This section deals with creating a variety of arid terrain. The
core technique can be used with a variety of main features. There are
also some suggestions for sci-fi features, a few of which can be used
to give the basic set of terrain a distinctly alien feel.
3) Desert/Arid Base Texture and Painting
1) Texture. Paint the whole base with a thick coat of slightly
watered down PVA and put in a tray. Then pour coarse sand with small
stones in it (cat litter makes good angular rocks) over the top.
Leave this for half an hour or so to set.
2) Base Coat.
Once the PVA and sand is thoroughly dry, paint with brown emulsion.
You could use acrylic, but emulsion is cheaper, and can be bought
in small 'tester' pots.
3) Blotchy Wash.
The base is then given highly dilute washes of a very dark brown
in irregular patches over the surface. (Although with small bases
for figures or individual trees, this stage could easily be skipped).
4) Drybrush.
Next drybrush with a light beige colour. I use 'Beige' Sandtex masonry
paint, although acrylic or emulsion would also be OK.
5) Patches.
Small irregular patches of brown are then dabbed on with an
old brush. (With small areas, you could skip this stage too).