No Sign Competition for Me :(

I have tried to stick to the "A little here, a little there" adage on our Institute sign for the competition we're involved in, but sadly there isn't any time left in the day for me anymore. And I'm a huge believer in doing what you love, and I know that if I'm not enjoying doing the Institute sign, then I shouldn't be doing it. I will finish the sign, but the competition will be long over. It kind of stinks a little, but I really am running out of time, on all of our projects! The vacuum former was a bit of an unplanned event, I was hoping to tackle it in the slower winter months.

The last little bits that got done to the octopus was the body paint job. I base coated the body with the MM copper paint.

I decided not to use the MM copper patina at this point, as I don't like the uncontrolled way it gets applied, especially because I want varying degrees of patina. So I went with a verdigris paint/glaze mixture.

A lot of the vents, and other small sections got picked out with varying tones of Rustoleum Metallic Accent paints.

I wanted the bottom of the octopus to be very patina-d. The hull shape, and prop guard keel were based loosely on the very early transoms of steam ships, and I wanted the texture to match. This was iron paint, dusted with iron powder. The powder goes almost black and rough like very old rusty metal. The overspray from the rusting solution really pushed the copper paints age that I used on the main body, so the whole underside looks in pretty rough shape, absolutely perfect for this!

So sadly I have to shelf our sign for the time being, but I will start it again soon, as it's way too cool no to finish!!!
8)
JWO