricade follows the line of the back of the scene. The thing in the back left is also sort of 'tucked in'. When designing a scene, I take extra pains (and it is a pain in the ass) to establish that there is no 'edge', only a cut that passes through things. Some cut items (barrels, pipes, absolutely anything) that communicate visually with the world beyond the diorama really help hide the edges that are necessary.
3) vary heights. Your vertical elements have some variation, but perhaps not enough. More importantly, the fact they are all located in the same background plane of the composition makes it look far more artificial.
4) don't frame it (too obviously). Again, the vertical elements are too obvious a frame. While you want to leave visual clues for 'reading' the scene, you want to disguise them as well as possible. If you've ever taken an art history course, you've probably seen diagrams of the compositional geometry within works of art; the best pieces surprise us with the rigor of their organization. The need to disguise order is probably doubly significant when dealing with orks!
There's more one could say, but that's a start.
Lastly, don't underestimate the power of finishing touches. Often people spend an eternity painting things, then slap a few tufts of grass on it and call it done. The more you can pack the scene with bits, bobs, puddles, rocks, grass, tracks, etc., the more chaotic and real it will look. Some very specific and unexpected items also help tell a story (which you should emphasize by asking yourself how that item got there). Empty space can be very effective (I have tried to do that here), but you should make a decision to use it rather than default to it. When you think you have enough stuff, double it. If you cannot, it's probably too big!
Anyway, perhaps there are some helpful thoughts in there. I really like the look of what you're doing and certainly salute you for the ambition of this piece. Keep up the good work!
TheLost
New member
WOW! First off SaintToad, Thank you very very much for a very helpful and informative critique. You basically nailed every problem and issue I'm having with this piece right on the head, especially the part about disguising order!
I will definitely take a picture with all the elements on there.
In consideration of some of your suggestions, I am going to try and fix the fuel tank and the barricade. I may cut my fuel tank and only put in the front section. Hopefully that will help with my line issue. Not sure if I can move the barricade around, but there is going to be a lot of scattered junk around it. I'm also going to redo the concrete area..that's supposed to look like a destroyed imperial runway/landing pad.
As for height variation, the front will have the rockets in the air and the back will be framed more by my tower (it's going to be taller when it's complete). My initial plan for this piece was to make it look like the orks were launching the grot bombs from a "safe" distance, so that's why a lot of the details are at the back of the diorama... of course that doesn't really help with my flatness issue lol..
I think the height of the tower will be the only thing that really frames the entire piece in the end; it's supposed to look like it was built at the beginning of a tall mountain. The illusion I am trying to achieve is that this imperial landing pad is nestled in the mountains, and has since been taken over by orks and converted into a launch pad.
Once I figure out the fuel tank and the size of this piece, I will be adding A LOT of scattered junk... pipes, fuel tanks, wheels, gas cans, random ork parts, etc. I think I'll add some imperial bits too, to show that there was some imperial presence some time ago.. actually, now that I think of it, some of the bits I used for the barricades belong to Space Marine tanks, so hopefully that'll help with the narrative.
Again, I thank you very much for your help and your most excellent suggestions. I will be applying what you've taught me to this project, as well as my future projects. THANKS THANKS THANKS!!!
I will definitely take a picture with all the elements on there.
In consideration of some of your suggestions, I am going to try and fix the fuel tank and the barricade. I may cut my fuel tank and only put in the front section. Hopefully that will help with my line issue. Not sure if I can move the barricade around, but there is going to be a lot of scattered junk around it. I'm also going to redo the concrete area..that's supposed to look like a destroyed imperial runway/landing pad.
As for height variation, the front will have the rockets in the air and the back will be framed more by my tower (it's going to be taller when it's complete). My initial plan for this piece was to make it look like the orks were launching the grot bombs from a "safe" distance, so that's why a lot of the details are at the back of the diorama... of course that doesn't really help with my flatness issue lol..
I think the height of the tower will be the only thing that really frames the entire piece in the end; it's supposed to look like it was built at the beginning of a tall mountain. The illusion I am trying to achieve is that this imperial landing pad is nestled in the mountains, and has since been taken over by orks and converted into a launch pad.
