White water

After the last post about the river, my local expert Tom Dauben pointed out (with photographic evidence) that Dartmoor streams flowing through rocky areas do have areas of white water, such as over rocks or through narrows. So, I thought I should make the stream look a bit more dynamic with some more texture, and a touch of white water in appropriate places.

Out came the heavy gloss gel again and "ridges" were created over and upstream of rocks and where the stream narrows to suggest the water flowing over obstructions. 

As expected from the previous experience, these ridges didn't dry completely clear but had some milkyness in the thicker areas, but this time that's OK. I then added more white with white acrylic paint dry-brushed onto the tops of the ridges, and streaking downstream of them, where water would be turbulent and appear white. I obviously forgot to photograph that stage...

After about 5 days I added the Magic Water over the lot, despite the extra wait this still started to look milky in places, though not as bad as last time, but this time I knew I only need to wait.

And here's the result, I think the magic water might have smudged/blurred the dry-brushed white a little but that's OK, it does add a clear and high-gloss finish and slightly softens the texture from the gloss gel which finishes off the stream nicely. The little rapids as the stream flows through and over the rocks hopefully looks convincing and adds interest and drama. 

After the culvert the stream opens out and after some final rocky obstructions joins the slightly slower flowing, deeper river.

The rest of the river edge has also had the magic water treatment now and sparkles nicely. I also moved the heron from the wall where he was vulnerable, and didn't have a good solid foundation (the wall is just foam), and is now rooted into a hole drilled into one of the plaster rocks. 

Over the last couple of weeks I've also been testing stock, carrying out repairs and adjustments to couplings and mechanisms, and generally preparing for Heworthy's second exhibition this weekend at Uckfield. It's always a good show, and Hexworthy will be easy to spot as it will be located in the entrance lobby. If you visit do say hello!