The Art of Modeling 203 - Page 2

Rob_Owens · 2 December 2003, 06:16 PM

Yeah, "fetching". . . that's the word I was looking for. The possibility of finding a technique, a process, a combination that no one else has stumbled upon before. . . (think I'll leave the willow rods to Achim, though). So, I'll never be able to replicate Stephen Lawson (sorry to single you out, Herr Jastafuehrer), who cares??!! But, through reading Forum posts, The Spirit has been rekindled: I'm now excited about completing a model according to my own personal vision of what it should be. Thanks to all Forumites, Rob

topgun56 · 3 December 2003, 12:11 AM

Very good point StephenL.

I build my models to look at them and what they represent.

I have been shopping for 1-1 model of Christie Brinkly but there does not seem to be one available.

stringbags4ever2 · 3 December 2003, 03:56 AM

Different strokes, etc., topgun. Make mine a 1:1 of Catherine Zeta-Jones. Anywho, all you folks approach the subject of modeling as art from your own perspectives. Just like the artist, we use tools that are apropo to our medium that we work in. And just like the artist, we practice our skills and hone them so that our finished pieces look "right" to our own perspectives. Then, if we wish to go on, we enter our models in contests in the hopes that other people will agree that our "right" will match their perspectives. At the present time, I can say that I have received some compliments on my work, and others have offered constructive criticism. Artists have their learning curve, and so do modelers such as myself.

As the man says, when we stop learning, we stop living.

JohnReid · 3 December 2003, 05:37 AM

Hey Stephen!Fact based dioramas,Fiction based dioramas or somewhere in between? I am with the somewhere in between crowd.My dioramas are somewhat loosely based on historical facts but I would not want a historian to look at my work and take it as gospel.I believe in artistic licence within certain limits as long as the artist does not try to present the work as fact.The, is this probable standard, should be loosely applied when it comes to works of art.Cheers! John.

StephenLawson · 3 December 2003, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rob_Owens@Dec 2 2003, 08:16 PM
[b] Yeah, "fetching". . . that's the word I was looking for. The possibility of finding a technique, a process, a combination that no one else has stumbled upon before. . . (think I'll leave the willow rods to Achim, though). So, I'll never be able to replicate Stephen Lawson (sorry to single you out, Herr Jastafuehrer), who cares??!! But, through reading Forum posts, The Spirit has been rekindled: I'm now excited about completing a model according to my own personal vision of what it should be. Thanks to all Forumites, Rob

RobOwens; no sweat old ma. Besides you don't want to imitate me Though I appreciate the compliment. B) Truth be told we are only competeing against individual ourselves to the aim of becoming better modelers. Not wanting to take myself too seriously here as Ginger and PeterL will be close behind me with a boot in my behind. (thank you sir may I have another...)

How do you escalate from ‘Nice’ to “WOW!” First you have to decide that you want to improve, especially if it’s a stretch of your talents. This may be a large step for some but recognizing you want to improve your skills or technique is the first step. As a modeler you want someone to see an image of the original item in a scaled down version. The oldest means we have of this is photography. So looking at a two dimensional image is the basis on which you can construct your developing skills.

The Splinter in the Minds Eye of a modeler is that intangible and sometimes inescapable concern that your mind readily tells you that an object is or is not a model. But before you start singing the Metaphysical Blues, there are ways that you can recondition your view point. Start by looking at the real thing or at least photos of it. Focus on the finer details and the relative size of each object or fitting. Next, talk to other modelers. Internet sites, model clubs and contests all provide excellent opportunities to hear other modelers relate their insights and techniques. Finally, read about other modelers and what they do. The vast amount of publications available to the average modeler is at an all time high. Personally I recommend anything by ComSam Publishing. They cater to the modeler by supplying them with all the best information...The following was a shameless plug, thank you.

StephenLawson · 3 December 2003, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JohnReid@Dec 3 2003, 07:37 AM
[b] Hey Stephen!Fact based dioramas,Fiction based dioramas or somewhere in between? I am with the somewhere in between crowd.My dioramas are somewhat loosely based on historical facts but I would not want a historian to look at my work and take it as gospel.I believe in artistic licence within certain limits as long as the artist does not try to present the work as fact.The, is this probable standard, should be loosely applied when it comes to works of art.Cheers! John.

JohnReid; it all depends on what your focus of a diorama is. Each diorama (as defined by IPMS USA) should tell a story. If you were a witness to an historical event you would develope your own version of what you witnessed. This is based on your own experiences and education. Thats why a title is often soooo important. As it gives the viewer a hint of your point for doing the piece. Usually its very obvious but often it may only appear to be a sub-plot. This all depends on your execution of displaying the subject matter.

Being exact in representing a diorama for modelers is mostly based on the position of a machine and the action that takes place around it. Though its position can remain static for a long period of time, the action around the machine can change moment to moment. This alone allows modelers to 'tell the rest of the story' with the artistic licence you mention. I have done this with success on many occasions. Go for it!!!

StephenLawson · 9 December 2003, 06:42 PM

I take it then that I am preaching to the choir when I experss the opinion that art is found in the manifest expression of one's creativity? Modeling is unique in that the kit already has a price straight from the factory. Then the collector adds their bid. Finally there are those who want a quality build and either don't have the skills or the time to do the piece that they want to have. Having a painting is a way to have the piece in live action. Computer games is a way to crawl inside the art and let you take part in the action. Building the model allows you the personal relationship to creating the build. Model On!!!