Following the main assembly of the bust in the original post I set about the back drop I wanted to create which would be the withdrawel through the swamp area.
I planned on 3 trees to create this with an opening to give the impression of walking through,for the trunks I used branches from my local park which I stripped down to the bear wood and then coated in polyfilla which was then brushed out to give that bark texture,i did this a couple of times.
The moss you find hanging on swamp tree branches was created by using first aid bandage,i cut sections of this and then tore at it with my scalpel knife to give a ragged effect,these were then drapped over the branches with pva glue and left over night.
the following day I coated these with super glue to make them rigid which would help with the painting at a later stage.
The leaves were all cut from a sheet of lead foil in different sizes,to these I added 15mm fuse wire for the stems,once these had set I joined the stems together and once happy I coated them in polyfilla,by using lead foil and fuse wire I could shape and bend the leaves for a more realistic effect.
I secured 2 of the trunks to the base but left the 3rd one loose so I could place the bust in and out during testing and painting.
its normally at this stage for me that the piece starts to have a feel about it.a story if you like and I begin to see the finished piece in my mind.
I now need to add some extras to the bust which I shall cover in my next update.



Brian

This is looking great mate, it has that claustrophobic jungle feeling already. I loved Bill Horan's diorama and I think this will be just as good. No pressure.
Scotty.

Thanks scotty,i don't think i'll ever reach those dizzy heights but bill's diorama was an inspiration for this piece

To real for my eyes.

Marc

That's going to look damned effective, Brian.

Alan

I like it very much indeed keep it going great work mate

ian

www.elliesminiatures.com

Wow, Brian, this is something else. Looking forward to more mate.

Great stuff Brian.

Great start Brian, looking forward to following .

Cheers Ken

A great start. Looking forward to seeing it painted Brian.

You are a bloody genius with these busts, can't wait to see the paint go on!

Steve

Many thanks marc :

Many thanks Alan,starting to get into the piece now,looking forward to the painting stages

Thanks kev,no I won't be doing anything with the base top as I would'nt look right

Many thanks Ian,glad you like it so far

Many thanks bob,glad you like it mate

Many thanks ralph

Many thanks mate,hope you're keeping well

Many thanks mate