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| Posted: Wed Oct 22nd, 2014 05:43 am |
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1st Post |
jtrain
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Backdrops are a must have for any modeler who wished to depict accurate scenes in a small space. Seeing that I can't do a lot of modeling while at college, I figured I should start refining techniques. Since backdrops and painting in general are one weak area, I've decided to start this thread cataloging my practice attempts at painting backdrops with acrylic paint.
To start with, let's go over what is needed:
A set of paints with as many "natural" tones as possible including Burnt Umber, Sienna, Yellow Ochre, Crimson red, Hooker's Green, and any other colors that would be suitable for the scene you have in mind. While the natural colors required will vary depending on the scene being depicted, yellow, white (a lot of it), black (a little of it), Red, and Blue are necessary. While any kind of paint will work with the right technique, I prefer acrylic due to it's ease of use, easy cleanup, bright tones, and simplicity.
For paintbrushes, the size will vary depending on the amount of detail required, and artist preference. I prefer to have a couple sizes of rounded burshes, two or three flat brushes, one of which being fairly large (about 3/4" for a small painting, larger if for a full backdrop). and then some oddballs, including an angle-cut brush.
You will also need a palette. While wood or plastic ones will work, something I've been using recently is a shallow steel pan, and sometimes a 10"x10" piece of glass. THe reason is that acrylic doesn't stick to these surfaces easily, and will stay wet longer than if put on wood or plastic. For the metal, I can come back later with some steel wool and take off any remaining paint. For glass, some hard scrubbing in the sink takes it all off.
And of course, you need a surface to paint. For these demonstrations, it will be cheap canvas pieces ($5 for three of them) and a $10 dollar easel.
Overall cost is about $50 ($20 for paints, $10 for brushes, $5 for the palette, $10 for the easel, $5 for three canvas pieces 11" x 14"). Each additional art piece will cost about $7 for the canvas, paint used, and perhaps one brush if it is destroyed while making the backdrop. With the set-up I describe, the paints and brushes should last about 20 small canvases before the brushes become too used and the paint runs out. So for $50, you get plenty of practice!
With that out of the way, let's start with a simple sky with some background scenery:
To cover the top, I used Bright blue (one or two steps lighter than titanium blue).
I worked down the canvas in horizontal motions, adding white to the blue as I descended.
As you can see, this process gives the feeling of a big open sky, with some oft clouds along the horizon.
Next, I wanted to add some clouds to the picture. Instead of starting with clouds in the foreground, I used light shades of blue and white highlights to give the impression of distant clouds near the horizon (horizon being about 1/4 up from the bottom).
After some time, here is the result:
At this point, you could stop and call the backdrop good. On a layout, this would give the feeling of an open sky. However, to make things interesting, more clouds and some basic landscape to make a more complete backdrop.
I plan to post a how-to on my blog regarding backdrops, so I've taken plenty of photos. I also plan to continue practicing with colors, hue, vibrance, water, and light. After about 20 paintings, I will probably be pretty solid at painting backdrops.
One thing I will say is this, instead of finding a specific image and copying it, paint your backdrop to suit your needs, taking inspiration from photos. Otherwise you'll go mad trying to make the painting perfectly reflect the picture.
I will also add that instead of focusing on shapes, let the landscape and the clouds flow, and always have a soft edge (even at the horizon line). The backdrop is out of focus when taking pictures of models, and even when looking at the layout (since our eyes never focus on more than one thing at a time). In fact, you'll never notice a backdrop unless something glaring is sticking out of it. But that's the job of the backdrop, to provide the feel of open space where there is none.
Oh yeah, I wouldn't recommend actual canvas for a backdrop, as the rough texture looks out of place with small models. Regardless, at less than $2 per canvas, it's well worth using as practice!
More to come...
--James
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James W.
