Progress update

More progress on the backdrop:

I added a more distant section between the 3D scenery and the rocky bluff. This still needs more work, I will add some rocks on the left side of the block to help visually blend the two layers together. I took the craft paper and masking tape off to check how the colors blend with the layout scenery.

After I finish the rockwork, I will add talus slopes below them with distant vegetation, and a few rocks that have fallen due to erosion and exfoliation. More to come!

Very nicely done, Verne!

Very nicely done, Verne! If you want to add some "distance", try a light airbrush overspray with white or light tan. For the tan, find an airbrush paint that matches our dirt (we live a few miles apart) and mix it 50-50 or so with white.

Thanks!

Bruce, thanks for your comments! I will definitely look into the light airbrushing...it will take longer to get everything set up, tested, and cleaned than the actual painting, give it would have to be a VERY light application!

Great to hear from you again, I really enjoy your column...looking for that Arctic Alumina thermal adhesive for a troublesome On30 4-4-0 with a TSU-750 that really wants to be a heating element when it grows up!

- Verne

One suggestion. Try it

One suggestion. Try it somewhere else first!

Update on progress

 

 

  Progress on the backdrop

um.....

I think Verne needs to practice his painting.....about 1/4th of that size.....I so need to learn how to paint scenery.

Sky Color

What is the sky color you used Verne? It looks really good with your lighting conditions. I also like the shelf with the little donkey and cougar. Very cute!

Thanks

Pete, not sure on the sky color, I wanted to avoid a bright blue as the backdrop doesn't extend very far above the horizon in an O scale perspective. I wish the backdrop had an extra 12 to 18" of depth.

Bremmer, ironically, this backdrop was painted over my former N scale backdrop at the same spot in the railroad room, which I did about 12 years ago:

That's the Super Chief rolling past the San Francisco Peaks just west of Flagstaff, Arizona.

Lightening that back drop.

Hey Verne, I always liked your railroad before the desert hills.  But about that back drop...it does need to be lightened to make it appear farther in the distance.  One technique that I learned a few years ago was called "bounce painting".  It was demonstrated for weathering rolling stock, and is easy as pie.  You use a regular can of spray paint in the desired weathering color, or in your case, a white or very light grey.  Put the piece you want to weather on or next to a piece of card or paper, then spray the paint at the paper next to the object to be painted (but don't spray directly on that object).  There enough over-spray or "bounced paint spray" to give the object a very light dusting.  You could probably replicate this technique to lighten your back drop, but you would have to mask off all of that beautiful scenery in front of it.  This method is so easy it's got to be worth a try.

Thanks

Thanks for your comment, John. I always appreciate any and all constructive criticism!

I've received that comment from a few others, including a fellow On30 modeler and artist very familiar with the desert. He is going for a hazy, distant look similar to what you may be thinking of for his backdrop.

Where I live, the air is absolutely clear most of the time, very little haze from distance unless you are talking many miles...turning the distant mountains to bluish-purple. The bluffs I painted are intended to be less than a quarter mile away, and would appear clear and sharp in the clear air and bright sunlight. That's the effect I have chosen to go for. Given the cliff dwellings at the base of the cliff, I think they would appear out of proportion if I push the cliff back by creating the effect you describe.

I really appreciate your comment though, and your honest thoughts from your perspective!