At the Edge of the Forest (1 Viewer)

Ken & Ericka Osen/H&A Studio

Ken & Ericka Osen/H&A Studio

Command Sergeant Major
Joined
Jun 22, 2005
Messages
2,113
Hi All,
I started a diorama a few weeks ago and did not have time to paint the backdrop before I used it as a W. Britain display at the Michigan show. Now that the catalog is finished I thought I would take the day to finish the backdrop and take a few pictures.
The backdrop for this new shelf diorama (11"H x 11"D X 28"L) was painted on a sheet of Masonite that was primed flat white. I used water based paints to create the impression that the old growth forest continues on. This first image shows the misty sky and the distant trees roughed in.
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This next image shows the middleground and foreground trees taking shape.
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This image shows the backdrop when it was just about finished. I have added more trees but kept it simple and atmospheric. The transition area with the bushes and forest litter works pretty well when it is in place in the slot at the back of the shelf. diorama.
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These next two images show how much depth the simple backdrop adds to the overall scene. In the first image I shot a picture with plain blue-grey paper and in the second image I dropped the new backdrop into the milled slot that was built in at the back of the shelf scenic. This makes it easy to ship or store and also allows someone to switch out the backdrop at a later date.
The scenic features our 'wild grass', hand built old growth trees and a well worn path through the woods.
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Here is an overall view of the shelf diorama with the backdrop in place.
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I couldn't resist putting some of the figures from my collection in place to give a sense of scale. The old growth forests were common all over the Eastern United States and many of the figure lines I collect look best in this environment. The first set up has a couple of the W. Britain AWI figures I sculpted dashing forward toward an unseen enemy. If any of you should visit Western Pennsylvania make sure you visit the Bushy Run battlefield. They have a good section of old growth preserved there to give you an impression of the area when the battle was fought during Pontiac's Rebellion.
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I thought some of you might like to see some of John's F&I figures in this diorama.
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I can imagine that the girls are gossiping and the fellow has been so distracted that he is about to walk right into a tree...
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I think the foreground trees on the backdrop blend in pretty well with the 3D ones on the diorama. The forest litter that is glued on the base helps to blend it into the deeper woods too.
 
Yet another work of art from the master; simply brilliant, this piece lends itself to so many displays from F & I to AWI to Napoleonic to ACW to WWII, just superb Ken, my favorite without a doubt (until I see your next one, which will THEN be my favorite....................)...........
 
It's perfect,just perfect.Ken,if your not the best in the business then your in the top 2.:)
Mark
 
This arrangement looked pretty good too. As tempting as it is to fill it full of figures, I often opt for just a few to tell a story. This also allows you to change out your figures more often and in doing that you tend to look at each one a bit closer than you might if it was just loaded up. With many of the newer offerings created as diorama ranges, it is easier than ever to create small vignettes.
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Thanks guys!
I really enjoy this part of the business and I suppose it shows. I was cleaning up my work space and I noticed all of the Iron Brigade figures in one of my display cases. I have sculpted a good number for at least 4 different companies and I have them all displayed together.
Here I put a selection of the Troiani Historical Miniatures figures and some of the 1st Gear/W. Britain figures to create a skirmish line at the edge of the woods. This ought to make your Rebs think twice Mike! I suspect the Artillery will be supporting this advance too...
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I hope you enjoy these. I had fun finishing this one up today, and now I can finish up the another one I started a while ago too.
Ken Osen/Hudson & Allen Studio
 
Ken

At one time a while back you mentioned that H&A might run off some of these backgrounds in printed format for those of us who do not have the ability to paint our own. Any chance that will happen? Backdrops for different seasons (e.g. Fall, Winter) or locales (e.g. desert, Isandlwana, shoreline, mountains, jungle) would be great. They could be printed on heavy stock paper and sold in cardboard mailing tubes. I am sure these would be big sellers since there really isn't any competition out there.

All of your scenic work is inspiring and museum quality.
 
Hi Randy,
Funny thing... Ericka asked me the same thing earlier today so I will go to my local graphics guy and get pricing before I sell this one.
This may dictate that I do a little more work at the lower margins though as it was custom painted for this diorama and the area that fits into the slot isn't detailed the way it could be.
Thanks for you kind comments too!
Ken
 
Not much I can say that hasn't already been said or will be and go along with Ericka and Randy on H&A providing a line of background photos. It's always a pleasure seeing what you provide the toy soldier world with.
 
Another masterpiece Ken, it is a sheer joy to view all of your scenics !!! (and of course your toy soldiers :D)
 
Ken,
That would be great to be able to buy tour backgrounds.I'm sure they would do well.
Mark
 
Ken...if you really follow through with this idea...would you please consider producing something larger than a standard 11x8.5...

perhaps much bigger...

maybe something in the 24x18 or even a 36x18 size...

and if possible on a heavy stock paper?
 
Perfect work again, Ken. Mind-popping. And if you do start selling these backdrops as prints please count me in ....:p
 
I just caught up with this series of photographs Ken. There's nothing more that I can say that I haven't already said on the WB ACW or the JJD FIW threas where these photos are also showcased. Absolutely incredible. I also echo the sentiments of fellow forum members about the potential retail market for your backdrops. Kuddos my friend.
Mike
 
Once again, outstanding job Ken!

How did you do the tree trunks they look so real?

Is Ericka and you going to be at the West Coaster?

Carlos
 
Hi all!
We will have to look into the possibility of printing larger backdrops. The folks we use do archival quality prints on demand and as a result they are not cheap. We will investigate and keep you posted.

Ericka and I are going to skip the West Coaster this year as we will be headed out East to do some visiting and research. In the end we will attend the gathering in NY at Louis's place... it was fun last year. I also owe Ericka a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it's a great place.

I hope to finish a couple of dioramas that have been pushed to the back of the bench to do the W. Britain products... client's work comes first. As they are finished I will post some pictures.
If there is any interest in adding any one of them to your collection (excluding Grandfather's Garage!) just contact us.
All the Best!
Ken
 
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