Diorama Painting Techniques: Grey Cobble Stone Streets Using Artist Tube Acrylics

15 August, 2012 0 comments Leave a comment

To paint grey cobble stone streets you'll need;

• Flat Black Spray Paint or Flat Black Primer and these tubes of artist acrylics;
• Ivory Black
• Titanium White
• Primary Cyan
• Goldocker
• Burnt Umber
• Satin Glazing Liquid
• Satin Acrylic Varnish
• Fine pore sponges or Scotch Brite pads ripped into small pieces.
• 1/4" flat paint brush
• Tap water, for cleaning brushes and for keeping the brush moist while painting.
• Paper towels
• Cotton buds (Q-Tips)
• Mixing tray
• Popsicle sticks for mixing paints on your tray.

 The brands of these supplies doesn't matter, buy what you can afford. Remember, these paints will last longer than model paints that come in small jars or tins. Also, all of the mixing proportions stated in this article are only approximate and you'll have to adjust them to mix the exact colors you want. Don't be afraid to experiment.

 When using acrylics, it's important to paint several thin coats rather than applying one thick coat. This way, fine details on the piece won't be filled in.

 After thoroughly washing the plastic or resin parts in warm soapy water to get rid of any release agents, spray paint the cobble stones with the Flat Black Primer. The black primer will make all of the coats of paint going on top of it more richer looking. Let dry for 24 hours. After the black has completely dried, mix a medium grey using 90% Titanium White and 10% Ivory Black. Paint the mortar lines with this and wipe off any excess that has got onto the cobble stones with a damp cotton bud. Then mix a dark grey using 85% Titanium White and 15% Ivory Black and randomly sponge on with a fine sponge or Scotch Brite scrubbing pad. Let dry for 1 hour. Mix a light grey using 95% Titanium White and 5% Ivory Black and randomly sponge on with a fine sponge or scrubbing pad. Let dry for 1 hour. Now mix a medium grey using 90% Titanium White and 10% Ivory Black and add a small amount of Primary Cyan to this mix making a blue / grey color. Sponge or scrubbing pad it on randomly and then let dry for 24 hours in preparation for glazing.

 A glaze is a transparent coating of paint that allows the color under it to still show through. Make sure to let each layer of glaze completely dry for about 4 hours before adding the next glaze layer. In the modelling world, artist glazes are referred to as filters.

 Mix a medium grey and add about 12 drops of Satin Glazing Liquid to it. Brush this onto all of the cobble stones using a 1/4" flat brush. This will tone down the bluish grey. Now mix a dirt color using Goldocker and Burnt Umber 50/50 plus add a bit of Titanium White and about 12 drops of Satin Glazing Liquid. Brush this into the mortar cracks randomly and wipe off any paint from the cobble stones with a damp bud. Let dry for about 4 hours. Seal everything with a coat of Satin Acrylic Varnish and you're done! I hope you have fun using this painting technique. Please look at the photos of my completed dioramas to help you with your painting if you have problems getting the colors right. Happy diorama modeling!

David Gurinskas / Owner of Full Circle Hobbies