JediDefender.com Forums

Collecting => Customs => Star Wars Dioramas and Displays => Topic started by: BrentS on May 30, 2006, 08:53 PM

Title: Gardulla's Palace - FINISHED 9/26/06
Post by: BrentS on May 30, 2006, 08:53 PM
I'm starting my next big project.  You've seen the various customs for Gardulla's palace but I'll need to make the actual palace too.  Given the success of the Jedi Temple, I'm going to try to dive into a more complex diorama. 

I figured, I'd start a new thread to sort of document this process (as much for myself as anyone).  However, as I go - any comments, ideas, or criticisms will be most welcome.

As any good project, its starts with some conceptual drawings...

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/blueprint-1.jpg)

The plan is to make this somewhat modular so that I can use the various pieces in more than one fashion.   There will be four major "boxes".

I've got some more detailed drawings with some dimensions but they didn't scan very well.  Anyway, I think this project is going to take a while.  I've got our family vacation planned for mid June so we'll see how much time I actually get to work on this!!

When its finished, I'm not really sure where I'm going to put it.  I don't really have any room to display my things but I'll cross that bridge when I get there.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - my next big project - Design Phase
Post by: VF/501 on May 30, 2006, 09:10 PM
Hi BrentS, nice work on the PN and on the Council Chamber.

For the Palace are you going to base it on the Palace form the Bounty Hunter Game?
There were two levels that showed interior sections of her palace,  one was mostly an arena but it does show her throne and layouts for rooms.  The other was a psuedo- market place. 

If you want images of this, google or yahoo these terms.

Bounty; Hunter; Concept Art

There are only a couple of images b ut hopefully they will help.
Better yet take a look at the guide book for the game. ( I would scan the images for you, but I have no scanner :-[)
Sounds like a great but expensive project.  Good Luck
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - my next big project - Design Phase
Post by: BrentS on May 30, 2006, 10:20 PM
I actually wasn't aware that there were any EU images for the palace.  I'm just sort of making this up as I go along.  I suppose I could look for some reference photos but I don't think I'm going to be try to be true to anything specific per se. 

Thanks for the headsup!!
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - my next big project - Design Phase
Post by: CHEWIE on May 31, 2006, 11:39 AM
This is going to be a fun project to watch you work on Brent.  After your Jedi Council, I can't wait to see this!

 :)
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - my next big project - Design Phase
Post by: Quazar on May 31, 2006, 04:41 PM
Hey, will Gardulla and her home feature into any awesome photonovel work?

Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - my next big project - Design Phase
Post by: BrentS on May 31, 2006, 09:47 PM
Hey, will Gardulla and her home feature into any awesome photonovel work?



That is exactly the reason I'm doing it.  Parts of the next couple of chapters will showcase Gardulla, the fate of the orb, and other fun surprises. 

While this project will be fun to work on the downside is that it will significantly hinder the appearance of the next chapter of the PN  ;)

Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - my next big project - Design Phase
Post by: Jesse James on June 1, 2006, 03:56 AM
The palace as it's represented in Bounty Hunter (A great game by the way, probably one of the most underrated SW games in history...  I go replay it routinely) is massive in her audience chamber...  The layout is a huge cathedral ceilinged room that's somewhat shaped like you have in your initial layouts there Brent but obviously there are differences.  I'd say its size is even a bit prohibitive so going your own route is for the best.

I wish I could pull screen captures from the game for you, as I gladly would, but it's a console game only so I can't.

In the game you see multiple portions of her palace though, not just the audience chamber...  You see her huge dungeon complex underneath, her arena complex where she feeds her Krayyt Dragon, her bazarre complex where there's entertainment and shops, plus there's multiple hangar bays for speeders and warehouse facilities for whatever her fat fingers are into...  Lots and LOTS of palace shots.  :)

The main palace audience chamber/throne room though is just massive itself really with balconies and things.  In the final fight of the level you have to defeat her Krayyt Dragon, and at the end Jango pushes the fatty down to feed it.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - my next big project - Design Phase
Post by: BrentS on June 1, 2006, 04:28 PM
Jesse,
Thanks for extra comments on the reference info.  I've actually got the Bounty Hunter game for the Ninendo Game Cube but haven't really played it (we bought it cheap at Sam's club one day).

In looking through the online strategy guides (all text based no screenshots  :-\) it looks like Gardulla's palace is late in the game so I've got a lot of work to do to get to it.

I've posted in the video game thread a request to see if anyone has the game guide that might have some photos.

