James River Branch: Rock

Rock, Part 3 of 3: Coloration

Woodland Scenics Lightweight Hydrocal gets quite hard, but not so hard that it can't be carved. That said, carving fully-cured Hydrocal produces a vastly different surface effect from the casting or areas that were hand-carved while still wet. So, it's important to get all of the carving done before everything cures.

Some areas may need to be filled in with earth to create the desired contour. As with all other earth-covered areas, I use tinted Sculptamold. I'll apply it with a chisel knife blade—the same one I use to carve rock, as it work like a miniature spatula.

When the rock faces are done, it's time to apply coloration, which consists of a number of washes. I generally use four: India ink, Rustall, and Doctor Ben's Realistic Rust and Weathered Rust. Starting with the India ink, I'll simply dribble it onto the rock faces with a dropper, and allow it to seek out its own path. I may help it along on occasion with a brush, depending on the look I want.

Some dramatic effects can be created with layers of colorant, although I go easy on the Realistic Rust and Weathered Rust, as these are quite strong. Often I'll finish up with a final application of Rustall, as it tones down the stronger colors and blends them together. I may also apply a little more India ink wash over the other colors to add depth.

It may take up to a day for the washes to completely dry, as the Hydrocal can get fairly saturated with them. At this point I may do some detail coloring by applying straight washes directly with a brush to create blotches or streaks. I may also apply pastel chalk powders for certain effects, such as soot over the tunnel portal.

Once an area acquires the desired look, I'll begin adding greenery. This is always done last, as vegetation will become stained by any further applications of color washes.

After the rockwork is cured, earth is applied where needed.

India ink is dribbled onto the rock faces and allowed to flow wherever it will.

Various colored stains are applied in same manner as the ink washes.

A variety of effects can be achieved by layering the washes.

Some detail effects are added last with brushes.