Figure reference



The big question in this project has always been how to get figure reference so that the two divers flow as if suspended in water and give some indication that they are negotiating a gentle tide while working to attach the explosives to the lower half of the mine.  Given that the chances of a model holding such positions long enough to work from are slim, I decided to catch the movement by way of 3D scans and then use the results as my reference.  To do this, Misti constructed a sling system with slip and grip knots so that limbs could be manoeuvred to correspond to the maquette positions.

I am fortunate to have a gym nearby which is run by the remarkable Andy Hackney.  Andy kindly agreed to model in what turned out to be a strenuous position.  To get a scan, Ian from Europac3D needed Andy to stay still for 5 minutes at least.  No mean feat.  Here are the pictures.

NB
Andy is not wearing the drysuit.  For this reference, I need to see what the body is doing beneath the drapery.  Furthermore, it is impossible to replicate on dry ground the effect of water pressure on a dry suit.

Testing the sling system...never ask a model to do something you wouldn't do yourself!

Ian scanning Andy




The figure reference shots of Diver #2






Comments

  1. Vernon Monument PMgrApril 6, 2019 at 11:44 AM

    Great to see work on the Vernon Minewarfare and Diving Monument moving along.
    Mark is doing a slight re-design to that presented to the selection panel at the end of last year.
    When we changed the site from Vernon Basin (5 metres deep) to the next basin along in Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, Pool B, (1.2metres deep) we needed to adjust the overall height of the monument.
    Mark plans to complete the half-life-size statuette in June. We will then be able to see the "Final" shape of the design of the monument and give a much clearer "Artist's Impression" than we have now.

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