Starting Scenery: Realistic Rocks

This was really tough to fit into 5 minutes as there is just so much to cover... There are so many ways to model rocks and they form such strong structural elements in our scenes. I only managed to touch on a few of the options but there are so many more techniques, materials and ways to paint them that I know there will be loads I haven't covered!
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[@zingerflippinz2066]

I like the variety of methods. I experiment with different ways of making things less expensive so I get more.

[@KathyMillatt]

Price really does make a difference!

[@ModelNerd]

Great video with loads of tips - thanks for sharing. That Wrinkle Rocks paper looks intriguing.

[@KathyMillatt]

It’s definitely intriguing but I haven’t used it in anger yet.

[@thomream1888]

The best way to keep your rocks from chipping into white eyesores is to use tempera paint to tint the plaster. I've used powdered and liquid paint, in a variety of colors, with no ill effects on the plaster (failing to set, extremely long drying times, soft setting, etc). And if you use foil, and leave some thin parts around the edges, you end up with some great 'talus' or small rocks. These work great to fill in gaps, and will color-match your larger rock formations.
It's really simple to do, you can use this technique on roads and bridge abutments, and you'll never have a glow-in-the-dark white spot that shouts "hey, I'm just plaster!"...
Thanks for all your great suggestions Kathy. You make us all better modelers!
Ghost of SP

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks Thom. Great tips.

[@nickbutler7935]

Thanks Kathy 'Rocking' as ever.

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks Nick.

[@martinonderdonck7260]

Hi Kathy, we met on the GMRC, series 2, eps.5. Another method I use for making rocks with plaster is sand casting. It consists of a box (A4 box file is the best) of dry 'beach' sand into which I press real rocks after wetting the patch with a spray bottle. Then I use plaster to cast the rocks. There will be some sand structure on the cast rock which you can brush off when dry if you want. The advantage of a casting sand box is that you can cast anything in it. For boulders I would sometimes use my fist with knuckles to make an impression. Casting concrete structures works well with this method. I enjoy watching your videos. Good luck with the series.

[@KathyMillatt]

That sounds fascinating. I will have to give it a try sometime. Thanks! Missed the GMRC this year.

[@markgriffith3076]

Fantastic Kathy😊🙌

[@RHC_NYC]

Excellent tutorial. New sub! Thanks!

[@alcopower5710]

Amazing talent. Thanks for sharing

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks.

[@PaulinhoThompson]

I love how your narration is calm yet full of information. After watching your videos I always come away feeling I've learnt so much stuff in such a short time, pure excellence, thank you as always.

[@KathyMillatt]

Thank you Paul.

[@Diomasterstudios]

Maravilloso

[@theJellyjoker]

This video rocks

[@KathyMillatt]

Like it!

[@peaks4719]

Wow , how awesome was that these 5min videos are brilliant, another great episode 👍🏻

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks a lot! They’re a challenge but fun to do.

[@grahamparry7200]

Excellent video thanks Kathy. I’m enjoying these short sharp videos. Graham

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks Graham.

[@glen9651]

Great video

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks.

[@Sms8668]

Luv that engine at 2:40

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks!

[@martinhinsley6198]

Amazing amount of info in such a short space of time Kathy...Brilliant stuff.. loved it...Thankyou once again

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks a lot. 5 minutes is a real challenge.

[@bevsartsandcrafts715]

Brilliant x

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks.

[@andrewa7430]

Hi Kathy, have you considered mixing some coloured pigments, maybe acrylic paint, with the plaster of paris rocks? Will minimise the white being exposed when chipped.
Really enjoy you tutorial. Great work and a big hello from Australia

[@KathyMillatt]

I know I should but I often forget. It’s a great tip though.

[@Belzediel]

When we were doing rocks back in the day we'd just add poster paint to the plaster before pouring it so that it'd chip to, well, grey, usually, instead of white. Seemed to work pretty well.

[@KathyMillatt]

That’s a great tip. Thanks.

[@johnkelley9877]

This was great and you gave me a lot of good ideas. Thanks for sharing this.

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks John

[@Road.Tripping]

Great tutorial Kathy!

[@KathyMillatt]

Thank you.

[@Barbarossamodels]

Great tutorial, lots to learn there, thanks! 😊👍

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks.

[@brianmicky7596]

Hi Kathy, I am just going to start a rock face tunnel , Thank you for the tips , ( if you got a spare 5 minutes ) All the Best Brian 🤗

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks Brian.

[@KathyMillatt]

Good luck with the rocks.

[@jamesgoucher3676]

Hi Kathy, another great short video and plenty of food for thought for next time I try making rocks. After watching your last video I tried a wash on my sundeala rocks and it has made a great difference to the look of them 👌👍🙂

[@KathyMillatt]

I’m so glad to hear that. It’s amazing how such a small thing can make a difference.

[@jefflizotte4758]

thank you,have a great day,we love you here in Florida U.S.A.

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks Jeff.

[@wilzdart]

very informative video.... I use tempra paint in the water I use for plaster I use in molds. I have learned a lot so keep them coming!

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks Will. That’s a great tip.

[@stephencameron4032]

Hello Kathy, thank you for another interesting and informative video, so far I have only used cork bark to represent rock faces, but I think that is quite old-fashioned these days, although I'm sure it still has its place in the hobby, I will definitely try some of the methods ( I can't spell techniques), that you have demonstrated, anyway, stay safe, all the best from Scotland, Stephen.

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks Stephen. Cork can work really well but you are right, there are so many other methods to pick from.

[@paulgiven8051]

Kathy, great tutorial. mpeterll also has a good video on sculpting shale - which might also work with slate for a welsh diorama or sandstone for coastal. His is in plaster which is part dried before being surface shaped with knives scribes and brushes, before being painted and weathered. The sculpting is the interesting part of the video.

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks Paul. I’ll check it out.

[@ricter591]

Thanks Kathy!

[@Maurice00PA]

Good video. The problem of chipped castings showing white can be avoided is you mix a tint or acrylic paint in with the plaster or hydrocal. Cheers. Maurice

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks Maurice. I always forget to do that!

[@BALD8BIL]

Great video I use 5 minutes drywall mud it has plaster of Paris in it and you get more for your money

[@KathyMillatt]

That’s interesting. Thank you.

[@JeroenD_]

Great video!

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks!

[@charllandsberg]

Always love your videos.

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks a lot.

[@tipi8340]

Thank you 👍

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks!

[@SuperBenkoo]

keep on rockin'....

[@TheCreativeModellerHO]

👌👌👌👌👍

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks a lot.

[@milmorguy]

Hi Kathy. Are the artists acrylics naturally glossy? I notice that you don't add matte medium or a clear matt finish. Are some acrylics glossier than other straight out of the tube?
Cheers, Mike

[@KathyMillatt]

Hi Mike
They are naturally glossy but I did spray a matt sealant at the end which helps knock back any shine. Adding pigments can have a similar effect.