Tiger1 - Normandy - LASH.

[brokeneagle]

This is the last 'largish' diorama I did, just before the PAK 40, at the end of last year. It is basically a scene depicting German ground forces in the Normandy area being 'pinned down'. Their inadequate, captured Renault, has been knocked out and an LSAH Tiger has come to the rescue. It was done for a collector ,so I was following certain requirements that I might not have done for myself [eg. Tiger 1 does not get track links on the turret side].
STAGE 1
The building is the old VP kit of the ruined church. SEE BOX PHOTO BELOW.
....................................http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/VPboxlid.jpg
I WANTED TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE SCENE ON THE BOX AND EXPAND A BIT MORE as well as changing the vehicles etc involved.
I rescribed the outer detail to make it more 3d and added interior detail, through scribing, to the inner walls. I also added broken stain glass window pieces cut from the VP release and cast up more broken pieces of rubble from the original.
.................................http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/1overall.jpg
I had to balance the rubble effect with reality so I went for somewhere in between. Not too much , hopefully ....just enough for visual effect without overpowering the scene. Too much rubble can wreck the whole thing.
.................................http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/1interiorfromabove.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/1interior.jpg.http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/1exterior.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/1stairs.jpg
.............................http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/1stairsdetail.jpg
The interior brick patterns are all marked out with a ruler and pencil to match the exterior pattern. You also need to check for airbubbles with these plaster buildings. When you find one you can either turn it into battle damage or fill it with putty.
It looks really horrible at this stage but what you should be looking for is the texture and layout balance...don't look at the unpainted colors - they have no bearing on the finished scene. ;)


STARTING THE TANK
I used the Tamiya late model Tiger as a base and then added Aber brass , kasten detail sets, such as wing nuts and some scratch built stuff. I also used the VP tiger 1 detail set for the mud guards as well as for some of the smaller detail around the kit. I also used a Eduard turned barrel.
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/tigerdetailsetboxlid.jpg..http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/Wingnut.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/Test2062.jpg..http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/Test2059.jpg
I added the extra detail required for the travel lock as I was depicting A TIGER 1 delivered to LASH during the period Novemeber 43 to Feb 44. The side guards from Vp are OK but they lack the extra fold on the outside edge, so I had to add it....thank god for Etch Mate :lol:
...........................http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/Test2061.jpg....................http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/Test2064.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/100_2401.jpg..http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/100_2402.jpg

[MikkoH]

Looks nice! Looking forward to see it finished!

Cheers Mikko

[Panzergrenadier]

Another cool one from the ''Diorama Master'' Ian. :lol: :thumb:


Siim

[mnickolson]

Ian,

Not another dio, just kidding. :lol: Can not wait to see this one. The ground work is already looking great. :thumb:

Mike

[MartinD]

Good work so far Ian! I'm watching this with interest, as I want to start a diorama project soon.

[Sheeds]

Nice LSSAH dio Hilly.

Please keep the shots coming. :thumb:

Cheers, Willy.

[Larry Bates]

Ian,

Looking good. Ground work is great. And I like the damage on the fenders you did.

Larry

[Ebbe Bergman]

This will be fantastic!! I must get one of the Verlinden churchers too! Look smashing! Can´t wait to see the end result!
Cheers!
Ebbe

[brokeneagle]

I just realised I got my abreviation wrong , sorry guys. LASH - LSSAH maybe it's a fruedian thing - bondage and the 1st ss panzer div. :lol: Too many late nights at the computer.
STAGE 2- BASE COLORS
Now that the ground work has been established and glued down I decided on the colors. I wanted the church to be gothic grey with a touch of color to offset the large walls. This would also work well in contrast to the tri color Tiger1.
-I base coated the scene in a Tamiya Acrylic mix of German grey +black.
-Then I sprayed straight German grey but only in the middle of all shapes and objects, leaving the crevaces and edges dark.
WARNING - there are no short cuts for a quality base. This is a long and detailed process and I know not everyone likes to paint - especially groundwork, but you can get some great effects to match your vehicles with the same satisfaction if you look at it in the same way as your tanks.;)
..........http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/2overall.jpg......http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/2exterior.jpg
I also oversprayed these crevaces and cracks again with Tamiya acrylic black to re-establish their promenance for the rest of the process.
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/2stairs.jpg..http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/2interior.jpg

I then added some ghosting on selected rubble pieces and bricks with a lighter acrylic grey. Don't do too much as it will ruin the effect.
The wooden edge is also masked off for painting and will stay this way until all groundwork paint has been applied.

STAGE 3 - BASE COLOR VARIATION
Now it's time to add some variation to the base color. This will be the platform from which the interest and realism is brought to the scene. Choose your colors carefully, making them darker and richer versions of the actual colors that you want to end up with.
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/3overall.jpg..http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/3stairs.jpg
I added some varying shades of red brown as well as some buffs, desert yellow and even a very subtle shade of pink for the window frames. Make sure you use these colors in a realistic manner on the ground work so that they match what has and hasn't fallen from the building. Also start ghosting some of the dusty rubble colors around the general area.

