Painting A Miniature French House Made From Styrofoam

[@olehippy13]

man.... that is really awesome. YOU ought to be in the movie industry... making minatures... They still use them. WOW.

[@stevesstuff1450]

Martin....you should be model building in the major film studios! The quality of this work is just ridiculously good!! Exceptional... 😁👍

[@davenik1999]

That is fantastic work, and it was deeply satisfying seeing it come together!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Sadly, it looks just like the roof on my house now!! I really enjoyed the video Martin!!

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Thanks Nigel, now I feel a bonsai would look nice behind one of the windows! :)

[@Aby7799]

Hi Nigel good to see you here, I'm a sub to your channel..

[@cell32005]

Wow, what a fantastic Venn overlap of interests ... And I feel privileged to be in it. :) ❤️

[@TeoAnimations]

I can't imagine making such a building from styrofoam! Awesome!

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

It's hard to imagine until you try it out! I was in the same position earlier this year :)

[@jacobs_models995]

Oh, I'm very early now. Well, wanted to say, I'm always in awe of what you do each video, and I'm really pumped for the final dio🤘

[@csongorszegedi-csinady8231]

My jaw dropped when you finally revealed those cracks painted and highlighted. For a split second I refused to believe that you actually painted those by hand. Great job, and I really like how this work turned out.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Those painted cracks is a trick I learned from my diorama sensei Volker Bembennek. Most of the techniques used on this house come from his work, he's the real MVP! If you google his name you'll find many of his amazing works!

[@csongorszegedi-csinady8231]

@@NightShiftScaleModels Thank you for your recommendation, I'll take a look at his creations. Keep up the good work, I really appreciate the effort put into creating those dioramas.

[@harryanderson7282]

The fact that this started out life as a humble, non-descript block of styrofoam is simply mind-boggling.

[@treyzmodels422]

Wow ! Awesome, really love how the advertising letters came out!👍 Building is looking great !

[@patavinity1262]

I live in France and Byrrh is a product that still exists. I've used it to make cocktails before.

[@radeksekula]

I'm amazed to see how good the rocks look. I would NOT believe it if someone told me that this warm grey basecoat + watered down light color could give such a nice result. I really like how you mention the various references and how you let them kind of guide your thought process. And I need to get myself some of that ballast fixer :D That wood coloring and orange staining from rusty nails really reminded me of what I saw at my grandparets' houses in their villages. The only thing I'm not too sure about is the wood grain, looks quite aggressive. When you type in 'old fence' into google images you can see a lot of those grey washed out planks, but the wood grain is barely visible without a serious zoom in. Or maybe it's just your camera work being too good and it catches those sharp color changes too well :D

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

One would normally assume that neutral grey, or even cold, bluish tones would be appropriate for stones. However, I've seen it done in other dioramas and didn't quite like the result. Rocks are often dusty, covered in lichen and whatnot, so they naturally look "warmer". You're making a good point about the woodgrain. I got carried away because it was a new, fast and easy technique :D

[@Modkits131]

Uncle Nightshift videos are what make my Friday’s complete. :-)

[@marckoppelman7170]

Just amazing watching this house come to "life". Clear explanation and a great result. Just one thing though: when applying the wash to the moss did the PVA glue not dissolve?

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

The PVA dries really fast and it won't budge :) You can go to town with watered down acrylics.

[@marckoppelman7170]

@@NightShiftScaleModelsMany thanks for your reaction :-) Because I normally use watered down PVA when I want to put on static grass etc. and when I saw you put on the wash the first thing I thought was isnt that going to give some issues with the PVA?

[@stavros_SX]

@@marckoppelman7170 Not all PVA's are the same. It took me a long time to figure that out. What you're looking for is a PVA for exterior use that's water resistant. Interior use PVA's tend to reactivate when soaked in water. I'd suggest you go to a store and check the descriptions of different PVA's. I've been using a wood glue which claims that it's intended for both interior and exterior use, is also water resistant and I have no issues when applying washes :)

[@marckoppelman7170]

@@stavros_SX I just checked my stock and both bottles should be water resistant ;-)

[@thetundratamer1665]

i just love how even he isn´t like a super profesional that can do everything out the book but rather he learns doing things and i can just only respect that! love your videos and can´t wait to learn more.

[@lesthiele4921]

Hi Martin, that was absolutely outstanding work, that sign came out perfectly as did the rext of the building, I think I have said before, you are one of the true masters of this great hobby, I hope you and your family are keeping safe and well, best best regards from a Kiwi living in Australia.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Thank you! Slovakia is currently under another lockdown, so there's plenty of time for modelling!

[@ncstonecrew]

Never a dull video. Painting the antique sign is brilliant! Thanks

[@ModeliteDiorama]

I agree with you that it is more satisfying to create something completely on your own, instead of just building a model!

