HOW TO BUILD AIRCRAFT DIORAMAS

[JohnReid]

Bob Wheelers dio is just amazing and in 1/72 too.Jeez,I really admire those guys who can work in such small scale.Congrats Bob. Cheers! John.

[JohnReid]

Donny W. your last sentence makes this old guy happy.I hope we can help lots of modelers in the future.Hell,why should we have all the fun? Cheers! John.

[JohnReid]

Just a little more on where to find good ideas.I have been involved with decorative bird sculpture in wood for about 20 years or so.When I would attend shows I would often go directly to the novice table, as that is where I would find the best inspiration.Novices sometimes have great artictic ideas without even knowing about it.They are not incumbered with what could or should be done.Their imagination has not yet been narrowed down by the criticisms or beliefs of others.I would often find a great idea on these tables and say to myself,just watch next year some of the professionals will have borrowed this idea and simply expanded on it.So dont be afraid to let your imagination wander off the beaten track.Jeez,you might even discover something new.Cheers! John.

[JohnReid]

Hey Donny W.! Just a little on the evolution of dioramas.They have evolved and will continue to evolve, in different ways , in the years to come.I remember we discussed this over on the Art forum in what I like to call Photoshop Dioramas.The whole idea of what you are doing over there just blows me away.Using your own model and creating a diorama on the computer could really be the future of our artform.If you want to attract kids,who are really the future of all of this,what better way than combining these two interests?If I could find the time I would love to get more involved with what you guys are doing. Cheers! John.

[EricGoedkoop]

Originally posted by JohnReid@Sep 16 2004, 04:14 PM
[b]I checked out my pastels box, that I inherited some time ago ,and discovered a pencil like tightly wound paper shader(I least thats what I call it)All I know is that it is about 5 inches long,about the thickness of a pencil and works just great for shading.Mine says Made in Taiwan # 812 and cost me about a buck(however I dont know how long ago I bought it)Maybe some of the pastel artists out there could better identify it.

Hi John -

The item in question in question is called a "blending stomp" and is generally used to smear around pastel, charcoal or pencil. You can keep a nice point on it by twirling the business end back and forth on some sandpaper, and use it like a crayon until there's not enough left to hold onto. They'll run you between $.50 and $1.50 (USD), depending on size, at any art supply store.

Have fun!

Eric

[StephenLawson]

Blending stomp? Oh, a blending stump... So the composition of a dirama is a bit like the chemicals that make up of fire. It needs air, fuel and heat. With a diorama it needs a story, the object to tell the story and the viewer.

[JohnReid]

Thanks for your imput Eric.Cheers! John.

[DonnyW]

Originally posted by JohnReid@Sep 17 2004, 08:03 AM
[b] Hey Donny W.! Just a little on the evolution of dioramas.They have evolved and will continue to evolve, in different ways , in the years to come.I remember we discussed this over on the Art forum in what I like to call Photoshop Dioramas.The whole idea of what you are doing over there just blows me away.Using your own model and creating a diorama on the computer could really be the future of our artform.If you want to attract kids,who are really the future of all of this,what better way than combining these two interests?If I could find the time I would love to get more involved with what you guys are doing. Cheers! John.

Hi John..I cant speak for dioramas as I’m still very new to the concept but I can give some thoughts on the actual modelling aspect. IMHO the most powerful tool in our toolbox is not the Dremil drill nor the knife or paintbrush. It is the Forum. Similar to your experience at the novice table … many times I’ve watched someone on a forum perform a difficult “task” in a new way.. watched it evolve by different people until it’s “the way” its done and found it far easier than the way I always did it. Its now through this medium Ive made contact with folk that know about dioramas and Im willing to listen and see if.. how..and where, I can incorporate your ideas into my own style of modelling. As an example, I think that I have developed a certain style of painting and weathering my R/C models that I’m happy with and has certainly caused more than a passing comment. It is far removed from the traditional R/C method. In competition, you are supposed to give the judge a colour chip matching the original paint on the aircraft and a lot of people follow this to the letter .. with the result, a lot of “pristine” models that look as if they came straight from the factory. By closely watch the IPMS model guys, who IMHO weather there models in a far more realistic fashion, I developed a style that suits me. This was achieved through forums and discussions like this .
As for the future of modelling ? In traditional R/C, Im afraid its dying a slow death (over here at anyway) People just don’t seem to be willing to spend the time learning the crafts like woodwork, metalwork etc. However, with the arrival of relatively cheap, ready made aircraft, the hobby has had a revival. Sadly, I notice that with those types .. its a passing phase. The “lifer” is still the one who makes his own model. Personally, I find the “virtual 3D model” very relaxing and fun. A great way to get a “feel” for a model and a very useful tool for composition if you are a painter. But somehow .. when the final picture is produced.. I feel a little disappointed .. I cant touch it.. or play with it. Im not knocking it as I will do more and love looking at other’s pictures, but don’t think it should be a substitute for a “real” model , whether diorama, R/C or whatever .. Im sure you know what I mean ….. However.. my bottom line is … if its fun and passes away a few happy hours .. do it and forget what others think !!

[StephenLawson]

On the subject of weathering... learn to understand the term 'subtle' often the weathering stands out way too much. Especially with the IPMS idiom. When the weatering takes over a model it detracts from all other aspects of the build. There must be a balance in small scales for the viewer to accept what they see as probable. Studying real subjects is the way that the masters of painting began their works.

[DonnyW]

I know exactly what you mean Stephen. When I modeled Guynemer's first Spad VII I wanted it to look really tatty and dirty, thinking thats how it would have looked after a year or so on the front. I studied pictures of his second Spad VII which is still hanging in a French museum and tried to emulate it. After my model was painted .. I discovered his first Spad only lasted a month before being shot down. So its not so realistic after all This also highlights the importance of research !!