.........http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/3exteriorwoflash.jpg......http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/3exterior.jpg
It still looks kind of horrible but remember that this is working up to the finished effect in layers, like you would in a landscape painting. I love building up the base and seeing it come to life as this only enhances your armor model.
.................................http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/testfit1.jpg
It's at this point that I do a quick test fit- do the vehicles still fit in amongst the rubble? nope :( I will have to redo the width of the street with the Tiger. I have built a wooden door for the church as well - damaged with bullet holes,nails and all
Also notice the contrast between painted and unpainted.....it shows how far it has come already without touching the base with a paintbrush! That is about to change in step 4.
More to come... soon, thanks for your comments and interest guys.

[Panzergrenadier]

Hi,

Amazing, simply amazing. :thumb:

Siim

[brokeneagle]

Thanks Siim. :)

STAGE 4
BRUSH DETAIL - CHIPS AND OTHER STUFF
Well, now it's time to start adding the detail to the paint with some brush work. I used varoius acrylic greys, testors greys and artists oils to detail the rubble and brick work.

..................................http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/4overall.jpg
I mixed up a series of colors from buff to brown, with the artists oils, for all the chips ,scratches and edges of brick work, as well as individual small rocks. I still use subtle 'drybrushing' as an integral part of my painting process [yes, burn me at the stake :lol: ]as it is perfect for broken edges and uneven surfaces.
There are some miss conceptions floating about the various sites concerning this technique, especially were people try to compare it's edge effect to worn paint. Dry brushing with a lighter shade should be used to simulate scaled light effects on the edges of objects, not worn paint. Dry brushing with darker colors or shades on edges is used to represent worn paint or dark rust.
This effect is used as both light and wear and tear with figures uniforms.
....................................http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/4stairs.jpg
I have also lightly overspayed the pinkish window frames with a sandy buff color and added a wash. Some of the individual bricks have also had brush painted colors added to part of their surface. The fallen red bricks have had futher detailed airbrushing done to bring up their color before the dust effect. I have also added the broken glas to the windows. I used VP stained glass church windows cut into shards to simulate the broken windows
......................................http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/4exterior.jpg
Some of the detail that has been highlighted is the rubble on the shelves, bullet holes in the walls and the dust has been started with pigments and pastels.

Stage 5 up next with final paint, second test fit of vehicles and the figures.

[Larry Bates]

Nice work Ian,

Your painting skills are first rate :thumb:

Larry

[Pvt Mutt]

:) That is lookin GGGGOOOOOODDDDDDD

[Panzergrenadier]

Super Ian. ;)

Siim

[Radek Pituch]

Great work on the base Ian.
Looking forward to see more of it.
Radek

[brokeneagle]

STAGE 5
FINAL PAINT, TEST FIT OF THE TIGER AND THE FIGURES
Well the final paint to the ground has been added and the accessories too. I also did some more on the fallen rubble in the way of chips and added some more shades of dust with pigments and pastels. The pigments are only used sparingly as they are extremely strong in color. I find the pastels better for light dust and keep the pigments for a deep underlying dust accross the whole base.
..................................http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/5overall.jpg

The biggest challenge is keeping the colors uneven and random but still allowing the overall grey to rule. Sounds kind of like Bulls@#t but it's the only way I can think to describe it.
...................................http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/5interior.jpg
I dusted the interior with browns http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/6interior.jpg
+painted the smallest pieces of rubble. http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/6interior2.jpg

..........http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/6overallrear.jpg

I then did a second test fit with the vehicles after adjusting the rubble for the Tiger and deciding on the placement of the Renault. You can see next to the Tiger where I had to dig away some of the finished rubble to accomodate the massive bulk of it.
I was going to have the renualt around the opposite way originally but after a fairbit of 'backwards and forwards' adjusting I was happy.

.........http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/testfit2.jpg
The tanks have only been base coated and cammo'd - still needs weathering and drybrushing . The different size in the tanks is quite remarkable when you see them this close.

[Panzergrenadier]

This is getting better and better. ;)

Siim

[brokeneagle]

THE LAST BIT
TANKS and STUFF
Well here we are at the end. I added the figures, weathered the vehicles and dusted over everything. Compare this first shot with the last one above and you get a good feel for why we weather our tanks.

