Prop Design: Foam Fruit

   During the year I had a module to make a replica fruit out of foam and paint. I chose to make 3 plums. Firstly I drew the profiles of the fruit and stuck them to a block of yellow foam. I then cut these profile out using a hot wire.

After the hot wire I was left with this shape (which looks nothing like anything!).

   Next I carved and sanded down the piece to match the size and shape of the original fruit.

                                               
   After the pieces were smooth and properly shaped, I coated them in gesso. (Polyfiller would also be suitable but I just had spare gesso!).

   Then it was on to painting. Lots of layers of paint to build up to the right shades. Each of the 3 plums was a slightly different colour or ripeness so each took it's own special sets of colours and textures. I also tested out glosses to find the right level of shine to match the fruit.

Hint: The fake fruit is the one in the middle!

Added gloss chart tester strips to find that right shine!

The Finished Product!

   I really enjoyed this work. Especially painting and the finish. There's something very therapeutic about carving and painting! But I will never let someone tell me a plum is purple ever again...