Here you can see that the head isn't permanently mounted and while curing it is seperated by some plastic foil.
Once I was satisfied with the shape and size of the head, I began to apply the ProCreate skin.
I did it in small patches and then let them cure - simply to prevent me from touching and messing up a part of the skin I had already done.
But with curing time of 1-2 hours per patch, this was really a time sink!
With some of the left-over PC I created the flames for the mouth.
Also not permanently mounted.
Then I started with the body skin. The idea was to have normal skin on the head, hands and feet, and then let it fade into larger "plates".
I wanted it to look like cinder floating on liquid lava.
The first section of this skin I really applied little piece by little piece.
Later I changed the technique to apply a large flat patch of skin and then carve out the deep lava lines - this was faster, but still took a lot of time.
Here is the fading of the skin to cinder at the neck...
While these pieces cured I started to work on the gate.
Actually this is really the only piece of plasticard I used for this diorama.
I carved the wood structure with my usual scribing tool (that I also used on the bridge of the HERCULES diorama).
With rivets.
And mounted in position - view from the inside of the castle.
And outside view.
Some more details on the gatehouse and Tar'Akoona leaning over - note both wings are now completed, but still very rough.
Supporting pillar and arch.
The central road into the courtyard.
With some plaster, stones and sand I created the landscape outside the walls.
The 4 co-actors in place.
The dude in the front is subject to Tar'Akoonas fiery attention and is trying to protect himself by holding his shield over his head :)
This guy was already subject to the dragons breath.
Then I started to work on the spikes. Since I knew they wouldn't be very stable if I just glued them on, I had to pin them - but first I had to drill holes into them - best without drilling holes into my finger.
Here are the first spikes mounted.
To ensure they look right, I lined them up in matching pairs
before mounting them along the spine.
Once the spikes were mounted I was able to apply the skin here too.
By now the dragon weigths over 2 kg (4 pounds).
But he looks great!
Close up of the focus scene.
And final shots before priming.
After priming!
The wings look great - IMHO
As first paint the dragon received a dry brush of Boltgun Metal and a wash of Badab Black.
Once the first wash of Badab Black was dried he recieved another wash of Baal Red, giving him a nice redish shine.
Then I painted the deep lines with Scab Red.
Then a thinner line of Blood Red.
Even thinner a mix of Blood Red and Blazing Orange.
The same colors went into the mouth - with the darker colors on the outside and getting brighter towards the inside.
Blazing Orange and Golden Yellow.
The lava begins to glow.
I can tell you, painting all these thin lines while holding a 2+ kg dragon in your hand gets really tiring.
But the result is worth it!
The spikes were painted in Tin Bizz and highlighted with Brazen Brass (I think).
Finally another go with airbrush around the lines to give it the proper glow.
The teeth still need some clean up, but the eyes look good.
Some very small spots with Sunburst Yellow and even a 1:1 mix of Sunburst Yellow and Skull White.
One of my favourite shots.
Here the glow effect is visible to its full advantage. I addition you can see the scars are all done with Bronze.
Whoooosh!
This was a far as I got to submit it to the contest and also present it to Florian for his Birthday (with the promise to complete it soon).
But I have to admit I was so exhausted after this 1 1/2 month marathon, that I haven't touched it yet and rather played World of Tanks...*shame on me*
But now that it's getting colder I can feel the urge to complete him kreeping back in :)
I hope you like the Tar'Akoona Diorama :)
Cheers
Cheers
Klaus
