How to model glacial river with rapids?

[craigolio1]

Can anyone direct to a tutorial, or advise me, on how I might model a glacial river with fast moving water/rapids? 

Thanks.

Craig.

[wazzou]

@mark dance

[Missaberoad]

That KCC SD40-2 is hawt! 

[shark_jj]

Hi Craig, I used the Woodlands Scenics Deep Pour Water with their Wave Effects to create these rapids.  I also used their paints.  I tried to get a couple of close ups to show the wave effect.  I think it could work for you.  One of their colours approximates that light green river bottom effect.  If you wanted to drop by one day to take a look at it in person, just give me a shout.

John

[Maletrain]

When you say "glacial" river, it makes me think of the whitish or "milky" look of stream water that has recently melted off a glacier.  That effect is from fine rock particulates that were created by the glacier grinding over the rocks, and were released with the melt water.  Is that what you want?  It actually looks kind of odd in real life, so I am not sure that most people would look at a model of it and think it is realistic.

[craigolio1]

@shark_jj that looks great. I will definitely have a look. Perhaps at an upcoming opps session?

Craig

[craigolio1]

When you say "glacial" river, it makes me think of the whitish or "milky" look of stream water that has recently melted off a glacier.  That effect is from fine rock particulates that were created by the glacier grinding over the rocks, and were released with the melt water.  Is that what you want?  It actually looks kind of odd in real life, so I am not sure that most people would look at a model of it and think it is realistic.

The term for the silt in the water is “rock flour”. That’s exactly the sort of look I’m after. This picture that you see here is of the actual scene that I’m modelling. This river has that milky green look. It varies in opacity through out the year. The time that I’m modelling is when the water is higher so it’s a little less opaque.

I’m thinking of painting the river bed with a dirty/light green base and then adding clear medium/ water effects/silicone to add more 3D effect.

But I’m wondering if I should maybe start the 3D effect of the rapids before I add any clear mediums, working wave forms and water shapes (like deep Vs and pillow rocks) and partially submerging shoreline boulders into wet plaster for example, prior to painting?

Craig

[shark_jj]

Craig, I will ask Fredrick to keep you in the loop about upcoming Ops Sessions and if you can make one that would be great.

[craigolio1]

Thanks!!

[Philip H]

The term for the silt in the water is “rock flour”. That’s exactly the sort of look I’m after. This picture that you see here is of the actual scene that I’m modelling. This river has that milky green look. It varies in opacity through out the year. The time that I’m modelling is when the water is higher so it’s a little less opaque.

I’m thinking of painting the river bed with a dirty/light green base and then adding clear medium/ water effects/silicone to add more 3D effect.

But I’m wondering if I should maybe start the 3D effect of the rapids before I add any clear mediums, working wave forms and water shapes (like deep Vs and pillow rocks) and partially submerging shoreline boulders into wet plaster for example, prior to painting?

Craig

Rock Flour over a glacial till bedload.  That's what you are after geologically.  And having working in those rivers in the PNW - good luck.  Painting the bed is a good start, but the milky consistence is going to require tinting the water medium as you pour it.  Your prototype photo doesn't really convey it, but the flour is thoroughly mixed into the water column - it can take days to settle out of a water column sample.  You can't see any depth when the river is running.

So I'd recommend doing some tinting experiments first in your water maker of choice - use some clear plastic cups or something and see what you need to do to get it right.

[craigolio1]

Rock Flour over a glacial till bedload.  That's what you are after geologically.  And having working in those rivers in the PNW - good luck.  Painting the bed is a good start, but the milky consistence is going to require tinting the water medium as you pour it.  Your prototype photo doesn't really convey it, but the flour is thoroughly mixed into the water column - it can take days to settle out of a water column sample.  You can't see any depth when the river is running.

So I'd recommend doing some tinting experiments first in your water maker of choice - use some clear plastic cups or something and see what you need to do to get it right.

Thank you. This is why I was thinking of making the water shape
Out of plaster and then brushing on gloss medium and dry brushing white to give it a wet effect. Because exactly as you say. You can’t see into this water. Except at the edge.

[Missaberoad]

Thank you. This is why I was thinking of making the water shape
Out of plaster and then brushing on gloss medium and dry brushing white to give it a wet effect. Because exactly as you say. You can’t see into this water. Except at the edge.

I think this would be your best option...

[craigolio1]

I’m going to experiment with this before I commit on my module.

[nkalanaga]

Experimentation is definitely in order.  And, after visiting Glacier NP a couple times, I agree with Phillip that depth isn't important if you want a silt-laden glacial river.  They actually look like a painted-plaster model river!

I've never tried making one, but think I would start with the plaster, or whatever base you choose, painted the basic color.  Then start painting it with gloss medium, varnish, or whatever clear gloss you're most comfortable working with.  Dry-brush some white after each coat, then add another clear coat, and some more white, finally topped by a clear coat, so all of the white sealed in.  With the white in various layers, it will add a little depth, an you'll have plenty of gloss for the wet look.

Definitely work from pictures, and if you can, visit the locale you're modeling, and get pictures of your own.  Scenery photographers don't always record the details we need for modeling!

[craigolio1]

Experimentation is definitely in order.  And, after visiting Glacier NP a couple times, I agree with Phillip that depth isn't important if you want a silt-laden glacial river.  They actually look like a painted-plaster model river!

I've never tried making one, but think I would start with the plaster, or whatever base you choose, painted the basic color.  Then start painting it with gloss medium, varnish, or whatever clear gloss you're most comfortable working with.  Dry-brush some white after each coat, then add another clear coat, and some more white, finally topped by a clear coat, so all of the white sealed in.  With the white in various layers, it will add a little depth, an you'll have plenty of gloss for the wet look.

Definitely work from pictures, and if you can, visit the locale you're modeling, and get pictures of your own.  Scenery photographers don't always record the details we need for modeling!

Great ideas. I never thought of layering the gloss and the white. I think that’s worth a try. A visit is not possible as it’s on the other side of the country. But its a popular kayaking locale so lots of pictures of the rapids are available on line. As for the shape of the river at the bridge site, well that’s up to me. That bridge that I’m modelling was put in after a wash out. Shortly after that it was was altered so that a siding could be lengthened and it was paired with another bridge. They’ve since been washed out and replaced again. So that river changes every year. I just want to get the colour right.

Thanks again!