In fact, time to add some colour... The quarries in this area are mainly of 'oolitic limestone'. Now limestone is usually white/grey and the basic quarry would be good to go... However, this limestone varies in shade between a honey colour and darker shades of sepia etc. So, time to add some paint.

Being a cheapskate I look to do this as cost-effectively as possible, and the 'test pots' sold by the commercial ranges like 'Dulux' fit the bill nicely. They are 'vinyl-based' so will readily mix with artists colours like acrylic and gouache. So first job is to set up the palette. An old plate serves very well!

I use a limited range of colours - starting at 10 o'clock - Dulux 'Delicious' (it isn't....), Raw Sienna, Titanium White and Yellow Ochre all from the Rowney 'Cryla' range.

First tip - when adding colour, the brush-strokes should follow the rock 'stratigraphy'.

Using the dark to light principle again -

a base-coat of 'Delight' is added. cover as well as possible but bear in mind there's other layers yet -

Raw Sienna goes on next - and will mix with the still-wet base layer. Followed by

Yellow Ochre. I try to catch flat vertical surfaces and edges with this. Finally -

a dash of the white is added, trying to catch edges etc as a highlight.

At this stage, stand back and take a look. Is all the plaster covered? If not, add more paint - but work 'dark to light' again in those areas.

does it match with previously-painted areas? -

If not, adjust where required BUT bear in mind that earth colours DO vary so don't panic too much!

Time to move down onto the quarry floor. This area of the quarry is 'abandoned' so there will be damp areas, grasses and bog. I followed the scheme above but then introduced 'Sap Green' starting at the foot of the quarry (where water would naturally congregate) and pulling it out onto the quarry-floor.

Once that was done, time to stand back for another look & adjust where neccessary.

Last step was to put the building module roughly in place for an overall effect...

Next step will be to add the foliage, but now there's a problem. Last year I bought a 'Flock-It' machine - but never got around to using it. Last October I had to be fitted with a pacemaker and, lo & behold on the instructions it says 'Not to be used if you have a heart condition/pacemaker' . I've e-mailed 'Greenscene for advice but it looks like I'm going to have to use my old techniques

So I might have a machine going cheap....

Regards

Ian