[@daniellejones5981]

Martin, you are now addicted to Buildings! It happened to me with Mini-Art 15yrs ago! People thought I was nuts to use Foam for Buildings, but here we are. Yours are Amazing! This is the Best I've ever seen, truly! And Thank You for showing us how.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Buildings are so awesome and working with foam is highly addictive! Suddenly whenever I'm outside I keep photographing old buildings and thinking how cool they'd look in 1/35 scale :)

[@daniellejones5981]

@@NightShiftScaleModels I love Foam! it's the greatest! I'm pretty good but you are the Master!!!

[@dylonbronson4542]

Whenever you get to making/ painting water from resin; you should do a “ Panzer of the lake “ diorama to show it off!

[@notbloodylikely4817]

Amazing. I not only love the whole build, but all the little lessons about how different things react with other things, like moss turns cement into soil. I did not know that. Also, using the absorbing effects of wood vs non absorbent 3D printed elements. This is next level modelling.

[@CJ-qv7oo]

I take my hat off to you sir!! Absolutely breathtaking work!!..🤯🤯👌👌😍😍

[@jimaltergott9326]

Very nice Martin! I think what impresses me the most is how you blend all of the contrasting shapes and colors together to make it look like real brick, stone, wood & glass.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

It's usually about working with the same color palette, such as using mostly the same colors on wood and rocks, but also blending different textures with washes, filters and whatnot :)

[@thomasmontgomery4597]

Being an architect and a modell builder - this looks real cool - Only tip I have, for the windows, try making the hollow space deeper and paint the "room" a dark, dark grey and fade inward to black to give you the look of real rooms behind the windows.

[@jerrypickard1709]

Such perfection for such an old building! This video blew my mind, loved it!

[@kylehood1657]

This is honestly the best work you have done to date and some of the best I've ever seen when it comes to scale buildings. Can't wait to see this integrated into the base.

[@AdasPK]

That is one of the most amazing architectural dioramas I have ever seen. You are trully an inspiring artist.

[@iamyourmuse]

That was so cool especially the sign. Most people don't own the airbrush painter but it sure does come in handy for this project.

[@timrtc]

Superb work. Fascinating to see the advertising board under construction.

[@darreld1163]

It amazes me that you can achieve this much detail with your weekly timeframe. Can’t wait to see the diorama come together. 👍

[@peteschweddy6871]

Loved the video Uncle. Last weeks as well. Actually, all of them. You haven't made a video I didn't like. The house looks awesome! If any of you are on the fence about subscribing to his Patreon ... get off the fence! It is absolutely worth it! You can watch the different stages as these things come together AND ask questions about it. Better than any hobby magazine I ever subscribed to.

[@david1274]

I love your house builds. The whole building process looked really good, but after the moss and green color it was perfect :)

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Moss on buildings is like oil stains on tanks - the cherry on top :D

[@stephenbridges2791]

Very nice result. You are probably closer to being right about the bird droppings than you might think. I worked for awhile in construction many years ago and the amount of damage that is done to various roofing materials is astounding. Birds, tree limbs, winds, etc. all contribute in their own fashion to the look of a roof. Yours looks very realistic. Seriously realistic!

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Thanks for the explanation, that's seriously bamboozling!

[@stephenbridges2791]

@@NightShiftScaleModels I haven't heard that word in awhile. ;-)

[@ivansmith654]

I live in Thuir France where Byrrh (the locals say is not a wine it's an apéritif) is made, the building is a good copy of what is seen here it is a bit too tall (about half a meter or so IRL) but over all well-made the colors are great the advertisement for Byrrh is fantastic! You could send a photo to the main office of Byrrh with your tank in the photo, their would love it! Some place here use bricks that are much larger by three or four sizes bigger that go back 300 or so years! Look at the castle of Perpignan, near Thuir!

[@OtterCreek]

If I ever need some inspiration to model, this is a go to channel, unfortunately it also makes me feel very inferior in my skills!!! AMAZING!!!

[@stephenumbrell5261]

In case you're wondering, Byrrh is an aromatised wine apertif made of red wine. It was more popular in the early 20th century than today.

[@uriance88]

The recommendation to keep reference photos near is something I think I'll make a sign of and post on my hobby desk so as to not forget.

[@FredGlt]

Honestly Martin, you've outdone yourself once again. That building looks absolutely stunning!

[@MacD1074]

Great job. All the weathering and detail on the house really brought it to life.

[@simonisenberg4516]

Wow! I love vacationing in old french towns. Only ting that bugs me a bit is that when you gather details and ideas from multiple references, you can get a bit of detail and idea overload. It's like three houses in one. But at least you can look at it for quite a while and still notice new details. Love the weathered greyish wood. I can almost smell and feel it.