It sounds like those screenshots would be a great resource.  Like I said, its not my intention to make a complete replica but if I can get the spirit of the palace in my diorama that would be great.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - my next big project - Design Phase
Post by: Jesse James on June 1, 2006, 04:34 PM
Very cathedral-like is the impression i got...  A hint of Jabba's place but more light...  And bigger.  At least the audience chamber was.

I don't have the SG to the game actually or I'd gladly scan what I could for you. :(  This actually has inspired me to look for it though.  I keep SG's around for customizing resources.  You'd be amazed how useful they are.  Especially for console games where ripping shots isn't easy.  But to me the SG's usually are as big a resource for information on the SW EU as well as a customizing source as any sourcebook like the Incredible Cross Sections or SW RPG books and such.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - my next big project - Design Phase
Post by: BrentS on June 8, 2006, 11:53 PM
Okay, this project is not dead.  I've been working in a little bit of my free time to make some progress.

I've got a Game Guide for bounty hunter on order, hopefully that will help me get some other inspirations.  Like I said before, I'm not planning on modeling this excatly off anything specific.  I've tried to play Bounty Hunter some but jumping right to Chapter 15 is a little bit too hard  ;D

First up, I think I've decided on a wall texture:

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/wall-texture.jpg)

It is basically just wall spackle on foamcore.  I'll paint with a base tannish color and hit it with some dark and light drybrushing.


Next up, major progress in framing out the main chamber.  Here are the shots:

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/whole-wip-1.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/whole-wip-2.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/whole-wip-3.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/whole-wip-4.jpg)

I put some figures in there to show the scale.  Basically the back wall is 30".  None of this glued together and I probably won't glue it all together at all.  Since I've got no place to store this set up fully, I'm just going to have to make it semi portable.  Maybe thats a bad idea but I've some ideas on how to make that happen.

Comments would be appreciated.

One thing I haven't decided yet is how to do the floor.  Should I used a big piece of foam core?  I've also thought about using vinyl from a fabric store.


Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated with framing 6/8/06
Post by: roron corobb on June 9, 2006, 12:02 AM
Great start so far. I love to see these type of customs. Scale looks good too. Are you going to have a stage for a live band?
roron corobb
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated with framing 6/8/06
Post by: CHEWIE on June 9, 2006, 01:00 AM
Wow Brent!  Fantastic work!  I can't wait to see the finished result.

I am thinking the height is pretty good on this considering how wide/long it is.

Love it, and I"m sure your wife is as excited about this as you are!   ;D

 :)

Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated with framing 6/8/06
Post by: BrentS on June 9, 2006, 10:34 PM
I got my Bounty Hunter Strategy guide today.  Not quite as many photos as I was hoping and they are definitely small.  However, I did pick out a few from Gardulla's throne room/arena.

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Throne-Shot1a.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Throne-Shot1b.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Throne-Shot1c.jpg)

I'm going to try to incorporate the balcony in some fashion.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated with framing 6/8/06
Post by: Quazar on June 9, 2006, 11:40 PM
The structure looks really great.  I can't wait to see the finished version.

This is going to be terrific to watch coming together.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated with framing 6/8/06
Post by: BrentS on June 10, 2006, 01:50 AM
Thanks for the comments guys.  Roron, I haven't really intended to put in a band.  Its pretty big but with all the doorway arches I'm not sure where to put them. 



I've got another update.  I spent about 3 hours working on this tonight.  I finished cutting out the walls for the side rooms.  My goal is to make the side rooms available as "alternate" sets for other locations (Tatooine Cantina for example). 


(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Wip2a.jpg)

As I was putting this together for a picture, I realized that it is quickly becoming too large for my table  ;D  Not sure how I'm going to address that yet.  I can either make the side rooms smaller or keep them as individual walls that I can move around and place as necessary.


(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Wip2b.jpg)

The walls were spackled and coated with a base coat of Delta Dreamcoat "Trail Tan"  It was a wal-mart special acrylic paint.

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Wip2c.jpg)

With inspiration from the Bounty Hunter game, I've put together a balcony that I'm planning on attaching to the wall.


A couple of open questions I'll need to answer.
1.  How to address the overall size of this project.  Should I make the side rooms smaller and risk not letting them be "usable" for other sets or should I use moveable walls.  I haven't decided yet.