Once I figure out the fuel tank and the size of this piece, I will be adding A LOT of scattered junk... pipes, fuel tanks, wheels, gas cans, random ork parts, etc. I think I'll add some imperial bits too, to show that there was some imperial presence some time ago.. actually, now that I think of it, some of the bits I used for the barricades belong to Space Marine tanks, so hopefully that'll help with the narrative.
Again, I thank you very much for your help and your most excellent suggestions. I will be applying what you've taught me to this project, as well as my future projects. THANKS THANKS THANKS!!!
TheLost
New member
So it's been almost a month... I don't even know how the time went by so fast... My priorities have changed lately, and hobbying has taken a back burner. I'm still working on my entry for ReaperCon in October, but I highly doubt I'll make the deadline.. be that as it may, here are some pictures of some recent progress...
After the generous lessons I learned in diorama building, I changed up my base for the rocket scene
View attachment 50843
Here are the WIP pics of the bunker annex that is going to stick out of the mountain side... I'm trying to make it look like it was an Imperial bunker that was attacked/modified by orks
View attachment 50844 View attachment 50845
Keep in mind this is still a WIP; I am going to add a lot of ork accoutrements and battle damage.'
Hopefully this base looks a little better than the last one. I tried not to follow the line of the base and make it look more dynamic. Comments always welcome, thanks!
After the generous lessons I learned in diorama building, I changed up my base for the rocket scene
View attachment 50843
Here are the WIP pics of the bunker annex that is going to stick out of the mountain side... I'm trying to make it look like it was an Imperial bunker that was attacked/modified by orks
View attachment 50844 View attachment 50845
Keep in mind this is still a WIP; I am going to add a lot of ork accoutrements and battle damage.'
Hopefully this base looks a little better than the last one. I tried not to follow the line of the base and make it look more dynamic. Comments always welcome, thanks!
TheLost
New member
Thanks buddy
If I stay focused, I should have the base done in time for the LAMS meeting in August.
BloodASmedium
[img]http://pnp
Fantastik work on the modeling ...again.
TheLost
New member
@Maenas: Thanks so much Maenas I hope to have some updates this weekend! Once I add the rocks, dirt, and other man-made parts of the diorama, it will look A LOT better
@BloodAsmedium: You are too kind good sir I hope my modeling continues to live up to your standards!
I hope to have some updates this weekend! Once I add the rocks, dirt, and other man-made parts of the diorama, it will look A LOT better @BloodAsmedium: You are too kind good sir
I hope my modeling continues to live up to your standards!
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TheLost
New member
Hey everybody.. I've been working on my diorama as much as possible this weekend, and made some progress...enjoy!
View attachment 51012
View attachment 51013 View attachment 51014
I orkified the bunker a little bit, made the steel foundation for my concrete runway, and added some other scenic elements...If anyone is interested, here is the link on how I'm doing my rocks(http://www.juliencasses.com/2012/11/how-to-make-rocks). I can't find the link on how to do the concrete, but I'll keep looking.
At the rate I'm going, I don't think I'll be able to enter this for ReaperCon in October. But, we shall see... C&C welcome!!
View attachment 51012
View attachment 51013 View attachment 51014
I orkified the bunker a little bit, made the steel foundation for my concrete runway, and added some other scenic elements...If anyone is interested, here is the link on how I'm doing my rocks(http://www.juliencasses.com/2012/11/how-to-make-rocks). I can't find the link on how to do the concrete, but I'll keep looking.
At the rate I'm going, I don't think I'll be able to enter this for ReaperCon in October. But, we shall see... C&C welcome!!
Coyotebreaks
Active member
That's looking great.
TheLost
New member
@Coyotebreaks: Thanks
I got some more stuff done this weekend that I'd like to share and get your input on... I feel like I've finally leveled up a little bit in my base building skills, and would love to hear what you think.
More detail of the looted bunker... Sand bags scattered around the area...
View attachment 51205 View attachment 51206
Sandbags and an oil drum that's going to be placed next to the looted bunker, and sculpted the sewage that's going to come out of the pipe...
View attachment 51207 View attachment 51208
The project is coming along nicely, but I definitely won't be making my deadline for the competition... next year I guess...
Questions and comments always welcome Thanks!
