In this part of the tutorial we carve the landscape, paint it and add the details.

Then I used a variety of tools to carve and sculpt all of the landscape. I used an x-acto knife, a styro cutter, hot wire foam cutter, sandpaper and an emory board. Use whatever tools are available to you. This foam is pretty easy to carve.

Let's Paint it

Now let's paint for the water. And here is a tip for you. Paint the deeper parts of the water a darker blue. It will give a nicer look to the water. (It gives the illusion of depth.)

Then add some white to the blue paint and paint the outer parts of the water. These are the parts near shore. Then you can use your brush and the paint to blend it all in.

And I finished off the water by adding some detail painting. I am using the end of the bristles on the brush to dab on dots for frothiness around the rocks in the water. I also did this on the babbling brook.

Then I finished the painting of the whole diorama. Mostly it is various greens and various grays. Using various shades of the same color gives it a more realistic look.

And I finished the painting of it by doing a little bit of highlighting with white paint. Highlighting simulates high points on the terrain as being lighter because they get sunlight.

Okay! The diorama is built. Let's do the water effects!!!

RESOURCES AND PRODUCTS

DOW Craft Styrofoam Foam Sheets, 1 x 24 x 48, (4 sheets)

• 1 Inch Dow Craft Styrofoam Foam Sheets, 1 x 24 x 48, pak 4
• High density Dow Styrofoam craft foam
• Boxed and Shiipped to your door
• Over sized packages, low actual weight, but UPS calculates dimensional weight of approximately 30-35 lbs
• Paintable

FloraCraft Styrofoam Accessories Styro Cutter, Electric

• Designed for Styrofoam Brand Foam
• Makes Simple and Intricate Patterns Easy to Cut
• Great for Event and Window Displays and Other Custom Work
• Heats in Less Than 30 Seconds
• Cuts Up to 4-inch Thick Styrofoam