WIP sniper, need help on jungle base

[Mourner]

Hi all,

it's been a while since I've posted on this forum (or got any painting done)
but I've been working on a couple of projects and I could use some help with one of them...
(i plan to post more WIP threads for some other projects too )

but to the point,
I'm working on a duel between an imperial sniper, lining up a shot, being stalked by a striking scorpion. while the striking scorpion is about to be attacked by a swooping mechanical bird (of paradise)

the scene is set in a (primordial) jungle, and I intend to "hide" all the models by having them blend into the surroundings.
the sniper will be in brown camo with a green camo cape, the scorpion will be a dark brown-green color, sneaking down the trunk of a tree. the bird will be modeled and painted to look like a bright tropical bird.

I've done the groundwork on the base, but now I'm going to have to make this into a jungle.
I've looked around on the net, but couldn't find many jungle (tree) bases.

does anyone have any tips or tutorials on building a jungle themed base with trees, with lots of smaller plants, vines and bright flora and fauna?


I've included 2 pictures of the scene so far, all thats white will be soil and all thats brown below that be rocks
View attachment 19991
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-Mourner

 

[cassar]

pop down to the pet shop and see what they have for fish tanks, lots of plastic jungle stuff there im sure.

 

[Bailey03]

Yeah, the pet store could have some useful things. If you're willing to spend a little bit of money, take a look at some of the etched brass plant options. Hasslefree has a nice selection. The tropical assortment would be a logical place to start. The elephant ears and banana leaves would also be good
http://www.hfminis.co.uk/shop?category=accessories~etched-brass-%28foliage%29
If you poke around you can probably find other companies doing etched brass plants.

Another option is Fredericus Rex's Green Line. These are paper plants
http://www.fredericus-rex.de/Green-Line-Gelaendebau/
They also have some jungle options here
http://www.fredericus-rex.de/Green-Line-scenery/1-32---1-35---1-48-Paper-plants/

And, never hurts to look at some of the tutorials on MassiveVoodoo. They've got a tutorial on creating a jungle ambiance using the Green Line products
http://massivevoodoo.blogspot.com/2011/01/tutorial-how-to-create-jungle-ambience.html
The hanging plants one might look good from the trees
http://massivevoodoo.blogspot.de/2012/12/tutorial-hanging-plants.html
And there are a lot of other basing tutorials... maybe one will have something useful.

 

[Kretcher]

Here is also a link with some nice ways of making vegetation.
http://www.necrotales.com/necroTutorials/

 

[Bloodhowl]

I have an Osprey Masterclass Terrain Modelling book with a chapter on Vietnam Jungles. I will scan and email it to you if you like. PM me your email addy and I'll get it sent out.

 

[Mourner]

thanks for the reactions,

i'll definitely drop by a pet store to see what I can use

the tutorials are great, I'll definitely use the grass-like vines.
and the paper plants gave me great inspiration.

I did some more work, covering the soil with leave clutter and other stuff.
I used a mix of crushed moss/cork stuff I took from a plantpot, some crushed treebark, a bit of slate and some tabaco.
this mix proved so light, it didn't really stick to the layer of glue I'd put down, so some of the soil underneath is still visible (which I think is a good thing)

I plan on adding some thick vines and treeroots, using rolled up tissue paper and some waterd down glue.

@bloodhowl, that would really help tying all the scenic elements together, pm sent

so, to finish it off, some more pictures

View attachment 20034View attachment 20035

 

[Phoulmouth]

You have a gorgeous start. At where you are I know what I would try to emulate from there.

I would add hinging vines like in this picture

http://images.travelpod.com/tripwow...ed-states+1152_12856892296-tpfil02aw-3551.jpg

And hanging lichen and ground plants like in this one

https://vivian-photoshop.wikispaces...he-jungle-forest-green-jungle-nature-path.jpg

Also note that the trees in both of them looks like typical green leaves like you would see in a forest. Between the hanging vines and lichen it will add a fairly dark imagery appropriate for the 40k universe.

 

[Zab]

Here is a great way to achieve that mossy lichen look to the trees using seamoss: http://excommunicatetratoris.blogspot.ca/2013/03/treesperimentspart-2.html I like them better before they get the flocked as they look kind of swampy or like weeping willows with that grey primer.

 

[freakinacage]

I'd add some photo etch ferns too

 

[Mourner]

thanks for the replies, the two jungle pictures are exactly what I had in mind.

I did some more work, trying out my method for making vines.... and it works perfectly
I'm thinking about doing an article.... what do you think?

I still want to add some more vines and roots, after which I can probably start painting...
I was thinking about adding some moss by glueing on some fine powder (i was thinking about cigarette ashes....)

so, more pictures

View attachment 20080
View attachment 20081
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[Mourner]

quick update,

I went to a petstore and bought some plants.
I finished building the base, and started painting.
I've laid down the basic colors by airbrush.

next ill break out the brushes, but now I'm going to sleep....

but first.... a picture!

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