I got some more stuff done this weekend that I'd like to share and get your input on... I feel like I've finally leveled up a little bit in my base building skills, and would love to hear what you think.
More detail of the looted bunker... Sand bags scattered around the area...
View attachment 51205 View attachment 51206
Sandbags and an oil drum that's going to be placed next to the looted bunker, and sculpted the sewage that's going to come out of the pipe...
View attachment 51207 View attachment 51208
The project is coming along nicely, but I definitely won't be making my deadline for the competition... next year I guess...
Questions and comments always welcome
Thanks!
TheLost
New member
Man the weeks just keep flying by...
So I've decided to put the ork diorama on the back burner for a while, since I won't have it done by October, and I don't want to rush it. I decided to work on a project for a special friend of mine. Here are some progress pictures... I have to say, it's one of my best bases yet!
Initial setup, addition of dirt, stone, and roots, and sculpted the rock formations for a waterfall.
View attachment 51400 View attachment 51401 View attachment 51402
Here's the final progress shot of what I was able to do over the weekend
View attachment 51403
I still have to add some more details, cover up some cork areas with dirt, and finish the trees, but I am super happy with how it's turned out so far.
I've noticed lately that my WIP has become a base building thread, so I'm actually going to paint this model lol
That being said, I do have some questions. I am going for a fall theme, so what color should I do the dirt and stones? What colors do you use to make warmer earth colors? The trees are going to be Birch trees, so I can just look up reference photos. As for the model, I will be using purples and blues. I think the fall themed colors of the base will contrast very well with the colors of the model.
Any comments and critique would be great! I should finish the base soon and then it's off to painting...which is kinda scary since I haven't painted anything in over a year...
So I've decided to put the ork diorama on the back burner for a while, since I won't have it done by October, and I don't want to rush it. I decided to work on a project for a special friend of mine. Here are some progress pictures... I have to say, it's one of my best bases yet!
Initial setup, addition of dirt, stone, and roots, and sculpted the rock formations for a waterfall.
View attachment 51400 View attachment 51401 View attachment 51402
Here's the final progress shot of what I was able to do over the weekend
View attachment 51403
I still have to add some more details, cover up some cork areas with dirt, and finish the trees, but I am super happy with how it's turned out so far.
I've noticed lately that my WIP has become a base building thread, so I'm actually going to paint this model lol
That being said, I do have some questions. I am going for a fall theme, so what color should I do the dirt and stones? What colors do you use to make warmer earth colors? The trees are going to be Birch trees, so I can just look up reference photos. As for the model, I will be using purples and blues. I think the fall themed colors of the base will contrast very well with the colors of the model.
Any comments and critique would be great! I should finish the base soon and then it's off to painting...which is kinda scary since I haven't painted anything in over a year...
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TheLost
New member
Another update for my newest piece... after about 4 hours of twisting wire and repeatedly poking my fingers, I made the branches for my birch trees.
View attachment 51457
Once I orient the branches at a downward angle and get some putty on them, I think they'll look pretty good...
I still have to add mushrooms to the trees, along with a chunky bark texture towards the stump area...anyone have a suggestion on how to do the bark texture?
Questions and comments always welcome and appreciated
View attachment 51457
Once I orient the branches at a downward angle and get some putty on them, I think they'll look pretty good...
I still have to add mushrooms to the trees, along with a chunky bark texture towards the stump area...anyone have a suggestion on how to do the bark texture?
Questions and comments always welcome and appreciated
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TheLost
New member
@Maenas: Thanks buddy Trees still need some work and additional detail
Additional pictures for critique:
View attachment 51576 View attachment 51577 View attachment 51578
Any comments/suggestions welcome Thanks!
Trees still need some work and additional detail Additional pictures for critique:
View attachment 51576 View attachment 51577 View attachment 51578
Any comments/suggestions welcome
Thanks!
BloodASmedium
[img]http://pnp
Excellent what more is there to say!!!
TheLost
New member
Base primed and ready to paint... it's cool how everything looks better with a solid primer coat; everything comes together nicely... I can't believe after over a year I'm going to paint again:brushwave: ...wish me luck..I'll need it! :tremble!:
View attachment 51704
View attachment 51704
