Redwoods 1 ("Sequoia Study")

Several of these models will be featured in an upcoming television commercial for a manufacturer of a major name-brand video game machine, which will air this fall. At that point I can add a link to the commercial.

Here are several images of the work that was done, and also some prototype photos for comparison. These were between 32-36 inches tall and with the tops of the trees omitted.

This was my biggest model tree project yet, and we are hopeful it will lead to more opportunities! :)

-Rog

A, below: Prototype photos. To model a sequoia, capturing the red quality of the bark, and the deep, sometimes irregular grooves, would be essential.

B, below: I felt I was making good progress with the bark detail and texture. Perhaps I made some progress toward prototypical color. (you must click on the image to get the full size).

C, below: I created this background painting because I wanted to see if I could create some realistic images:

D, below: The process of creating the trunks involves carving. For straight trees, I began with milled clear-grain Port Orford cedar, which is the common name for Chamaecyparis lawsoniana. Some I turned on my router-lathe combination machine. Others were more or less hand-carved. (you must click on the image to get the full size).

E, below: For these trees to be used in the television commercial, the sequoia bark was not needed, but I used the techniques I had learned with the carving and engraving the bark detail, which was another opportunity for improvement. (you must click on the image to get the full size).