Want a better backdrop scene? Series host Steve Brown desperately desires something other than plain blue sky to grace his N scale layout background, so he jumps right into the process for hand painting his own mountain skyline. Grab your paint, brush, and big ideas, and then follow along the “Regular Guy” way!
Backdrop painting, Ep. 22
By Jenny Freeland | March 30, 2021
Hey Steve thanks for showing that we can do this painting. I’ve found that watching Bob Ross recordings helps with how to make stuff look 3-D. What you need is Bob’s “mist” between the mountains. You prob can’t do the wet-on-wet technique that Ross uses because the paints are amazingly expensive, but the idea itself can still apply. Many of Ross’ videos have mountains in them in the background, so shouldn’t be hard to find some on YouTube.
Check out CNLVN on YouTube. He has some good videos on painting.
Steve your background looks great.
Great backdrop techniques, Steve!
Again Steve, you are awesome. To me this is among the best painted backdrops I’ve ever seen. No kidding. You have inspired me to do my own on my next layout. I just love “The Regular Guy Way”!
Like everyone else here my back drops ended up sort of being a hobby onto itself. I enjoyed the process. this was my old HO Layout. Since I’m starting over in On30 I get to do it all over. Like you say something gets out of “Whack” and becomes un rescuable, you just start over, no big deal! Great Job, Steve!
Your backdrop gives the illusion of distance without drawing away from the trains. You have given my some good ideas for my backdrop. Thanks and keep the regular guy ideas coming.
I did this technique on my former HO El Tarasco RR. It did take on a life of it’s own and came out well. I will be taking a new approach on my new N as I only have 12 inch high backdrops (I raised the height of the benchwork to make it easier to get under-so smaller backdrop). Rail on brother.