[@martinhagenstein]

I was a big fan from the beginning! But after all those tanks you lost me. Now with the diorama video's i am so happy to be back.. I missed your voice😅 Even bought a proxxon wire cutter now. I love it...

[@dcl4dg]

I have zero interest on modelling, but watching you at work, and listening, is like therapy. The minutes just gently roll by. Great stuff, and so very talented.

[@klonik79]

yellow mortar, is old type of mortar made of lime and sand, variations of it (it is dependent on location and lime / sand) were used most notably on medieval castles, but before and after. Grey mortar you are more used to, is Portland cement based. Portland cement in large enough quantities was only available from like mid to late 1800's, but it was expensive, more so if you had to ship it to rural areas so lime mortar was used well into mid 20th century, and is still used in renovations and such.

[@jonL88]

I could watch you build houses all day, you’re my new Bob the Builder

[@brandonb1681]

This guy's work reminds me of the model/set builders Toho employed for their kaiju movies. Hours of beautiful work just to be destroyed. This looks so real.

[@ЕвгенийТитов-э1ц]

Dude, you're just a Deity of Modeling! I have not seen the best work. Such attention to detail.

[@scimd20]

Probably my favorite project you've done! It looks absolutely incredible martin. I wouldn't be mad if you become more diorama-focused, there's so much variety and new techniques that it makes for really compelling videos.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Dioramas offer infinite creative possibilities and I'm absolutely in love with them! I'm nearly finished with this one and I can't wait to start working on another one.

[@markstott6689]

Your foray into building construction is inspirational. It had me do an online search for Byrrh during which I find it still exists although now owned by Ricard instead of the original family. I'll be heading on to your road building next it would seem. I expect to be wowed 😊

[@scalebuilder_sweden]

Fantastic build!! I think you flipped the door 180 degress, the lagre ”mirror” should be at the top. Keep up the fantastic work!!!

[@eoinm5758]

I just fell into this randomly to say my mind is blown is an understatement, I'm dying to try my hand at it I just know I don't have the creativity level to carry it out

[@4rjohny5]

I would never have known it was Styrofoam if it wasn't written in the tile. Incredible detail and work kind sir! 🤩

[@benoitlemaire9072]

Great great job Martin! Who can imagine it's only foam under! You should take a picture in B&W and compare to your reference picture. Difference should be mostly unseeable. Congratulations

[@endgovernmentextremism]

The white stuff on some roofs is calcium and / or limescale, as far as I know. Leeching out of the stonework during the rain. Another awesome project, man. Always enjoy your uploads.

[@coldnova]

The white stuff on the tiles is likely lichen or moss of some sort. Used to live in a tiled house and it loved growing up there.

[@johnwoodside8714]

One of the best house builds I've seen. Great work as usual.

[@area1084]

Stunning. The attention to detail is beyond Pluto!!!

[@glenaetitmus2106]

Many thanks Martin for this extremely intuative video. I was already thinking about investing in a syrofoam cutter, your creations thoroughly convinced me so I Iordered a Proxxon the following day. Since receiving it, I have been makind stone retainong walls and bridge abbutmants in HO scale, with your methods of sculpting and painting styrofoam, the results were outstanding, so much so that my attempts with other materials (embossed stone card) were totally eclipsed and were replaced forthwith..!

[@jamesvozar1]

This is worthy of proper recognition, can we make this go viral? The finest work i`ve seen on youtube.

[@ИльяКузнецов-м7ъ]

Спасибо за видео. Это один из лучших результатов окрашивания макета 1:35, который я видел в сети. Лайк! Thanks for the video. This is one of the best results of coloring a 1:35 layout that I have seen online. Like!

[@shelleymcafee8197]

I love watching You create; Your videos are so-amazing and inspirational! This Evening I’m watching them with My Mum and Dad, and we’re all feeling delight! …Our fingers are ‘itching’ to try!!! Thank-You so much for sharing!!!

[@edscoble]

Aw man my parents live near the town that make Byrrh! it's a good choice of poster.

[@BlackHat302Gaming]

Wow, the wall sign is AWESOME, beautiful work all round.

[@Panzer4h]

Thank you very much for this video! Thanks to you, I got into hobby modeling again after about 10 years of pause! Now I'm in process of building a large French diorama with Leopold in 1:35 (gun is already finished) and you are inspiring me with every next video!

[@HeavyTone66]

Awesome build, totally agree with scratch building architecture being more rewarding than building a kit. The painted sign is a great touch. The finished building is top notch, enjoy your festive season!

[@Ennio444]

This is the most times I've thought "Damn, this is a nicely finished model, I wonder what will he do in the next 10 minutes" during a video ever.

[@90Gunni]

You are just nut! The result on those stones and wooden parts is mindblowing! Amazing work!

[@AbandonedMiniatures]

This looks so good! Masterful weathering.

