My ocean water testing is done. I tried many things, including trying to make the water a little green. I couldn't get a convincing look to it though. In the end, I abandoned that idea.
Like with what GMorrison once told me, your first instinct is usually the right one. I ended back where I started. That is-- a blue base color with a clear blue over it. I am tweaking things a little though.
You may recall in my last update that I wanted to find something that will smooth out the surface of the Sculptamold. Well, I found something.
Below: I decided to give Liquitix Gel a try. This is neat stuff. Artists often use this gel for adding body to their paint. Straight out of the container it is white in color. You mix in the color (acrylic), and you are good to go. It does not take much paint to give you a solid color to it. It blends like a dream, and the consistency is something like Miracle Whip. It is fun to work with. If you don't add color to it, it seems to dry somewhat clear.
A few things to note:
1. For my purposes... the Gel does not have to be colored. However, I will add color to show coverage as I apply it. White on white is tough to see.
2. I add a little water to it. The Gel is designed to show brush marks. Apparently, painters want that; I don't. Here again--a little goes a long way. You don't need to add much water for the gel to loosen.
3. I tried varying the number of coats to see how it changed the look of things. I prefer just 1 coat. I did not see any advantage to add more. In fact-- I tend to think that is takes away from it.
4. I may use this stuff to create micro waves. It holds its shape very well. So for areas where I want to create ripples--this might fit the bill.
Below: Here are just a few of the tests that I ran. (All of them had been pre-coated with gel.)
Far left: Phyto Green/blue, with two coats of Tamiya clear blue on top.
Middle: A darker blue base with two coats of Tamiya clear blue on top.
Top right: Tamiya flat blue base, with two coats of Tamiya clear blue on top.
Bottom right: Tamiya flat blue base, followed by dry brushing the wavetops in white. This was followed by two coats of Tamiya blue. I thought it might add more depth by adding a dry brush layer. I think that it kind of does. I am on the fence about going with top right or bottom right. What do you guys think?
Below: The sub is secured to the base. You will notice that there is a list to the right. Our friend (Maxie) the squid will be hitching a ride so ... he/she is a bit much for this boat. This will be very unsettling to the crew of the Seaview. It will be Maxies fault.
Next up? It is time to breath life into Maxie.
That's it for today.