New Blog (permanent this time)
blackhillsrr.blogspot.com
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| Posted: Thu Oct 23rd, 2014 05:20 am |
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2nd Post |
jtrain
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I just loaded the post onto my blog detailing how I made the sky. This isn't my first attempt, but it is by far my best. I'm trying not to sound like an expert in this, since I'm far from being an accomplished artist. However, I did try to reach out a bit with things I've picked up watching youtube videos and other artists I've met over the years.
Here's the link to the post:
http://jjwtrains.blogspot.com/2014/10/painting-backdrops-basic-clouds.html
I might revisit this topic in the future and do a video (edited down to about 10 minutes of course) since that seems to be a better way to demonstrate techniques.
The biggest thing I can say is that when painting, especially in practice, try to experiment and push yourself. Sometimes it will work, other times it won't. But by doing so, you are broadening yourself from what Bob Ross can teach you.
Speaking of which, there are plenty of youtube videos out there from PBS shows and from professional artists. I recommend watching as many as you can stand to listen to.
And I almost forgot, here are the results of my labor:
The lighting could be better, but I would rate it as a solid B grade as a backdrop for a small diorama. I still need to practice and focus on the clouds more before I do anything serious. What do you guys think?
--JamesLast edited on Thu Oct 23rd, 2014 05:26 am by jtrain
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James W.
New Blog (permanent this time)
blackhillsrr.blogspot.com
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| Posted: Thu Oct 23rd, 2014 02:47 pm |
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3rd Post |
mabloodhound
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James, I think it is great........up until you put the foreground clouds in. They look just too heavy and thick. The landscape looks good though.
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Dave Mason
D&G RR (Dunstead & Granford) in On30
“All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.” ~ Thos. Jefferson
“Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not.” ~ me
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| Posted: Thu Oct 23rd, 2014 04:10 pm |
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4th Post |
Herb Kephart
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I agree 100% with Dave. Far too much definition in the clouds, rest super.
Herb
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Fix it again, Mr Gates--it still works!"
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| Posted: Thu Oct 23rd, 2014 05:26 pm |
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5th Post |
jtrain
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Yeah, as I said in the blog post, I overdid it a bit. In hindsight if this were for a model railroad, I would have stopped at the last photo of my first post.
But that is what practice is for...
I'm looking at the next thing to start focusing on, and I think it will be basic landscapes. I'll do a couple more with clouds though.
--James
____________________
James W.
New Blog (permanent this time)
blackhillsrr.blogspot.com
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| Posted: Thu Oct 23rd, 2014 07:40 pm |
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6th Post |
Paladin
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| Location: | Berwick, Australia |
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I agree the clouds are just a bit overpowering.
Not sure what effect the placing of foreground stuff will have on the overall effect, but a great start.
Don
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Don McL
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| Posted: Fri Oct 24th, 2014 05:41 pm |
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7th Post |
jtrain
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I just completed Attempt #2 for clouds, and here are the results:
I think this time I got it, at least for basic clouds. As I continue practicing, I plan to try different types of clouds other than distant, cumulus clouds. But, for a basic backdrop that is there just to provide some extra depth, I think this works perfectly.
Now I need to start working on landscapes, trees, grass, buildings, and eventually water. As you can see, I experimented a bit with all those, except water.
--James
____________________
James W.
New Blog (permanent this time)
blackhillsrr.blogspot.com
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| Posted: Sat Oct 25th, 2014 03:52 am |
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8th Post |
Lost Creek RR
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As for me less is best with clouds. I would go with even fewer than you have.
Rod.
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| Posted: Sat Oct 25th, 2014 04:51 pm |
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9th Post |
Herb Kephart
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Better with the clouds.
Use just a suggestion of trees, bushes.
Stay away from buildings--takes an accomplished artist to make them look convincing.
Herb
____________________
Fix it again, Mr Gates--it still works!"
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| Posted: Sat Oct 25th, 2014 08:51 pm |
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10th Post |
Helmut
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Take up Bob Ross' recommendations and howtos, they really work and you may even succeed in painting a small hut nested in your scenery.
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Regards, H.
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