Groundwork-Osceola Seminole

[Guy]

The next step with the Seminole, Osceola, is to pick a base and start the groundwork. I chose a Ken Thomas American Oak round base that is 3' high. I chise this due to the sheer size of the figure and overall presentation. Now comes the groundwork, ferns, plants, and even a gator, If I can locate one. Thought it would look good with a gator's hear and eyes just coming out of the water. We'll see!!

 

[Roc]

Hey Guy, the Indian looks great, looking forward to the ground work.


Keep up the good work.

Roc

 

[johnnyboy]

guy its awsome man and i hope you find that gator man cant wait to see this complete take care johnny

 

[Kisifer]

Gator?? wow what a great idea Guy. I'm sure it will be turned out pretty impressive. Keep it up my friend.

 

[yeo_64]

Guy !! I can't wait to see the groundwork for the vignette (a gator ? Wow ! ) Cheers !
Kenneth

 

[Guy]

Last night I mixed the groundwork up and started working it onto the base using the kit resin base with the log to be included into this scene. I mix elmers glue with my groundwork to prevent shrinkage and give a better bond to the wood base. I used a dental tool to rough out the erosion and will use Brian's method later with static grass to creat a bog / swamp effect. Sorry No room on the base for the gator.....I'll just file that idea away for another scene.

Now I have painted the plaster area with acrylic Chocolate brown

I do a test-look with the Seminole back into the mounting lug. I do a test-look several times while finishing the groundwork as it helps to get an idea how it is looking and what else I will need.

Now I have added the tree, which last night while the plaster was wet, I made provisions for the tree to be placed after the groundwork was painted and grass applied. Keeping the figure and tree off the base helps in doing a decent job without getting plaster and paint on the already painted figure.

All comments are welcome as always

 

[Kisifer]

Lovely groundwork Guy. This log, gave me an idea for the groundwork that i will work soon at the British Officer.

 

[Guy]

Thanks Xenofon, I appreciate your feedback.

The next step was to paint the wet / damp part of the bog in a darker color which I mixed with black.

Now I give the whole groundwork a black wash and set it aside to dry.

A test fit to see how the whole picture will look.

Here are the photos I got from a google search on swamps that I have been using to get ideas.

All comments and critique are welcome

 

[Roc]

Hey Guy, the ground work is looking pretty good.


Cheers

Roc.

 

[Jason W.]

Looks great Guy!!

 

[garyjd]

Guy, Great groundwork and references! I like it when groundwork or structure on a base help to frame a figure.~Gary

 

[Guy]

Thanks for the feedback Roc, Gary and Jason. I will be doing the grass sections later today and will post pics tonight.

 

[megroot]

Hello Guy,

That's is a beauty. I love the groundwork. I admire the Seminola. This figure needs this beautyfull painting.
Awesome Guy,

Marc.

 

[Joe Hudson]

Hey Guy,

It's looking good. One suggestion, you may like to add some cat tails (not sure if this is the correct word but that is what we called them growing up ). I know that I saw some when Bill Horan did one of his scenes and it is pretty common in some places down south. Hey it is just a suggestion and I look forward to seeing more.

Joe

 

[Guy]

Thanks Marc and Joe, I appreciate the feedback.

Joe - I did a Mountain Man scene years ago with a Tomker 75mm figure carrying a duck and added cat tails to the scene. Thanks for reminding me of them, I will include them in the scene as they are easy to make.

I just finished dry brushing the earth on the base and will do the grass after the paint has dried.

another test fit to see the whole composition.

 

[Le Lancier]

I really like your ground work, Guy, It's very realistic and complements your project superbly. Yet another aspect of figure modelling you have mastered. Nice work!

 

[Guy]

Thanks for the kind words Francis. Years ago I used to just plop them on a base and paint the plaster. I found that what I did then actually detracted from the figure and didn't really add any story. I got more involved in doing ground work after Shep Payne's first book on doing groundwork. Actually wore out that first copy.

 

[Alex Lopez]

Guy, the figure is great!! but, much better with this ground, I want to see painted this one...

 

[megroot]

Hello Guy,

You mentioned the name TOMKER. In Antwerp it was a shop where you could buy figure's and paint, the name was from the owner of the shop.
Unfortunally the man has stopped. I think he was past the 70 years.
Is it from the same man ???????
Lucky for us Gino Poppe sell now figures

Marc

 

[gforceman]

Hi Marc,

Yes, they are the same. Tomker had a shop and a line of model figures (flats too). Tom is turning 80 next January.

Greetz,

Gino