A WWI diorama (1 Viewer)

[blaster]

Hi Grey heron, tx again for yr kind words.
i spent some time to shape the bkgd, raising the foreground and propping it with scrap wood. Used more cardbd pieces to create the curvature. Then some epoxy n a basic coating with wall putty. The figs were testfitted into the scene with a proposed frame size. I will have to push up the lower frame

 

[blaster]

Added wire strips for rifle straps. Started to sculpt a tree trunk. I spent some time to shape the bkgd properly and prepare it for painting. I’ve alr indicated some markings on the bkgd. The foreground base was further worked upon. The tree trunk is taking shape.

 

[Grey Heron]

I do love the work on the tree trunk.

 

[Louis Badolato]

Victor,

Just fantastic, as usual! :salute:: This is my favorite period, and you are absolutely nailing it!

 

[blaster]

Hi Louis and grey heron
thanks always for yr kind words of encouragement. Almost like a shot of rum ration in the trenches…hahaha.

I laid in some basic colour washes in acrylics sky, field, bldgs and billowing smoke. Then I arranged the foreground figs within the box. I will have to raise one end of the base by about a cm to get the desired visual perspective.

the second pic shows the proposed frame size for this piece.

rgds Victor

 

[blaster]

Had a great weekend. Went out and visited a couple of model shops to get grass and foliage. The mainstream hobby has changed so much. All wargames and fantasy figures.

Anyway. Work on the project was unremitting.
1st pic. The surrounding base was built up. A shell hole was gouged out of the base. Branches from model railway supplies were fitted to the trees which were fitted to the base.
2nd pic. Base and trees were given a dark wash of burnt umber.
3rd pic. Tree heights were trimmed to fit the piece into the scene. Parts of the bkgd were further filled out with putty. I added a few pieces of wood to raise the foregorund

 

[blaster]

1st pic. Coated the base with white glue and sprinkled ground scatter. This pic shows the proposed frame size.
2nd pic. Added more branches to the bund to represent bushes. The left side of the foreground will have to be raised to mate with the main scene.
3rd pic. Left side area was raised. Parts of the foreground were painted and the tree trunks as well.

 

[Grey Heron]

Brilliant work once again. Thank you for sharing your project.

 

[blaster]

Hi Grey Heron

thanks for yr kind remarks n following this project. I’ve painted the rest of the foreground and will start on the sky and field in the bkgd soon.
Notice that the main scene is removable for ease in ptg the bkgd.

 

[blaster]

Ive started to paint the bkgd in oils. Had to stop at this stage as I was getting paint all over myself. Not easy to paint a cyclorama bkgd. The curvature creates problems for precise brushstrokes.
I replaced the main scene for this pic.

 

[blaster]

I decided to make the bkgd bldgs in relief. This was then stuck onto the bkgd.

 

[blaster]

Finally added some foliage to the main scene. Great looking huh?

the. The next thing I did is to redo the bkgd scene….

 

[blaster]

I worked more on detailing the main scene. Added rifle slings to all the figures, creating some puddles and painting in shadows.
Made an item , probably a farm implement and positioned it on the scene.

 

[Grey Heron]

Brilliant work on the landscape and miniatures. The snapshot of a moment in time shows the intensity you have created in this scene.

 

[Obee]

Its sure looking good Victor,

I do like that you are showing one of the first skirmishes of the Great War with the battle taking place over open grassland before the fields were pulverised by relentless artillery barrages.

I thought that when it would be due to the soldiers wearing caps, and not tin hats.

I'm looking forward to the completion and viewing of your new masterpiece,

John

 

[Louis Badolato]

I just love what you are doing, Victor!:salute:: The scene is just fantastic!

 

[Horus]

Magnificent Victor !:salute:::salute:::salute:::salute:::salute::

 

[Al Fisher]

Outstanding! But then, that's normal for your dioramas.

Bosun Al

 

[blaster]

Hi Grey Heron, John. Louis, Steve and Al,

thx for looking and yr ever gracious comments. I think the foliage really changes the diorama appeal.

These bits of fluff are not cheap but if y get a variety of foliage types, y can create a virtual garden.

worked more on that farm appertenance. added a smidgen of epoxy glue to strengthen the joints

rgds Victor

 

[blaster]

Fully detailed the accessory. Used 1/72 German track rollers and some armor rivets from a misspent youthful collection to add the details.

Sprayed in grey and painted to represent rusting metal and weathered wooden beams.