Violinist diorama base work part 4 and other distractions

This week was trying to make a marble effect on my fountain piece work.  I think I’ve almost got there.  My colours used were

* VGC Bonewhite - base
* VGC Khaki + Base - first darker marble streaks, second darker lines made my adding more Khaki.
* Above + VMC German Pale Brown - alternative dark lines
* VMC Sand light + base - first lighter streaks
* Above + VGC Dead white - second lighter streaks

Marble fountain

All of the above mixed with Winsor and Newton flow improver and diluted with water to make the lines as thin and smooth as possible.

Using the flow improver was the key.  It breaks down the surface tension and allows the paint to be put on very smoothly and near transparent.  Most streaks were done by repainting the same line repeatedly.  When the paint was going on for the first time the colour change was barely noticeable.

I’m pretty happy with the marble.  I need to decide what to do with the fountain bowl, spout area and tiles around the bowl.  I’m thinking of coloured tiles and terracotta.  Still thinking there.

Pond area painted

I painted up the pond area and added a simple design to break up the large blue area.    I tried freehand first, failed and then used a template to make the pattern symmetrical.  Now I’m working out the prep work before the resin pour.  This involves varnishing the area (to seal it) and building up the mold box.  Then comes the pour and lots of sanding..

My new bust of Amy Johnson

I was totally distracted when my bust of Amy Johnson by Bad Squiddo Games arrived.  Absolutely love it.  So of course I spend some time prepping it and have almost finished making a display base for it already :)

Also found a small seed pod I realised that it would make a great beaten gold bowl in 1/32 scale.  I put on two coats of PVA glue to seal up the wood and then undercoated it in black.  My base was a mix of VMC Dark Sea Blue (great for taking the shine out of metallics) and AP Greedy Gold.  Highlights done with VMA Yellow Ochre and VMC Gold.  Needs a dark oil wash to bring out the “leaves” on the outside but very happy with finding that on the footpath.