backdrop painting

[jacon12]

I also think it looks great!  I'm thinking you maybe had a little art training somewhere along the way?  I like the clouds and the way the hills recede into the distance, from what I can tell you've captured that feeling just right.  My only thought is that I wish the photo was taken closer.

Jarrell 

[Bone]

Thanks everyone. This was basically a test to see how photobucket works. Hard to tell in this picture, the shelf height is 50 inches, whichs puts it about shoulder height. Eye level is middle area of sky. The backdrop is painted directly on the wall with craft acrylic and brushes. I tried many shades of blue before deciding on these two. I took a 3 color paint card from the paint dept. and chose the lighter 2 colors from the same card and blended. Distant mountains are sky blue feathered at the bottoms leaving a space between layers for haze effect. Clouds are barely dabbed on with white and feathered at the bottom. I didn't want to get much higher than 2 ft as to not overpower the forground model scenery. I wanted instant gratification and trains running. Later I will add matching valance and facia. Now that I know how photobucket works, I can post much better pictures.

[JCasey]

I agree, your backdrop looks great.  I only wish I had half that much artistic ability.  I too would be interested in your techniques.  Thanks for sharing.

John 

[CascadeBob]

What you've done so far, as shown in your photo, really looks great.  I wish I had that much artistic talent.  As far as the top of the sky is concerned, you might want to extend it higher as has been suggested above.  Where is the top of the sky relative to your eye level?  You should try to have it above your line of sight so the top edge is not visible without looking up.  Is the backdrop painted directly on the wall or is it on a hardboard backdrop board?

Can you share your painting techniques with the rest of us artistically-challenged people?

Bob

[ARTHILL]

Great look. Great artistic feel. I agree that eventually you need to deal with the top of the sky, but how you do that depends on how the layout works, ie a portoble module, a valance for a light box effect, a second level of track work etc. The backdrop it self is better than anything I have been able to do. Thanks for sharing

[Johnnny_reb]

Looks great.

Question? Are you planning on putting up any kind of light valance?

If not, why not paint a little more sky. Fade the sky into a little darker blue at the top of the wall hiding the vents with the darkness. If the vents match the wall, you would hardly notice them.

[Bone]

This is my first attempt at posting pictures. Need honest feedback on backdrop painting.