After looking at the gaming mat I made last weekend it looked too much like a desert, rather than the arid landscape I was after. So I decided to add a bit more grass/vegetation to the map. This was lightly sponged on with three shades of green. A mid green which was followed by a light green, before a final sponging of a browny green.
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| Additional vegetation added |
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| A quick reminder of how the mat looked before the extra sponging. |
I did think at one stage of the sponging process I had made a mistake and all together ruined the mat as the green was looking too vivid. However, it all came together with the last sponging of brown-green which toned down the grass/vegetation.
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| A close up of the sponged area |
With the gaming mat now looking more arid and less desert, it was time to play a game of two. I decided to start with some One-Hour Wargaming style games with a number off modifications to represent the troop types.
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| An ancients game in progress |
That is spot on Peter, great work.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Paul.
Thanks, sometimes having a break to reassess helps with the process.
DeleteThis is superb work Peter - and better than much of what can be bought online for almost £100.
ReplyDeleteI have spotted sponges, appropriate paints and the sackcloth material needed - and I will take inspiration from your work to start looking at my own efforts.
...I do have artistic daughters - however their prices (even for the old man) are far too high ;)
Good luck with your mat. The materials I have used in the past are: canvas drop sheets, curtain material, and upholstery material. The drop sheet is the cheapest. And when sponging I start with heavily watered down colours and gradually build up the colour. The same approach could be used with a painted board.
DeleteTop stuff matey. Looks great.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteThis looks much better Peter and as you say, less deserty.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I think I have got the balance right.
DeletePretty perfect effect.
ReplyDeleteThank you, sponging is a nice technique with allows you to rework to achieve the desired effect.
DeleteLovely effect with the sponging and it looks convincing - have you considered a bit of sponging to the edges of the figure bases as in the photos the edges seem paler than the cloth. Of course it could just be how they catch the light (I shan't say anything about where the light is coming from).
ReplyDeleteWhen can we expect the first Punic Wargame?
The sponging came out better than expected with this mat. The bases are a tad lighter than the mat, partly exacerbated by the light. I may do a brown wash over the bases to tone them down.
DeleteAs for sponging the bases, it's a bit tricky once the figures are all based up. In hindsight I could have sponged the bases before adding the figures. I will remember for next time.
The next posts will have more on the rules and a game report. Deferring them presently as I am just having so much fun playing some test games.