[@huguesaufrais8057]

Byrrh factory is in my hometown!😅 So fun to see the brand featured here!😆

[@MagnusMoerkoereJohannesen]

This is without a doubt the most gorgeous mini I've ever seen! Weta needs to hire you for their "bigatures" :O

[@scottmccloud9029]

I throughly impressed. Your work is fenominal!. Very well done, sir.

[@Basboy93]

If you want to paint the acetate without it "creeping away", be sure to spray a layer of gloss varnish over it before mounting them into the window frames, it'll make painting dust 100x easier :D

[@Meagain921]

I watch your videos with a sense of awe……thank you🤗

[@restaurantquality]

Fantastic work!!! Mike Rinaldi gave you props in a live stream the other day....

[@keeleycarrigan]

The one thing I notice with all the grout techniques is that the finished look makes it look newer than it would. Excess grout left on the brick/stone faces would wear off over the years but it’s still visible in these techniques. I wonder if doing a quick wipe with a wet cloth or paper towel would help get rid of the grout remnants on the stone faces.

[@sclogse1]

Marvelous. I'd like to see a pic of it taken outdoors.

[@rwseemore1]

Again I'm in awe of your talent, planning and absolute artistic ability! I haven't modeled in 40 years but am tempted to dive back in after watching you. Some of the kits I've seen you work are much more detailed than they were when I was modeling!

[@FullDemiurge]

Insta-liking this video. I have yet to watch it!

[@I_Don_t_want_a_handle]

Another masterclass, thank you Maestro! BTW to make cracks pop lightly scribe them first, gets rid of the 2D look more effectively than just paint alone.

[@ryanbruner8928]

I can't do things like this anymore,but I can still love it,amazing,Muh Friend!

[@dellawrence4323]

Amazing, you are an artist and have the patience of a Saint.

[@MySelf____]

Man it was so nice to see you be so excited and proud about the add part on the house. cheers man, this really was a piece of work

[@ronalddwyer6592]

I learned a lot of great techniques on modeling buildings from your builds.. Thanks for sharing. Keep on building and sharing these great techniques. I like learning and trying new stuff everyday. Be safe and look forward to your next video.👍🚂🚢⛵🎨

[@violenttriangles]

Utterly incredible and has changed how I approach wood

[@terrain4print]

Super impressive paint job. I appreciate your attention to detail, patience and skill.

[@marcelwildeboer]

I really hoop you will show us more off this kind off builds.

[@chrispowell2947]

incroyable. the mossy roof in particular is amazing.

[@chrisjordan4210]

Absolutely brilliant, don't think I'd like that room on the top storey though - imagine walking through that doorway on a dark night. The mortar effects between the bricks and stonework are just about perfect.

[@junglelands9119]

Bravo...Night shift, thats a beautiful piece of work. I seriously think you should bring out a 2 hour dvd. I know no one buys dvds, but you know what I mean. Have a think about it, I know I would buy it.

[@harlech2]

MA-FRENS!!!! Made my Sunday!! Brick and Morty... we saw what you did there!!!!!! Great work!

[@FredWilbury]

Oh boy a man pleased with his results , loved the build Martin 👌😎

[@alanmoffat4454]

NOW THATS OUTSTANDING WORK EXCEPTIONALLY WELL DONE .

[@JensAndree]

What a fantastic video Martin!!! Many thanks for putting in the effort for making your superb videos - and the diorama is going to be awesome! There's so much more joy in scratch building than just buying some prefab diorama bits... I haven't done much foam work since I don't have any, but I should pay a visit to the DIY store soon and buy a sheet of insulation foam and experiment. So much faster to work with than plaster for sure.

[@stephenwheeler76]

Very creative again, I have only been watching for a about 8 months so I'm somewhat new to your show, but I now never miss a show, I have learned a great deal from you, thanks.

[@6axlepwr]

I have been watching your videos for a long time and I have to say your skills have greatly improved. Your techniques are enjoyable to watch and the things you teach us are extremely useful. I look forward to each new episode. Thank you.

[@laurentpaille659]

One more time an other masterpiece...jours one of the greatest modeller in the universe 💪💪👍👍

[@REM1956]

I just found your videos. Quite impressive work. The artistic creativity is just amazing. Your buildings make me want to do similar things, and I haven't build any models in over 50 years.

[@LyleHatch]

Phenomenal work. Awesome attention to detail with superb weathering techniques.

[@chegeny]

Bravo. Lovely work. Your results are quite natural looking as usual. As a kid, I helped my uncle repair those old cement and slate roofs. I recall houses just like this.

[@chrisstorch1337]

Many thanks… love your artistry…. Your the best uncle

[@stevehasler8922]

I might be inclined to use Krylon Repositionable Easy-Tack Adhesive spray on the back of the stencil to make the painting of the letters easier.

[@valborchardt3596]

Oh my goodness, that is amazing, lovely work….thank you, take care from south africa