Videos On Demand | Stream Rockwork & Scenic Design Tutorials by Richard L.

A sheet of orange-coated fiberglass or foam material being peeled back from a textured concrete or stone mold surface on a workbench

Molding a Piece of Granite

In this video we'll be making a mold of a natural piece of granite, and then making an epoxy casting from our mold. We’ll cover the entire process and materials needed. Let's rock!

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A decorative boulder landscape feature displaying the address '1707B' with an artistic metal tree sculpture, positioned at the base of wooden stairs leading to a timber-framed building entrance

Manzanita Handrail & Lamp

Join me in constructing and carving a manzanita style handrail based on local naturally occurring manzanita trees. Sculpting and painting instruction for getting it to match the reference material.

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Realistic artificial bracket fungi mounted on a textured sculptural log prop, with additional artificial branch and root pieces visible in the background of a workshop setting

Rootball

In this video we'll be creating a dramatic large rootball. We’ll cover the whole process from start to finish. No bark stamps were used in this reproduction. The bark had to move around the fungi so it was all free sculpted, learn how in this Video On Demand.

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Close-up of a large sculpted concrete boulder with realistic gray-green rock texture, positioned on sandy soil next to a wooden deck with smaller rock samples visible in the background

Blue Ridge Rockwork Texture and Color Matching

This in depth video covers both texture and coloring operations. Believe it or not but the color Blue is used extensively! Step by step instructions are shown. Learn how to achieve color gradation, working wet on wet and using other coloring techniques effectively and with reason.

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Sculpted concrete rock steps with pressed kelp and leaf impressions creating a decorative botanical pattern across the surface

Sea Kelp Stairs

In this video I walk you through the process embossing and coloring a beautiful sea kelp texture onto some outdoor concrete stairs! Not only is it fun and creative, but it also adds to the overall storytelling of the whole project! We cover materials, methods, and painting.

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A weathered wooden branch or log secured with thick natural rope knots at both ends, mounted against a textured concrete or rock surface

Driftwood Handrails

In this video I walk you through the process of building a realistic driftwood Handrail sculpted from Polygem! Not only is it fun and realistic, but it is also strong, functional, and up to code! We cover materials, mixing, sculpting, painting, and lashing the rope!

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A realistic artificial animal skull and skeletal remains prop partially embedded in a dirt and rock embankment, simulating an archaeological or fossil discovery

Plesiosaur Skull & Vertebrae

In this video we'll be fabricating a realistic Plesiosaur skull & vertebrae. We’ll begin with foundation sculpting & go all the way through the finished product. I discuss foam materials, texture, techniques, painting, & installation. Specialty tools will be discussed, as well as how to use them. We’ll also cover working with Polygems sculpting epoxy and getting various textures with it.

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A sculptural prop of a mangrove-style tree cluster with reddish-brown trunks and exposed aerial roots, topped with artificial green foliage, displayed on a white-covered table in an outdoor garden setting

Design & Build a Realistic Red Mangrove Tree

We’ll begin with an armature and go all the way through the finished product. I discuss making the branches bend, structure, texture, and paint. We also cover common questions often asked while working with sculpting epoxies.

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A sculpted rock waterfall feature cascading into a swimming pool in a backyard setting, with palm trees and a block wall visible in the background

Painting Believable Granite

Painting granite for realism is a process of color applications. First and foremost develop your color palette and using some very basic tools and techniques will allow you to get a realistic look and feel to your rock and water feature. All covered in this informative VOD.

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A gloved hand applying or detailing dark slate-like layered rock texture on a sculpted concrete surface, showing the hands-on fabrication process

Simulating Slate Geology

Sculpting and painting techniques for achieving realistic and stunning slate geology. We take a detailed look at sculpting and shaping realistic shapes, as well as a variety of painting methods to achieve realism and the longevity of the color.

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Close-up of a recycled railroad tie spike repurposed as a drawer pull handle on a wooden drawer front, shown in a workshop setting

Railroad Spike Drawer Handles

Here’s how to repurpose your railroad spikes and create a railroad ambiance for your shop or home. Join me as I turn the railroad spikes into unique drawer pulls for that one-of-a-kind look!

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Three paint brushes with blue handles and a worn whisk broom laid on a textured concrete or stone surface. The paint brushes have Hebrew-language labels

Tips & Tricks, 01, Dry Brush

Tips & Tricks is a new series of videos where I'll be sharing Tips about the industry AS WELL AS Tricks I have learned along the way. (They are definitely two separate things.) In this one, we talk about Dry Brushes. Enjoy!

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A pair of worn needle-nose pliers holding a thin wire on a weathered wooden surface, with several small rocks or pebbles in the background

Tips & Tricks, 02, Tarp

Tips & Tricks is a new series of videos where I'll be sharing Tips about the industry AS WELL AS Tricks I have learned along the way. (They are definitely two separate things.) In this one, we talk about tarps and shade structures. Enjoy!

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A gloved hand using pliers to twist wire around a rebar clip on a metal mesh armature

Tips & Tricks, 03, Chairs

Tips & Tricks is a new series of videos where I'll be sharing Tips about the industry AS WELL AS Tricks I have learned along the way. (They are definitely two separate things.) In this one, we talk about "chairs." Enjoy!

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A worker in a black cap and gloves using bolt cutters on a rebar armature frame outdoors against a concrete structure

Tips & Tricks, 04, Rebar Benders

Tips & Tricks is a new series of videos where I'll be sharing Tips about the industry AS WELL AS Tricks I have learned along the way. (They are definitely two separate things.) In this one, we talk about "rebar benders." Enjoy!

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A man in sunglasses and a cap holding a caulk gun loaded with a purple epoxy or adhesive cartridge at an outdoor rock construction site

Tips & Tricks, 05, Tool Retrieval

Tips & Tricks is a new series of videos where I'll be sharing Tips about the industry AS WELL AS Tricks I have learned along the way. (They are definitely two separate things.) In this one, we talk about "tool retrieval." Enjoy!

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A hand arranging various textured plaster or concrete mold samples in a shallow tray, including patterns resembling coral, honeycomb, and lizard skin

Tips & Tricks, 06, Makeshift Stamps

Tips & Tricks is a new series of videos where I'll be sharing Tips about the industry AS WELL AS Tricks I have learned along the way. (They are definitely two separate things.) In this one, we talk about "Makeshift Stamps." Enjoy!

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A gloved hand holding a worn hook-shaped hand tool with a wooden handle, used for twisting or pulling wire

Tips & Tricks, 07, Hoop Tools

Tips & Tricks is a new series of videos where I'll be sharing Tips about the industry AS WELL AS Tricks I have learned along the way. (They are definitely two separate things.) In this one, we talk about "Hoop Tools." Enjoy!

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A hand using a screwdriver to adjust a metal wire reel spool on a

Tips & Tricks, 08, Tie Wire Tools

Tips & Tricks is a new series of videos where I'll be sharing Tips about the industry AS WELL AS Tricks I have learned along the way. (They are definitely two separate things.) In this one, we talk about "Tie Wire Tools." Enjoy!

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A person's hands holding a compact black wire reel spool with a strand of wire being pulled from it

Tips & Tricks, 09, Tie Wire Reel

Tips & Tricks is a new series of videos where I'll be sharing Tips about the industry AS WELL AS Tricks I have learned along the way. (They are definitely two separate things.) In this one, we talk about the "Tie Wire Reel." Enjoy!

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Close-up of a pair of pliers gripping a thin wire against a metal surface, with a wire reel visible below

Tips & Tricks, 10, Tie Wire Tricks

Tips & Tricks is a new series of videos where I'll be sharing Tips about the industry AS WELL AS Tricks I have learned along the way. (They are definitely two separate things.) In this one, we talk about additional "Tie Wire Tricks." Enjoy!

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Two metal wire-tying tools with triangular bases and cylindrical knurled pins, resting on a wooden surface

Tips & Tricks, 11, Rebar Pegs

Tips & Tricks is a new series of videos where I'll be sharing Tips about the industry AS WELL AS Tricks I have learned along the way. (They are definitely two separate things.) In this one, we talk about the benefits of machined rebar pegs on your rebar benders. Enjoy!

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Close-up of two cut rebar ends protruding from a curved, rusty steel armature structure against a light background

Tips & Tricks, 12, Cutting Rebar

Tips & Tricks is a new series of videos where I'll be sharing Tips about the industry AS WELL AS Tricks I have learned along the way. (They are definitely two separate things.) In this one, we talk about cutting rebar at heights. Enjoy!