2. What to do about the floor.  Given the size, I'm leaning towards going with a roll-out vinyl floor.  I'm just afraid it will look too "plain"

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated again! 6/10/06
Post by: Smartypants1635 on June 10, 2006, 08:44 AM
Hey Brent, lookin good so far, Have you checked out Daigo-Bah's cantina over at that otheR Site, It looks amazing, I would check out his techinique for the wall, it would really make it look better than it already does. Not to say it doesn't look good Brent, You know what I mean.
Smarty
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated again! 6/10/06
Post by: CHEWIE on June 10, 2006, 10:35 AM
This is looking very good so far Brent.  For the side rooms, if you make them modular, I think you'll be glad you did.  Also on the flooring, you can do a rollout vinyl type thing like you were thinking - there is a type at Walmart that has texture to it, it's pure white, and you could probably paint it.

 :)
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated again! 6/10/06
Post by: Ryan on June 10, 2006, 03:29 PM
Wow excellent start Brent! If this turns out even half as good as your Jedi Council chambers we are in for a treat. :)

Make that thing as modular as possible, trust me on this one. I started making a big honkin SGC (from Stargate SG-1) dio, it is modular, but it is as close to scale as I could get it. The gate room is about 40" deep by 30" wide by 27" tall, so it barely fits through any of the doors in the house. It has become a pain to work on, because I can't store it in the place I do the actual work on it. So I rarely even work on it, becuae it is too big to fit in a car so I can't take it to my appartment, and it is such a hassle to get it from one one place to another. My strip club (which is still only about 90% done) is about the size of yours, and while it is big it really is much more manageable.

The moral here is make sure it isn't too big, so you are able to move it. You'll be glad you did.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated again! 6/10/06
Post by: Nirvana on June 10, 2006, 06:17 PM
Wow.

Too bad I'm a huge noob at Foamcor, this looks really good! I'm interested to see how it turns out.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated again! 6/10/06
Post by: BrentS on June 11, 2006, 02:34 AM
Thanks again - I hope you don't mind the frequent updates on the work in progress on this one.  Its too fun not to share.

Smarty - I did go look at that Cantina - WOW.  The big difference for his project and mine (besides his being 100x better) is that his is built as being permeant and mine will be temporary.  I think the update below has GREATLY improved the walls.   I'm going to post some of this over at RS and FFURG tomorrow.  I know there is a lot of the same traffic but I might get some feedback at some of the other sites too.

Chewie & Ryan - I agree with you - Modular the pieces are going to be.  I'm going to start hunting for vinyl flooring pretty soon.

D_N - Keep trying with the foamcore.  I've only been working with it for a month or two.  Just like other parts of customizing - practice, practice, practice.  All you need is a straight edge (I've got an old T-Square from my high school art days), a sharp knife, some cheap acrylic paints, imangination and some patience!  Keep it up.

Okay here is the update from tonights work.  I got another 4 good hours into it.  All the walls are double painted now with a base on "Trail Tan" and a wash of "Autumn brown"  The wash really really brings out the texture.  I'm quite pleased.

I've also come up with a column design that will allow me to hide the corners for the walls that are permanently attached (I'm pretty sure the walls in the main room will not glued together).  I used the same style styrene tubes to create columns and a foamcore base.

I realized that I'm going to need to put a roof (also temporary) over the back half of the display to get the desired effect (as seen in Photo 2 and 3.

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Wip3a.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Wip3b-1.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Wip3c.jpg)

As always, comments, criticisms, and suggestions are most welcome.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated finished wall painting 6/11/06
Post by: Fritzkrieg on June 11, 2006, 02:37 PM
Hooly Crap! That's Huge.

Where are you going to put that thing? That take up a quarter of my Star Wars Room.

Geat job so far, can't wait to see the end results.
 
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated finished wall painting 6/11/06
Post by: Famine on June 11, 2006, 09:09 PM
Quite cool effect on the wall.

Kevin
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated finished wall painting 6/11/06
Post by: BrentS on June 12, 2006, 04:43 PM
Hooly Crap! That's Huge.

Where are you going to put that thing? That take up a quarter of my Star Wars Room.

Geat job so far, can't wait to see the end results.
 

Unforunately, I don't know where I'm going to put it.  It will never be permenantly displayed in my house as I don't really have a room to put it in.  I'm definitely making it modular so that I can take it apart.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated finished wall painting 6/11/06
Post by: findswoman on June 12, 2006, 06:34 PM
Very impressive so far!  Since I have no expertise whatsoever in making dioramas, the best I'm going to be able to do is ooh and aah, but I do like the way it's coming along.  The photos you've shown almost look they're of a real live 1:1 room -- very cool indeed.   8)

I take it that once this is done it's going to be populated with Gardulla's various cronies and things?  The Divas, and so such?  Can't wait to see what you do with those.  :)

... the Findswoman
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated finished wall painting 6/11/06
Post by: darthmac on June 13, 2006, 03:01 PM
Looks great, I like the paint/wall texture.  Can't wait to see the rest painted.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated finished wall painting 6/11/06
Post by: jedistyle on June 13, 2006, 10:55 PM
definetley a good looking set up, the coloring is awsome, i like the darker color better than jabbas l;ight walls. great job, i can't wait to see the rest!
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated finished wall painting 6/11/06
Post by: BrentS on June 14, 2006, 03:24 PM
Update time....

I took most of the day off to celebrate my birthday (happy birthday to me).  I spent a couple of hours updated the Diorama.  The genesis of this update is a comment from FFURG where Delaton correctly pointed out that the walls didn't seem thick enough to support the structure.  So here it is with thicker walls.  The spackle needs to dry so I can paint it up.

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Wip4b.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Wip4a.jpg)

I added a little shelf inside the main arch (sort of like something I saw in a Jabba's Palace Diorama. 

I made the arches thicker by basically just gluing pieces of styrene to the arch.  Since I'm not going to show the other side, it doesn't matter if it sticks out.  This is where my piece is more of a photonovel set than an actual diorama  ;)  I can always go back and add the other side.

Okay, after the update, I need some help with a decision.  Which floor color looks better:

Light
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/floor-light.jpg)

or

Dark?
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Floor-dark.jpg)

Both of the floors are rolled out vinyl.  They have different textures that I'm going to apply a wash too.  It may be that I need to what and do that to make the final decision.  However YOUR input would be most appreciated.

Thanks for looking.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated 6/14/06 - WIP photos and a question
Post by: CHEWIE on June 14, 2006, 03:28 PM
I agree, thicker walls work well for this!  As for the vinyl floor, it looks great.  Did you paint it?  I don't think it needs a wash, but I guess it wouldn't hurt!

 :)
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated 6/14/06 - WIP photos and a question
Post by: BrentS on June 14, 2006, 03:30 PM
As for the vinyl floor, it looks great.  Did you paint it?  I don't think it needs a wash, but I guess it wouldn't hurt!

 :)

Nope I bought them this color.  I got two big pieces.  I want to add a wash to bring out the texture.  However, what I really need to decide is which color looks better :)
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated 6/14/06 - WIP photos and a question
Post by: Glassman6 on June 14, 2006, 05:16 PM
BrentS, First off, Happy Birthday.
This is comming along very well. You should give the floor a wash. Definatly.
Remeber the floor gets all the grime, espesially after a hutt slimes across it.
Blacks and Browns.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated 6/14/06 - WIP photos and a question
Post by: Smartypants1635 on June 14, 2006, 05:27 PM
Happy B-day Buddy ;D, did you get any SW items or customizing gear? Anyway the new additions to the wall look great, I especially like the shelf in the arch.
I would go with the lighter one because that is whats closest to Jabbas floor, and it also is a sandy color, I'd then wash it with a bit of dark brown or black.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated 6/14/06 - WIP photos and a question
Post by: BrentS on June 15, 2006, 02:32 PM
Thanks for the feedback (and birthday wishes).  So far the overall feedback has been more in favor of the darker brown floor - with Smarty being the notable exception.  I'm going to apply wash to each one (or multiple washes) and see which one looks better.  I'll post update pictures when I can.

Smarty - I did get a fair amount of customs supplies - Reaper paints, fine tip brushes, a magnifying light contraption, and a SW reference book (New Essential Guide to Vehicles).  I also treated myself (thanks to the approval of the boss at home) to a bunch of stuff from Mikey D's sale in the classifieds. I  got a bunch of great vehicles I never got before.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated 6/14/06 - WIP photos and a question
Post by: Smartypants1635 on June 15, 2006, 02:34 PM
Sweet, glad you had a good haul ;D
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - Updated 6/14/06 - WIP photos and a question
Post by: BrentS on June 17, 2006, 01:27 AM
Update time....

First the floor.  I took the dark vinyl and tried to add a wash.  However, as I probably should have expected, the vinyl floor just repelled the water based wash.  So Plan B was a more of a drybrush.  Here is the end results.  I pretty much used gray, black and a bit of "vermin brown".  I just did this on a small piece of the vinyl that I cut up.  Any advice for improvements??

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/DarkFloor-Wip2.jpg)

Next up, I almost completely finished reworking the "thicker" walls.  All but the main arch is finished here.  I put a few pieces together to show off the effect.  My WIP Gardulla is checking out her new digs.

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Wip5c.jpg)

Lastly, while the brown washes on the floor was drying,  I started working on Gardulla's throne.  Its foamcore based, with a nice red fabric stuffed with a little polyester fiberfill to give her some cushion.  Nothing but the best for my Sexy mama...  The walls around the throne are made from Sytrene pieces (including a cut-up "for sale" sign - thanks again for the tip Jesse!)  Obviously, the sides need to be trimmed to fit.

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Wip5b.jpg)


This will be my last update for a while, the family is taking a vacation next week to the Carribean.  Hopefully there aren't any hurricanes coming through.  Should be a great R&R but ZERO customs time.  So, it looks like I'm going to be really busy when I get back.  I still haven't put together an entry for the challenge yet and there are soo many WIPs here to be finished!!!

Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 6/16/06
Post by: BrentS on July 3, 2006, 02:01 AM
Update time. 

I was experimenting with the lighting when I was taking these pictures.  So let me know what you think.  Some of them have had their "levels" corrected in photoshop too.

Anyway, things that have been finished since the last update:

Floor is now full painted
Gardulla's throne has four sides (still needs painting)
Walls have all be made thicker, spackled, painted and washed.
Changed the front layout to show some gradual steps into the palace

I'm almost finished with the major construction/painting phase.  I'll have a lot of details to add to the make some finishing touches and I'm planning on experimenting with some lighting (gasp!)

Here are some photos:

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/WIP6a.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/WIP6b.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/WIP6c.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/WIP6d.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/WIP6e.jpg)

As always comments, questions, and criticisms are welcome.

Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/2/06
Post by: stormtripper on July 3, 2006, 02:25 AM
Nice diorama
I would have suspected Gardulla to have a loft apartment ;D
I like the spawn/ephant mon dude.. Good use of 2 big chucks of plastic. I have always wanted to do a custom dex jettster as a warrior/brawler/thug before he was a dinner cook. A little off topic, but it was the big lug that reminded me of wanting to do that. Anyway looks great..
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/2/06
Post by: BrentS on July 3, 2006, 02:29 AM
I have always wanted to do a custom dex jettster as a warrior/brawler/thug before he was a dinner cook. A little off topic, but it was the big lug that reminded me of wanting to do that. Anyway looks great..

Still staying off topic but I did something like that a few months back for one of the monthly projects.

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Kluh-Side2.jpg)
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/2/06
Post by: CHEWIE on July 3, 2006, 02:30 AM
Brent this is coming together so nicely!  Whoo Hoo!  You must be proud of this, I love it!!

If you don't mind, when it's done I'd like to spotlight it at www.yakface.com

 :)
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/2/06
Post by: Jedi_Assassin on July 3, 2006, 02:48 AM
Since Jabba had female slaves because he thought they were pretty to look at, wouldn't Gardulla have male slaves? Just a thought.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/2/06
Post by: Smartypants1635 on July 3, 2006, 02:03 PM
Actually, Hutts are hermaphroditic. :-X They just havea  male or femal personality.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/2/06
Post by: Jedi_Assassin on July 3, 2006, 02:05 PM
Oh, I didn't know that. Everyone can laugh at me now. Sorry!
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/2/06
Post by: Smartypants1635 on July 3, 2006, 03:44 PM
Most people don't know that either. ;)
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/2/06
Post by: Darth_Ennis on July 3, 2006, 05:23 PM
Man I haven't checked this thread out in quite a while it seems. :-[
I had no idea that you made so much progress. All i can really say is DAMN that is sweet.

This is coming together nicely. A nice cool palace for one hot mama. :P Gardulla is coming along nicely too.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/2/06
Post by: Outrider on July 4, 2006, 10:11 PM
Gonna be great.  I have to mention one more time how much I like that green beast master custom features in this series of pics.  This is gonna be really awesome!
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/2/06
Post by: monstermonkey on July 5, 2006, 03:56 PM
This looks awesome! I love seeing large scale dioramas like this. I've been planning a full size cantina for a while now (just picked up some foamcore and spackle for the texture) and your palace is inspiring me.
Is there an exterior to it as well?
Mike
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/2/06
Post by: IncomT65 on July 5, 2006, 04:31 PM
This is gonna be a great diorama! I don't know anything useful about dioramas but this looks extremely good. Keep it up!
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/2/06
Post by: Nirvana on July 5, 2006, 06:09 PM
Wow! Looking at this is really making me want to make a dio half this good...I just love the texture to the Fomcor walls, is that spackle?

This is just great, I can't wait to see it finished.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/2/06
Post by: BrentS on July 5, 2006, 06:30 PM
Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement.  This project is coming along slowly but steady.

DN- Yes the walls are foamcore with spackle.  There are two layers of paint (base coat + wash).

Monster Monkey - good luck with the Cantina.  I don't know if you saw the pictures from Diago-Bah's diorama (I hope I got his name right) but he made a freakin' amazing cantina.  He's posted them here and RS.

Smarty - you seem to be the king of the SW backstories.  I had no idea about the hermaphraditic nature of the Hutts.  I guess I never really thought all that much about it.  However, I can tell you, my Gardulla has boobies.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/2/06
Post by: IncomT65 on July 7, 2006, 07:44 AM
Did someone mention 'boobies'?  :P
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/2/06
Post by: BrentS on July 8, 2006, 02:01 AM
Minor Update (from a volume perspective).  I worked hard on this project several hours tonight and have a little update to share.  Its only a small portion of this but I'm very pleased with how it turned out.  Almost exactly as I had it in my imagination.

I wanted to start adding some of the "realistic" touches to the interior of the Palace.  One thing I wanted to do is put a curtain up on one of the arched doors.  Here is the output:

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Wip7a-curtain.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Wip7b-curtain.jpg)

You can also see a pillow I made out of some excess fabric and the start of something that might be a rug.  I really need a sewing machine to make this rug correct but I don't see that happening.

I'm very close to really starting to add the details to the interior.  Hopefully it comes together in the end pretty quickly.

As always, I look forward to your comments, criticisms, or questions.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/2/06
Post by: Jedi_Assassin on July 8, 2006, 02:07 AM
WoW! This is going to be one sweet dio!
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/7/06
Post by: jedistyle on July 9, 2006, 07:54 PM
that curtain looks great, it even has a draw string. this diorama is gunna be awsome when it finished, definetley looking forward to another update! great work Brent!
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/7/06
Post by: CHEWIE on July 9, 2006, 08:01 PM
Jaw just dropped on the floor... that curtain detail is unreal.  It looks like this is a mini set to a movie.  Wow Brent!

 :)
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/7/06
Post by: findswoman on July 15, 2006, 01:09 AM
Wow, this is really coming together nicely, Brent!  I like the props so far.  Maybe the daļs could use a few cushions and throw blanket type things to give it a luxurious look?  As you very rightly say, only the best for this sexy mama...  In any case, we'll work it out.  Where would you like the rugs to go? The big one in the throne room, I take it?

... the Findswoman
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/7/06
Post by: BrentS on July 15, 2006, 02:15 AM
Update time.  Lots of little things added to the mix this week.  Its really shaping up and I'm quite excited about it all.

Here's the round up of new additions:

1) Light fixtures (with working LEDs) on one wall
2) Gardulla's Dias has been resized (read shrunk) so as to not take up quite as much space.  Its also been painted.
3) Support columns painted
4) "Iron" gate added to back room
5) Staircase in back hall painted
6) Tables and fixtures sculpted and painted.

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/WIP8a.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/WIP8b.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/WIP8f.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/WIP8c.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/WIP8d.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/WIP8g.jpg)

I've been playing with the LEDs for this fixture.  I was afraid they were going to be too dim but then I removed the resistors and whammo they really turned on bright.  I may switch to some yellow lights that are a bit dimmer.  We'll have to see.  The original bulbs I bought (from Radioshack) burned out without the resistors.  However these new ones are from  Superbrightleds.com (http://www.superbrightleds.com/).  They certainly live up to there reputation!  The problem with the extra bright bulbs now is that the paint on the fixture isn't quite opaque enough.  More experimentation is needed!!

I added the gate as a suggestion from a friend of mine.  I thought about adding another curtain but ultimately decided that I liked the asymmetry.  I need to figure out some mechanism to "latch" the door shut.  The hinge does work so I can open and close the door.

As always, comments, criticisms, suggestions are welcome!
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/14/06
Post by: jedistyle on July 15, 2006, 11:14 AM
man those light fixtures look great brent. this just keep s getting better. lighting that actuallylights up and works is always so impressive to me, i've always wanted to try somthing like that, you did a great job!

the tables could stand to be a bit taller, around the figure waists. mabey you could try paint ting and scuffin up the small bar table that comes with hem dazon, so it would match you dio. actually i have 3 extra's of those tables if your interested, with your that'd be 4 and could acomedate a decent amount of scum and villany as well as make a decent size bar area, i also have a extra section of bar from the outlander night club obiwan, mabye you could use it a a small bar stand and put a bar tender behind it, jus some suggestions, if your interested just pm me!

great work brent, i always like seeing this at the top of the page.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/14/06
Post by: CloneCommander1 on July 15, 2006, 12:22 PM
WOWOWOWOWOWOW!!  Great work!  The LED's look fantastic, along with those beautiful fixtures.  The cloth curtain is just great, very realistic.  And I love how you did the walls, great work.  I only hope that when I finish the lights on my dio they'll look as good as yours.  Keep up the good work!
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/14/06
Post by: VF/501 on July 16, 2006, 04:55 AM
Looks like the perfect hive of scum and villany.  Great dio and I can't wait to see it in your PN.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/14/06
Post by: babyjawa on July 16, 2006, 06:53 AM
This is awesome! I have been watching this for a while now, but haven't posted about it. Usually I am one who gives a lot of critisism, but I unfortunatley can't here because I have no reference to compare your with. I love the curtains though. I think the fit the dio very well, and the color it great. The spackle stuff really gives it detail too...

