New Article: Avoiding 'Big Gray Wall Syndrome'

[Poshwa]

I've finally collected enough gray bricks that I feel ready to make a large scale castle creation. I've experimented with a few things and I have a some plans on what to build. The thing that has been keeping me from really getting anywhere is those big grey walls. They look so plain and boring. Even with arches on top they just look ugly. Any tips on giving a wall more detail? I know I can scatter dark gray bricks in there, but I prefer to use my dark grey for landscaping.

[Bruce N H]

Some strategies to break up the big gray wall:

Windows:


Especially stained glass:

(also note the mosaics on this last)

Mottling:


Use arches, slopes, etc, to break up flat areas:


Vary the heights of different sections of the castle:


Add timber sections to break up the stone:


Use non-square sections:


Roofs or canopies over smaller sections jutting out from the wall:


Balconies:


Breaking up flat surfaces with textured or raised bricks:


Bruce

[LEGOFREAK]

Bruce - instead of a post that should have been an article. awesome job!

thanks for posting that.

[Mr. D]

That is a great idea, Freak! Please, Bruce...? Fine job, man.

D-Man

[Bruce N H]

Good idea. I'll expand this some and put it in article format.

Bruce

[gooberliberation]

i use different shades of gray for mine. when mottling is too much contrast, i throw in the new grays for the subtle touch

[Poshwa]

Thanks, Bruce. I'll get building when I finish sorting the rest of my pieces.

[DaveOhare01]

Indeed! Bruce, excellent selection there!

Don't forget you can always do some funny stuff with SNOT for an unusual look and feel. Also -- using parts in ways not intended (one of the true joys of Lego) is all part of the fun.

(expample follows)



http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/DaveO ... _front.jpg

or



http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/DaveO ... t_view.jpg

Dave

[Azaghal]

Wow, that's cool. Is that second picture of a secret, sliding door? If so, it's an unusual approach. Useful, too, since you don't have to use all those flat studless pieces.

[DaveOhare01]

Actually, the second pic is of an arrow slit. We had quite a discussion here a few months ago on building such. Either way, the technique does break up a wall pretty well!

Dave

[JPinoy]

No tips for breaking up a gigantic black wall (with some gray....) ???

Anyway,
You could also add something like statue-heads at certain intervals. Like the dark grey lion head piece. Something I plan for several mid-east walled city MOCs.

[DaveOhare01]

JP --

*laugh* Indeed, should have done that project last. However, I have actually begun the Next Big Thing and will have pictures post haste.

One technique I will be a'usin is to build the castle on top of a huge hill/mountain. The surrounding wall will have supports extending down the hillside a bit (the castle will be built right on the edge of the hill). I figure this will add a lot of variation to what would have been an otherwise "Big Gray Wall."

And, yes, this project will use two.....maybe three colors.

Dave

[Fry_slayer]

Sorry this is off topic but i am really curious That is some feed back Bruce .... how did u gathered all that images? U have some sort of data base or u just know Brickshelf galleries inside out?

[Umgarla]

or u just know Brickshelf galleries inside out?

Or he just memorizes the entire url everytime he see a nice moc?

[JPinoy]

Or...... he probably has cable internet to search through BrickShelf and posts all the big gray ones he can find.