Scenic Overlook

Miniature #14 – Constructed 01/2024

Fun Facts

Massachusetts is home to some breathtaking scenic overlooks that offer picturesque spots with stunning views of its natural beauty.

Located along the Mount Greylock Scenic Byway, Adams Overlook provides 180-degree views of the beautiful Berkshire Hills. On a clear day, you can see as far as 60-70 miles from this pull-off location. The scenery includes rolling hills, forests, and charming towns.

Despite its relatively small elevation (just over 600 feet), Mount Sugarloaf offers an easily accessible and stunning overlook. Visitors can drive to the top of the mountain and enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains, rivers, and forests.

The Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook on Martha’s Vineyard offers a stunning view of the natural, rainbow-colored cliffs where multicolored sands and clays streak the cliffs.

Description

The scenic overlooks where I was raised were an unexpected surprise when you were driving and suddenly spotted a scenic overlook sign. You just HAD to exit out of traffic to take a look. They offer stunning vistas not visible from the road. My memories and success with the “Blossom River Bridge” inspired me to gain more experience with the materials and thus, I created the “Blossom River Scenic Overlook.”

The overlook sits on a 12″x12″ plywood base. The overall piece stands at 7″ high and the time invested to design and build was approximately 45 hrs.

Materials Used

The riverbanks and rocks were made from Sculptamold and Plaster of Paris and painted with acrylic paint. The cliff was formed with an underlay of Styrofoam to create the needed the height. A dry tan grout was applied to the riverbanks and cliff to add realism to their rock-like appearance.

The fence and tiny picnic table were made from wooden coffee stirrers and painted with acrylic paint. The river was made using 2-part liquid resin. Similar to the Blossom River Bridge miniature, Mod Podge gloss was applied to the river after the resin had set and blown with a straw to create the illusion of flow and ripples on the water.

The old tree branches were collected from my yard and added to increase the level of realism of nature’s beauty. The artistry and placement of trees, moss, and small plants in the nooks and crannies of the rocks was paramount to creating the natural setting and beauty of the finished work.