Figures penalize realism in dioramas?

I disagree, a well done figure adds to the diorama. Evan a mediocre figure can add the human element to the tank, aircraft, etc. Figures give the viewer a referance to the actual size of the model by comparing it to the height of a person, something they can easily gauge. I think figures usually add and I always prefer a model with a figure/figures over a lone vehicle. Also, if done well, figures can look very realistic with variations in cloth, etc. I have seen many figures that look like the real thing.

I woulod tend to disagree with you. I think that figures go a LONG way in creating a solid, balanced diorama. It is rare that you will find a scene in life involving vehicles without some human element. Thus a diorama without a human element is simply lacking in a key tie-in element. Painted well or not, figures are of utmost importance to any diorama. It's rare that someone has the talent to create such an intriguing and flowing layout of a diorama using vehicles only.

Sorry to disagree but it is actually the figures that really give life to a diorama. Of course it is possible to make a diorama without figures but as human beings we tend to relate to scenes with human aspects quite easily. Not anybody can ever relate to a tank, vehicle, plane, ship and many don't know much about them, their type, model, or historical importance. But almost everybody can relate to scenes or dioramas with human figures. They add a sense of size to the tank, vehicle, plane as well as help convey the thoughts of the modeler who made the diorama.

As far as making the figures as realistic as possible, there are many ways to simulate cloth or other figure related accessories to make them as realistic as possible. Please try to check the figures forum to see some wonderful examples of figures (even 1/35 scale) done excellently.

Just my thoughts on the matter...

I agree with all of the above, however I find that generally figures are too shiney in appearance.suggestion? add matte medium to your paints.Cheers! John.

I think its relative. If we look at the photos of dioramas, or models, I think you can (to a point) make them look real or possibly substitute them for 1:1 subjects. Alot of things have to line up, the build, the setting, enviroment, and just as important the photograph itself. When you add figures I think they can go a long way to adding a touch of realism to your piece but they still look like figures and they rarely if at all can pass for 1:1 subjects. The detractors to the "charade" are atmospherics, depth of field, placement, scale of foiliage etc. lighting, sculpting, painting and there bottom line, there is no substitute for the real thing.

I do belive that you can take photos of vehicles by themselves and fool the eye. But I have yet to see a figure that can do that in any setting.

Now you can go a long way to make fabric look like fabric. Some dry brushing can do wonders to make a bag look like canvas or other paint techniques can simulate leather, silk, satin, steel what ever. And there are some very clever painters out there.

As I said, its relative. A badly done figure can detract from a well built model and vice versa. But we are all still looking at a model or diorama. Some excellent, some not so excellent and some that wouldn't fool a blind man. Important is that you enjoy your work and like what you do. Regardless of how real or not real it may appear.

I agree that for the builder/artist having fun at what you do is primary but for the viewer the magic is in how real you can make it look.I dont mean copying every last detail but overall visual impact.Well done figures go a long way in capturing that magic.Cheers! John.

I agree that it is sometimes difficult to paint figures that reach the level of the scenary or vehicle; at the same time, figures create a sense of scale that is not possible without them. Doc Mac