..................................http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/finishedtop.jpg

..................................http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/overallfinished.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/IMG_0483.jpg..http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/IMG_0518.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/turretroof.jpg..http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/stowagebin.jpg
..................................http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/tigerfinished.jpg
The Renault was the old Heller kit. :( pretty bad but I think it's the only one in town.
...............http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/Renault1.jpg

..http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/Renault2.jpg

[brokeneagle]

FIGURES AND BUILDINGS

If you made it this far I've still got your attention so I hope it has been interesting. I have thrown in the main overall shot [again] so that you can refer back to it while you look at the figures and building details. I will also end with a compare of some pre-painted and finished, just for fun. :)
..................................http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/finishedtop.jpg

.....................http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/leader.jpg......http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/panzerfaustadjustered.jpg.....http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/machineguncrew.jpg
.................................................. ..................http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/IMG_0502.jpg

THE CHURCH

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/how%20to/1exterior.jpg.....http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/exteriorfinished.jpg

................................................ht tp://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/xfinished_stairswall.jpg
I added the cracks ,chips and bullet holes with a plastic scriber
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/posterdetail.jpg.http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/exteriordetail.jpg

.................................................. .http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/SS%20Tiger%20in%20Normandy/xsign.jpg Battle damage care of my cat. She loves to chew
but I left it because it looks ok.

[amba]

That's impressive Ian :o

The tanks and the dio looks absolutely ace, can't wait for the figgies :) :)

-Ambjoern

[Pvt Mutt]

:o

Gosh guy that's nice.

If that Tiger rips one off,your going to need to
repaint those guys pants. :lol:

L.D.

[Panzergrenadier]

Super job. :thumb:

Siim

[Sticky]

Wow just super! Love ur dios!

[brokeneagle]

Thanks
Amber, John, Siim and L.D.

I have finally completed my Panzer 3J Russia, so I hope to be posting those final picks up soon. ;)
See you on the flip side.

[Sheeds]

Super Job Hilly.

Between the skateboarding and work I dont know how you find time to do these great dios. ;)

Willy.

[brokeneagle]

Hey thanks Willy. :)
Not to mention the mountainbiking, landscape painting, computer games , guitar playing and scifi models as well. :lol: Yep its always busy at my place.

Happy belated Birthday too........... hope you didn't get too plaster'd :lol:

[Larry Bates]

Originally posted by brokeneagle@Jul 30 2006, 09:57 PM

Not to mention the mountainbiking, landscape painting, computer games , guitar playing and scifi models as well. :lol: Yep its always busy at my place.


HI Ian,

Or maybe I should call you Hilly. Any way, SUPER job on the dio man. One of your best I'd say, at least that I've seen. You paint landscapes? I thought your painting skills were too good to not be an arteest!

guitar, skateboarding, computer games, sheesh you sound like me. :lol:

Great looking once again Ian.

Larry

[brokeneagle]

Hey Larry,
thanks man. Very nice of you. We must have a lot in common.......
I love painting with oils and the landscapes are starting to lead into military stuff.... I 'm thinking about a few at the moment , the first being my dio just finished -mk3 j in a Stalingrad setting. Hmm we'll see what happens. ;)
TIME , TIME, TIME - not enough.There should be 48 hour days.
I just got a wireless network on here and my sons have been filling me full of lead in call of duty 2. :-)

You are an architect by trade or graphic artist ,aren't you? You're not a Gemini ? :lol:

Call me Hilly if you like, all the 'Aussie layabouts' here do.

[Larry Bates]

Hi Hill,

Yes 48 hour days would be cool, as long as I don't have to work any longer than I do already :lol: .

I am an architectural illustrator. So, you do paint, cool, would love to see your work sometime. I keep trying to get more time to model and paint. I still don't get enough time to go out and paint landscapes, or practice guitar.

COD 2 huh, what sceen names? mine is majorblitz. lol

Larry

[brokeneagle]

Larry,
COD2 name is Steiner.
Its hard to get on the guitar for me as well but My kids are interested so that helps.

You will have to show me yours as well. Ive got a couple of copies of masters landscapes that I did for my class's ... I have a Korot copy in black and white - i just finished it. I'm probably not in your league but I am getting better...a couple more years and I will be more adept with the brush on canvas. Painting looks better than the photo of it :(
............http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/IMG_4085.jpg
and some robot head concepts ideas from when I built the skull in my avaitar

...............http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/science%20fiction%20models/Cybertech/art1.jpg

Anyway, sorry, I am a sucker for show and tell. :lol:
You will have to show me some of yours now or at least do a bit more of your panther !
I hope the non armor doesn't upset anyone.
Hilly

[mnickolson]

Ian nice work there. I realy like the robots, kinda reminds me of R2D2.

Mike

[Larry Bates]

Ian,
Nice stuff. NOt bad on the landscaping. And your robot stuff is quite well done.I'll try to post some of my stuff later tonight, as I'm just home for lunch and need to make some calls before I go back to work.

Larry

[brokeneagle]

Originally posted by mnickolson@Aug 1 2006, 02:48 AM
Ian nice work there. I realy like the robots, kinda reminds me of R2D2.