If you wouldn't mind I'd like a few questions answered, please.

1. I have been working on a diorama also, and I have been using foamcore, but I think that it's too thin to support mine also. How did you make your thicker walls? Was it layers of foamcore?

2. How do you wash/give something a wash? I've searched for it before, but I'm just really stupid at finding a thread. The search never works the way I want it.

Thanks,

babyjawa...
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/14/06
Post by: IncomT65 on July 16, 2006, 03:13 PM
....  :o (I'm speechless in a very very very positive way  ;D)
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/14/06
Post by: blaster_e11 on July 17, 2006, 03:39 AM
i love it

great design and the details are so cool (not unlike mike beaulieu's dio of jabba's palace) 8)
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/14/06
Post by: BrentS on July 17, 2006, 11:20 AM
Thanks again for all the positive feedback. 

I think I'm going to do a major rework on one part of this diorama.  Inspiration hit over the weekend.  However, since I'm getting close to finishing things up so I'm thinking about holding off future updates until the Photonovel is ready so that there is some surprise...

As far as the comments go. 

Jedistyle - The general consensus is that the tables are the "weakest" part so far.  I kind of sculpted them on the fly.  I'm probably keep them but I might make some bigger versions too.

babyjawa - (1) to "thicken" the door arches, I glued a piece of styrene that I cut from a "for sale" sign.  (2) washes are applied with very watered down paints.  I but a base coat down of the lighter tan and then wash with a watered down dark brown.  I just brush it over and blot it dry if its too much.  I'm really just trying to bring out the details from the spackle. 
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/14/06
Post by: findswoman on September 2, 2006, 11:17 PM
Just a quick bump to let Brent know that I've some of the softgoods he asked for!  :)  Photos forthcoming pending his approval...

... the Findswoman
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/14/06
Post by: BrentS on September 3, 2006, 09:38 AM
Thanks again finds... Just to be a tease, I'm thinking about holding those back even a bit more.  This project is almost finished.  With any luck, I can put the finishing touches on it next week.  Shortly after that the Photonovel will be ready for its "debut"

Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/14/06
Post by: Darth_Ennis on September 5, 2006, 06:21 PM
Personally I cant wait. ;D
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/14/06
Post by: BrentS on September 26, 2006, 11:52 AM
Bumpity, bump, bump.... I just got a PM from findswoman.  She was making some "soft goods" extras to help me complete this project.  Apparently, she's got them all finished and should be shipped soon.  That means that all the parts to make up this diorama project are finished. 

If all the stars align, I'll be able to take some photos on Friday night (before I leave for a weekend trip).  However, since this diorama was built entirely for photonovel work I'm probably going to have to wait for the next chapter to really show it off.

I'll try to give you at least one or two preview pics on Friday though :)
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/14/06
Post by: Darth_Ennis on September 27, 2006, 08:28 PM
Dammit...YOU TEASE!!!! ;D

Cant wait. ;D
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/14/06
Post by: findswoman on September 27, 2006, 10:38 PM
Soft goods are on their way to you, Brent!  Expect them very soon!  :)

... the Findswoman
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - WIP Updated 7/14/06
Post by: BrentS on September 30, 2006, 02:42 AM
Well, I know that I said I wouldn't show the finished Palace until after the next chapter of the Photonovel is finished.  However, I just couldn't wait  :D I'm very pleased with how this whole project came together.  There will be many many more pictures in the photonovel and after the photonovel.

But for now, here are a few photos for your enjoyment:

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Dias01.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Stage01.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Slave01.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Gardulla-Palace/Med01.jpg)

A special HUGE thanks goes out to findswoman for her excellent "soft goods"  She is responsible for the rugs, blankets, pillows, and wall hangings.  THANKS again!
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - FINISHED 9/26/06
Post by: Ryan on September 30, 2006, 03:53 AM
I think it is fair to say this has completely blown my expectations out of the water. You really did a top notch job on this 'photonovel set.' It sure looks like a full blown dio to me. All the little details you've added since the last update look fantastic. Esther did a marvelous job on all the tapestries and pillows.

