Weekly Garratt-ization... (Updated 04/03!)

[Himmapaan]

Thank you so much for sharing those steps, Martin. Painted acetate for plants; how ingenious! That had never occurred to me before!

[martingarratt]

@ Blade: You have to wait for the expanding foam to form a 'skin' before pressing it into shape otherwise it will stick to you. If you put a tiny hole somehere in the foam the gas will escape when you push and it wont expand out of control. It is a bit time consuming but keep checking it and pressing it to form the rock work and crevices - until completely cured - it does work

@ bfler: I use Airbrush, paintbrush and also pastels

[Jeremy]

Thanks for the pics Martin/Marilyn. I'm trying to learn new ways to build environments, even if they aren't permanent.

[arioch]

EPIC dioram (love both animals) and amazing tutorial!

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Aug 1, 2011 14:14:59 GMT martingarratt said:

@ Blade: You have to wait for the expanding foam to form a 'skin' before pressing it into shape otherwise it will stick to you. If you put a tiny hole somehere in the foam the gas will escape when you push and it wont expand out of control. It is a bit time consuming but keep checking it and pressing it to form the rock work and crevices - until completely cured - it does work

@ bfler: I use Airbrush, paintbrush and also pastels

Ah, a hole eh ? That makes sense. I'll def keep this mind for future pieces !

[martingarratt]

This is the Spinosaurus (Kinto Favourite Desktop Model) which I received on Saturday. I took the hacksaw to it and removed it from its base; I altered one leg slightly so that it doesn't look as bow legged as it did to start with and about to fall over.
I've also taken the head off and raised it a touch, also added a tongue.
Repainted and made a base for it.

[krentz]

Pretty cool!
Chalk pastels work great for dark-against-light scales. Using contrasting colours is an neat trick. If your animal is a yellow base, try bluish scales etc. A fixative like testor's clear coat makes them blend nicely and kills the saturation and chalky look.
I'm sure you know that Martin, but some people might find that helpful.

[totoro]

My head's spinning thinking of all of the ways you customize your models Martin. What about the mandatory 10 months in the process where you just unpack the thing and deliberate about when you will build it, what colors it might be, where the base materials will come from...you know...basic procrastination! Obviously not a word you're too familiar with. Beautiful work, as usual!

[Himmapaan]

Aug 2, 2011 23:07:49 GMT totoro said:

What about the mandatory 10 months in the process where you just unpack the thing and deliberate about when you will build it, what colors it might be, where the base materials will come from...you know...basic procrastination!

Oh, I know that all too well. Though in my case, it's as much not having time as actual indecisiveness.

Another stunning piece, Martin!

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Dang..you made that " OK " piece a real head turner ! ;D

[phobotitan]

Wonderful work Martin, what do you use to prime the safari figures?

[martingarratt]

Aug 3, 2011 13:17:47 GMT @phobotitan said:

what do you use to prime the safari figures?

I use grey automotive primer

[ataraxus]

again a great work, you got it on saturday and it`s so fast finished? do you sleep and eat?

[Horridus]

A quick word from Martin about his work over at LITC ;D : chasmosaurs.blogspot.com/2011/08/marvellous-martin-garratt.html

[Jeremy]

Great job on making that Spinosaurus look amazing. Congratulations on the article as well. I always love hearing about your processes.

[martingarratt]

Here's my version of a Velociraptor that I finished last week.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

Martin that's GREAT ! I really like the head design and of course you got the hands right this time.. lol ;D You should cast, sculpt, build and paint your own pieces for sale..

[DeadToothCrackKnuckle]

Your velociraptor looks great. I love its unusual head shape, it makes more bird-like. I'm anticipating to see more!

[bokisaurus]

Amazing work as always! ;D Really like the Spino and Velociraptor Can't even recognize that Kinto spino!

[Horridus]

In terms of artistry the Velociraptor is marvellous, but I think any such future creations should be given more feathers...