Zulu War Base & Backdrop (1 Viewer)

[Ken & Ericka Osen/H&A Studio]

I thought I would share some images of a good sized AZW scenic base and hand painted backdrop I recently delivered. This was a dogleg shape and about 42" deep, and was to be situated rather high in the home display room so reaching up the the rear to place figures would require a stepladder.
The scenic base is stepped from the front to the back so you can see all of the figures from the normal viewing angle in the room. This worked better than I hoped for what would normally be a display area where the foreground figures would mask the action to the rear.

The backdrop was painted with artists acrylics on stretched and primed linen canvas. It was large enough that I had to paint it in the side parlor... but that allowed me to visit with the family while I worked.

The base color was a custom mixed latex based house paint that allowed me to use a large brush to blend the horizon.

 

[marco55]

Just beautiful Ken.
Mark

 

[Ken & Ericka Osen/H&A Studio]

Here are some close ups of areas that were painted to blend into the three dimensional base.

I also modeled a low relief rock outcropping to help the transition from the canvas to the stepped base.

It was fairly effective to help place a location...

We did a test fit before we finished detailing the base. The dogleg was made in 4 sections that slid in like a jig saw puzzle, but from a normal viewing angle the long butt joints are invisible.

 

[Ken & Ericka Osen/H&A Studio]

Although these are not the best pictures... here we are on site with a few of the figures going into place. This was built for an in-depth collection of classic gloss AZW figures and accessories, with many more being set up later in the day.
The right side is the mission station at Rorke's Drift using the scenics from the recent W.Britain series, the pontoon crossing of the river and to the left the attack at Islandlwana is featured. It was the only practical solution to displaying this large collection in the given space.
In addition to the long angled backdrop there are also canvas side panels to help extend the diorama. Later, additional light cans were added to the track lighting to balance the light and eliminate 'hot' spots.

I hope you enjoy seeing these, this was a fun project.
All the Best,
Ken

 

[craig1985taylor]

Whow Ken, that is an amazing bit of workmanship! Its also an excellent idea for using the higher parts of a room to there full advantage.

Craig

 

[aujj65]

Ken, thanks for taking the time to post these photos, what a fantastic display and a first class finish to say the least! ^&cool

Jeff

 

[GICOP]

That is beautiful Ken. I see some Trophy figures already displayed, now that would make a great home for my Trophy AZW collection..........if only I had the room^&grin

Thank you for posting these pictures, could I ask for more pictures once all the figures are in place?

Cheers

Martyn

 

[Louis Badolato]

Absolutely phenomenal! ^&cool^&cool^&cool^&cool The backdrop painting makes the whole scene pop! If I had any talent, I would paint the walls surrounding my RAF/RFC airfield diorama with a backdrop of the sky over the English countryside.:wink2:

 

[jazzeum]

Absolutely phenomenal! ^&cool^&cool^&cool^&cool The backdrop painting makes the whole scene pop! If I had any talent, I would paint the walls surrounding my RAF/RFC airfield diorama with a backdrop of the sky over the English countryside.:wink2:

You could always hire Ken! :wink2:

 

[Louis Badolato]

You could always hire Ken! :wink2:

Well, when I see him in the aerodrome room at the Symposium next month, I will ask him for an estimate . . . but I expect having him paint three walls might be a bit beyond my means.^&grin

 

[thebritfarmer]

To use an English phrase .............GOBSMACKED !!

 

[mestell]

Just jaw dropping GOOD . . . . .
:smile2: Mike

 

[The Lt.]

Nice to see that you ventured into the Land of The Zulus oce agai Ken with another of your classic diorama settings an thanks for sharing it with us. Like Martyn picked out the Trophy figures at play.

 

[glossman]

Another Ken Osen masterpiece. This excellent display base must be the dream of many an AZW collector. It works beautifully for a Battle of Isandhlwana dio, as well as a Defence of Rorke's Drift dio. I can see a very good selection of Trophy figures on display already. Perhaps, there can be an add-on option of a tributary of the Tugela River.

Raymond

 

[wayne556517]

Absolutely phenomenal! ^&cool^&cool^&cool^&cool The backdrop painting makes the whole scene pop! If I had any talent, I would paint the walls surrounding my RAF/RFC airfield diorama with a backdrop of the sky over the English countryside.:wink2:

Just paint it Grey...........................^&grin:wink2:^&grin

Excellent work Ken.

 

[wds0855]

I am in awe.

Walt

 

[Leadmen]

Thanks again Ken for showing us your great skills. I enjoy viewing your work. John

 

[Fusilier]

To say this diorama is impressive just doesn't cut it! Once again, Ken has shown why his work is best in the business.

Noah