It's so hard to pick out a favorite aspect in all of this. there is so much to look at. The little stage lights really stand out for me though, it's the little details like that make this dio so visually appealing. I really like the little trinkets of the shelves in Shmi's little bedding area. The Gatorade bottle works very well as a coolant tank too. :)

I'm curios where are Shmi's bedroom and that droid in relation to the main room, are they through the door to the left of Gardulla there or do you clear out the main hall and rearrange it for those particular shots? From what I can tell you've done a very good job with the layout. It should be fairly easy to shoot different spots in different angles with a slightly different furniture set-up to make it look like a completely different dio.

I can't wait to see it in action!
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - FINISHED 9/26/06
Post by: CloneCommander1 on September 30, 2006, 11:51 AM
This is absolutley a fantastic dio!  I really like all the little touches you added, like that cool machine the droid is using.  The walls and floor look fantastic, and all your characters you made for it look great!  Can't wait to see it in action!
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - FINISHED 9/26/06
Post by: Darth_Ennis on September 30, 2006, 05:20 PM
I am totally speechless. This is AWESOME!!! Well worth the wait. I wanna see more pictures. You have done a fantastic job on this Brent.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - FINISHED 9/26/06
Post by: Desfiy on October 1, 2006, 09:39 AM
Well done I saw the first test shots of it and nwo I see the finished oen it rocks well done, this looks cool.

Love the machine that the 2-1B is operating what is it, drinks dispenser perhaps.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - FINISHED 9/26/06
Post by: Jediknight760071 on October 1, 2006, 09:39 PM
I just creamed myself. I love it.  :-*
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - FINISHED 9/26/06
Post by: BrentS on October 3, 2006, 12:14 PM
Thanks for all the feedback.  I'm glad everyone likes it so much.  Its been a great project to work on and took so much longer than I ever expected.

Jediknight - hope you had a towel handy  ;)  but come on, its not that good.

Captain J Sparrow - thanks!  as far as the machine... you'll have to wait for the Photonovel to find that out.

Ennis - Thanks again!  I know you've been waiting for these.  Once I realized that it was going to take so long to finish up the PN photography, I figured I couldn't keep you waiting to much more.  There are lots and lots of more pictures planned.

CC - glad you liked it.  I really think its the little touches that set these apart.  I'm not conviced I added enough but I'm going with it as is for now!

Ryan - Too much praise!  It really was built to be a photonovel set.  However, it certainly looks and feels like a full diorama.  Most of time I put these up and take a few photos and then take it back down.  I left this up for a few days and just sort of looked at it :)  As far as how the diorama is put together.  The droid room is off to the left throught he curtain.  However, since each of those other rooms is just part of the "set" it doesn't exactly flow together.  If you look behind the curtain you can see the door that is beside the medical droid.  For the main chamber, I just pushed the other items in that room to the side.  Shmi's chamber is in a room directly behind the main chamber (to the left of the gate).  You can't actually see it in any of the shots I provided.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - FINISHED 9/26/06
Post by: Jediknight760071 on October 3, 2006, 05:02 PM
Quote
its not that good.

Pshhh. I know you don't really think that. This is no time to be modest...you just finished an awesome project and made half the forum jealous.
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - FINISHED 9/26/06
Post by: BrentS on October 12, 2006, 09:07 PM
Now that I've finished up the photonovel.  I promised to update with some more photos.  Some are new and some are part of the PN:

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Palace05.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Palace01.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Palace03.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Palace02.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Palace04.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Palace06.jpg)
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - FINISHED 9/26/06
Post by: findswoman on October 18, 2006, 12:07 AM
Wow, those are some really nice photos, Brent!  The lighting looks very convincing (as does the shadow, of which a place like this will have quite a bit!).  I'm looking forward to seeing the photonovel -- it's super cool when a well-made dio like this can become part of an original story. 

Incidentally, does the hot-pink-haired lady who seems to be the same race as Rystįll or Diva Shaliqua have a name and/or role in the story, or is she just a background character?  She's one of my favorite figures currently posing in those photos (though those twin Twi'Lek's are quite nice too -- based on Agent Annika, no doubt?). 

Looking forward to seeing more!

... the Findswoman
Title: Re: Gardulla's Palace - FINISHED 9/26/06
Post by: monstermonkey on October 18, 2006, 10:11 AM
 :o Wow, that palace is party central!! The walls and floor look like real stone/stucco. I love the variety of aliens too. Awesome job, Brent!