Mike
thanks mike...... Star wars influence.
I might post my avatar and the development pictures soon. mmmm. we'll see.
Would you be interested?

[mnickolson]

Ian,

Yes I would like to see them :) and yes I am a big Starwars fan from way back.

Thanks,
Mike

[Panzergrenadier]

Ian, your art looks really nice, the robot heads..cool. ;)

Larry, and Ian, art stuff from you guys would be nice too look at. (Sorry if you have already posted it, I haven't finished reading new topics yet. ;) )

Siim

[brokeneagle]

Siim,
thanks for looking. I will post up my developement sketchs and the full size pictures of my avitar in a week or so so keep an eye out if you are interested. Thanks again for the interest.
I wanna see Larry's stuff too :lol:

[Larry Bates]

Hi guys, Ian,

Ok, here's a sample of my best work.....

http://www.kitpic.com/is.php?i=29969&img=commercial_(Med.jpg

The scan's a bit wonky, but you get the idea.

Larry

[Panzergrenadier]

Very very nice! :thumb:
Real looking too. ;)

Siim

[brokeneagle]

Larry,
looks fabulous...............you ol' pro you ;) . Love the colors. No wonder you do it for a living!
I started my first color painting at class' last night :( it's a bit daunting but I will get there. I might bother you with the odd question on color paintings.... :)
I finished off my alpine scene in B+W last weekend, I will post it here if you like.

[Larry Bates]

Well Ian,

Feel free to e-mail me with any questions you might have, and I'll try to answer them for you. B&W is ok to start with but you really need to get into color. I've been at it for 23 years, although I've probably only painted for 13, I was around it for the whole time. Also learned alot on my own.

Oh, and thanks Siim and Ian for the props.



Larry

[brokeneagle]

Good advice................. from a lot of experience.
I agree I need to get into the color. I have enjoyed the B+W though. I have only done 2 at this point, the one you saw was my first oil painting and the one I did last weekend my second. The oil paints are great to work with , they blend so well as I have found over the years when weathering the models and ground work with them. This is what eventually got me to go to landscape class' (June this year).
And thanks for the offer of helping me out with the color, I am definately going to need it I think .............it was a lot harder to start the color painting last night than the B+W's. :lol:

[Larry Bates]

Starting is the hardest part :lol:

Larry

[mnickolson]

Gzz Larry that is nice :)

Mike

[Larry Bates]

Thanks Mike.

Larry

[brokeneagle]

Larry,
here is the B+W that I finished last weekend. This is only my 2nd painting but I was pretty happy with it . On to color :lol:
As before the painting looks better than the photo of it.... photo adds some extra white bits where there aren't any and 'tinges it blue-green'. :(
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c131/3dbattleart/IMG_4091.jpg

[Panzergrenadier]

Ian,

You have good reason to be hppy with it. It looks very good. :thumb:
I especially like the train on the bridge.


Siim

[Sticky]

Wow! you are really talanted!

[Sheeds]

Great painting Hilly. :thumb:

Are you a chance for tuesday night?

Willy.

[Larry Bates]

Ian,
You're a natural dude.

Larry

[brokeneagle]

Natural :lol: maybe, I do love it though.
In your painting that you posted, how do you go about depicting the reflections in the windows?
Do you refer to photos or is it second nature now and you don't have to think about how to get the effect?
i was very impressed with them as they looked spot on!

[Larry Bates]

Originally posted by brokeneagle@Aug 13 2006, 09:07 AM
Natural :lol: maybe, I do love it though.
In your painting that you posted, how do you go about depicting the reflections in the windows?
Do you refer to photos or is it second nature now and you don't have to think about how to get the effect?
i was very impressed with them as they looked spot on!
Thanks Ian,

Well, as an illustrator, I refer to photos whenever I can. The only problem is looking for the right photo can sometimes take hours, even with the internet. Sometimes relying on memory helps, or just observing what's in front of you everday that you wouldn't normally look at.

For the windows, I should say to start off with, that this tecnique isn't pure watercolor. I also use Holbein "Acryla/gouache", as it helps to get good darks. In the windows I usually add a dark black/purple/brown using the holbein acryla/gouache, then add a wash of something cool as a reflection, then as in this painting, some interior lights, then a dark line around the mullions and edge of windows, or side you are looking directly at. Sounds weird in print. But the dark lines are for reflections of the mullions on the glass. It also helps them pop.

Hope that doesn't sound too confusing. ;)

Larry

[brokeneagle]

Thanks Larry :)

[brokeneagle]

Originally posted by Willy Naylor@Aug 12 2006, 11:12 PM
Are you a chance for tuesday night?

Willy.
I'll do my best Willy. Will you and Sammy be there for sure? 55 KM ROUND TRIP!
I'll see how I go as everybody in my family is sick except me :(

John, Siim,
thanks .