Details, details, details! I

Details, details, details!

I think you're on the right track.  Pun intended.  Seriously though, when we look at a scene in the real world, we fail to really see all of the details.  We see very specific objects... What we WANT to see.  But pause for a moment the next time you find yourself staring at a scene in the real world where you might be thinking, "Ooh, I'd like to model that someday on my layout."  Pause and look at every little detail like it's a photo.  But really look at it.  Notice the different shades of colors either in the leaves on the trees, or the grasses/weeds growing.  Look at the height of the grasses/weeds.Look at the poles, wires, signs in the scene... the very narrow scene right in front of you.  Trash along the roadside?  The size and amount of gravel alongside the road?  When you really stop and pay attention to it, you begin to realize how much you've never really noticed before.  On a layout, or diorama, the absence of those minute details are the things that stand out to me because, like a photo, we have the time to study it for its detail.  Not everyone has the same desire for realism like I do, but the modelers who do, gravitate to those layouts/dioramas built by other modelers who do.

Nature works in layers

Nature works in layers and replicating this process for scenery or even weathering is the only way to get realistic results. Your pictures speak volume about that. Furthermore, the layers you added create an effect of depth that wasn't there before. What used to look flat and simply put on the layout now blends together. It is also interesting to see how it helps to better merge the photo backdrop with the foreground in a much more seamless way. Thanks for sharing!

Rick... a very good point beautifully illustrated

Seems you studied landscape architecture... which has 2 highly regarded 'Godfathers:" 

In England, 'Capability' Brown...  In the US, Frederick Olmstead.   In either case, they remade the landscapes by making the result, as my college professor stated, "more natural then Nature, herself!"

Your examples fit that mold... excellent reasons to muck it up a bit!

Right On Rick

All the effort that goes into modeling rocks goes for nothing if they're not integrated into their surroundings.  The same goes for structures and various details as you've noted.

Rick "Wise" Wade

A very astute observation my friend. And as Mr. Spangler pointed out structures and details too.

 Too many layouts are laid out so you can see everything from the "best" vantage point.....like everything has equal importance and must be displayed "properly".

 I really enjoy seeing the structures, scenery et all put together in an overlapping manner so often the viewer has to look around or through some objects to fully appreciate what is partially hidden.            

Thanks Peter and Rob S.

I appreciate your kind words!

Rick S. - you forgot the "Guy" (grin)

I'm more of a Wise-Guy than wise, but thanks for your kind words!  Model railroading has made me even a greater (and more grateful) fan of nature.  I now "see" much more detail outside when I look a rock outcroppings, trees, bushes - you name it.

By the title

it sounded like a conspiracy - cover up!

I guess it is in that we have to cover up the truth, that it's all a ruse to make something fake look real.  I guess I'll give you a "pass".

As Rob adroitly pointed out, effective integration is the key to realism - probably a more descriptive title to the content of the topic, but thread starters often go for "hook" titles these days.  Who needs truth in advertising these days?    You got me to look so appears the ends justify the means.

So now I'll have to figure out how do something similar to the above photo's in the desert where there is a lot less vegetation to cover-up a multitude of sins.  

Excellent

Absolutely spot on. Great looking scenery.

Thank you, Duckdogger!

Scenery is one my favorite parts of model railroading.

Looks Great

The brush covering up the hill sides is very effective. All to often I have seen a layout where the owner used the same 1-3 molds for rock work, rotated them and filled in some places and with close inspection you could tell just where the mold had been used again. No idea if you used a mold or not, but the greenery changes the whole thing really well.

Jack

Thank you, Jack!

I appreciate your kind words.  The rocks are hand carved as I really enjoy the process.

Hand Carved!

The only time I tried that I got so frustrated I quit and went to work on a scratch built structure. Saved my sanity.

Jack

Been there, done that, Jack!

Many of my first carving attempts went into the trash can!  I use regular plaster and it has to be a certain viscosity to carve and that constantly changes as the plaster cures so you have to hurry.  I enjoy the process and only work small areas at a time - approximately eight square inches which makes it easier to control.  I know that Woodland Scenics makes "carving plaster" but I have never tried it.