Groot- my first ever foam build

[Ant85]

After lurking here recently and being inspired by several members Groot builds, I decided to start my own.
I plan on having this done by Oct 20th in time for Halloween, a couple parties, and taking my son Trick r Treating, plus a costume contest.
I decided to complete the head first, then do the body & stilts.
Here are some pics so far from start to where im currently at.:

Paper mock up I started with:

Basic foam cut out and glued:

Started carving with my dremel and shaping a bit:

More detailed carving, heating, shaping, ect:

& a darker pic to show details:

Thanks for looking and I look forward to any comments or criticism!

 

[shank]

looking good can't wait to see more what does the back look like? and did you cap the top?

 

[Ant85]

Its a full around and over the head mask. Ill snaps some pics in the next couple days after I finish the small details, and will be sealing it for paint by the weekend.
Thanks!

 

[Ant85]

Finished all the sculpting/carving/ect, and ready to be sealed and painted.
Updated pics:

 

[Ant85]

Started out on the base coat and ran out of paint, will start again tomorrow. Also made a bark plate for tests.

 

[Ant85]

Finally got the base coat finished, and first coat of brown. I'm gonna do another coat, plus a couple different paint washes, then the moss.

 

[Metrocop]

I'm always impressed how foam seems to have some interesting characteristics. Never thought how well it comes off with a gnarled wood appearance when left in it's usual rough appearance. Looks cool, good job!

 

[Ant85]

Thanks! Once I had the basic shape down, I cut it with a dremel cutting wheel, an exacto knife, and then rotated it over the top range/stove burner to make it split and give it those clean sharp lines.

 

[Ant85]

Right now im working on a makeshift manikin so I can build the suit to the right shape/size, and also about to start the stilts before I get too far into the body.

 

[Ant85]

The body is far from complete, but its starting to take shape. The top is a hoodie, and the legs will be entirely out of foam.

 

[spartan1803]

looking great man, cant wait to see more

 

[Ant85]

Thanks!
I got quite a bit done today on the body and legs, and it will all be 1 piece put on like a jumpsuit. It looks very odd/bulky on my "manikin" made from 2 x 4's and stuffed with a couple pillows, but I think its gonna turn out nicely.
I have 4 days left to complete it and im on a tight schedule.....wish me luck!

Tuesday ill be finishing the foam work and making the bark plates.
Wednesday ill be texturing and glueing/spraying tissue to it.
Thursday ill be painting it.
Friday ill be detailing and sealing it.
Saturday I will suit up, make any last minute alterations and wearing it that night.

What could possibly go wrong? Hahahahah.....

 

[Ant85]

Running well behind schedule, but got initial painting done today, will add moss and seal tomorrow as soon as the sun comes up and the morning dew dries.

 

[Ant85]

Didn't quite get it finished, but I wore my Groot incomplete to the first Halloween party of this season last night.
I didnt manage to get any decent pics, but here's one a friend took and sent to me: