It’s time to post my best model diorama and scenic shots from the past few years. I have tried not to show repeats from previous posts. You’ll be seeing fresh material.
I have seventy-five pictures for you today. To make viewing easier, I’ve categorized the images. We’re going to start with science fiction and end with jets.
Most of these models are 1/72 scale diecast metal or plastic. A few are larger scales, and a few were kit builds. I built and painted the Alf seaplane and the Semovente self-propelled gun, which is 1/35 scale and in the first three photos from the Early WWII category. Many of the tank models have been painted, weathered, and detailed by me. 99% of the scenes were photographed on my kitchen table on physical sets, and then finished in Photoshop for an artistic completion. This includes fixing flaws, or dropping in sky, or jungle, or other backgrounds where needed.
This is me enjoying my models and relaxing, by creating interesting scenes. Some of these will inspire future written stories. I go radical and wild with anything I want to try and these pictures are very satisfying to make. Click on the picture to make it big!
SCIENCE FICTION:
My favorite Enterprise, the original.Battlestar Galactica’s Colonial Viper is my favorite space fighter. I’ve loved it since its debut in 1978.
EARLY WWII:
This is the Semovente I built and painted in 2003.A moment for one’s thoughts.Two paired groupings. All the differences in the world.Many levels.
MIDDLE YEARS– WWII:
Very simple. Love the lines and movement.Wild ground, and lots of effort on this model’s finish.Saying goodbye.Porsche Tiger.
THE DESERT WAR:
Atmospheric.Great composition.
PACIFIC WAR:
Let’s write a story about this one.My Alf seaplane model. Built in 1998, she was destroyed in 2018.One of my favorite scenes, Guadalcanal, September 1942.Admiral McCain’s PBY was first plane to visit Henderson Field in August 1942. The admiral reasoned, if this bird could land there, then fighters could too.Loved making the play of natural light.Adding color and black and white just so.Separation. One of my favorite pictures. Let’s write a story for this one.Gorgeous DeAgostini Grace.
BEUTE PANZER (SOVIET TANKS THAT HAVE BEEN CAPTURED BY THE GERMANS):
This T-34/85 conversion is a tough little crusher.Much effort went into this model’s conversion and detailing.There are historical photos documenting this particular T-34.How does a machine work in such cold? How can we make a photo convince us of this temperature?
LATE WAR YEARS– WWII
A pleasure to set this scene, the picture was so easy it practically took itself.Huge 1/18 scale nightfighter.Frigid.This forest shot was taken a year ago, outside my new South Carolina neighborhood. The forest has since been felled for a new development.
WHAT IF– PAPER PROJECTS COME TO LIFE:
Wonderful 3D printed tank.Sherman tank with Pershing turret actually existed, but was not fielded in combat.One of my favorite pictures, and a great model to paint and weather.Movement!I’m very happy with how this model concept turned out.Crewed up, as real as I could imagine making such a scene.T29EX is a concept tank, of which I know very little of. I do know I love the Cromwell / Black Knight Studios model.The condensation off the front hull, and turret top, make this photo special.
BRIDGE SET:
So much work went into detailing this model, and I was happy with how it came out.A tough looking tank, carefully made to look simple, and I’m happy to say the finish is all mine.My three heavy tank prized models.M36 actually saw combat in WWII.
POST-WAR:
Clear and classic.
POST-WAR BRITISH (INCLUDES THREE WHAT IFS):
I feel like I could walk right into the scene.Something about the angle of the shot, the lines of the tank, and the colors work with the polarizer.
JETS
The first of an exciting new way for me to present models.We can believe these are real places.
For over thirty years, I have enjoyed drawing beautiful shapes and writing complementary stories. The imagery tends to focus on our place in the world—whomever or whatever we may be.
I am influenced by Twentieth Century history—I read vintage magazines, books and letters. Inspiration comes from visualizing human achievement and personal interaction—derived from people, places and things which may be obscure, but never insignificant.
My pen-and-ink THE MAGNIFICENT RECOVERY was selected by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston for their 2008 summer art auction.
Ara Hagopian's The Literate Show 