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Richard L. Winget in a safety vest and cap holding a plasterer's hawk with a mound of wet concrete mix, standing beside a large sculpted rock form under a plastic enclosure

Tips & Tricks, 13, Hawk & Trowel

Tips & Tricks is a new series of videos where I'll be sharing Tips about the industry AS WELL AS Tricks I have learned along the way. (They are definitely two separate things.) In this one, we talk about the hidden benefits of hawk and trowel. Enjoy!

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A worker in gloves and safety glasses bending and shaping wire mesh armature for a rock sculpting project in an outdoor garden setting

DVD 1 - Armature (Chapter 1)

Different types of ties and using your rebar benders effectively are discussed in depth. Other important tips are included to help keep you safe and make shaping steel as painless as possible.

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A gloved worker using a tool to carve or define a crack line in a freshly applied concrete rock sculpture surface

DVD 1 - Structure (Chapter 2)

Gunite is used for our structure coat in this video. We look at pre-shaping prior to texture and the methods used to get the geometry just right. I’ll even be using a hawk in this one.

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A worker crouching and hand-texturing a large concrete surface to create a realistic wood grain pattern on a sculpted rock or log feature

DVD 1 - Waterproofing (Chapter 3)

Inspection, prep and application are explored in this chapter. I explain how we water proof for integrity. Use this information to add longevity to your projects and save money by preventing call backs.

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A gloved hand using a trowel to apply and smooth wet concrete over a sculpted rock surface during fabrication

DVD 1 - Texture (Chapter 4)

We cover shooting plaster and troweling it in different ways to get a desired look. I discuss breaking and chipping for effect. Stippling and graining are shown and how to establish a strata. A wide variety of hoop tools, carving trowels and knives are used for effect.

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An Authentic Environments worker spray-painting a white base coat onto a sculpted concrete rock feature, with a second worker in a protective suit standing on top of the structure

DVD 1 - Coloration (Chapter 5)

Air brushing, airless spraying and speckling along with color connect principles, and specialty brushwork are all topics discussed in this close look at coloration. We look at indicating rust and sealer application too.

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Richard L. Winget standing beside a large wire mesh and PVC pipe armature framework under construction for a rock sculpting project, with a completed rock wall visible in the background

DVD 2 - Armature & Lathe (Chapter 1)

Adding the rockwork steel to the swimming pool steel and following the specs is important. We look at different ties, bending tips and typical spacing for the steel schedule.

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A worker applying wet concrete by hand over a wire mesh and foam armature base during the construction of a sculpted rock feature

DVD 2 - Structure Coat (Chapter 2)

Using shotcrete either by hand or pneumatically applied is covered completely. Shaping by hand or tool is looked at and the pros and cons of each.

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DVD 2 - Texturing (Chapter 3)

We look at the importance of displacing texture to get the look and feel needed for this beach rock texture. I also show how to use super malleable forms in this chapter.

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A worker in gloves applying dark paint or stain to a large sculpted concrete rock and log feature using a brush, with a protective tarp visible in the background

DVD 2 - Painting (Chapter 4)

Can you color with both acrylics and acid stains? Yes, you can! and I explain how in this chapter. Halting the corrosive action, blending and working wet on wet with both paint and acid are explained thru the watch and learn process.

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Two workers in hard hats on scaffolding attaching wire mesh lath over a foam-insulated wall structure during large-scale rock feature construction

DVD 3 - Armature Tying & Bending (Chapter 1)

Shaping steel with epoxy coated rebar is a little different and we dive right in with this informational chapter. Why different wire and the use of epoxy sprays is discussed as well. Join me as I explain the ins and outs of this important monument fabricated for the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

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A worker in a hard hat and safety vest hand-packing wet concrete onto a wire mesh lath surface during large-scale rock feature construction

DVD 3 - Structure Coat (Chapter 2)

Pneumatically applied concrete or shotcrete is the preferred structure material used.

Prepare for shotcrete using no rust backing and reinforcement materials. Working in close proximity to the Ocean requires certain safe guards and we talk about all of them as well as executing them.

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A hard-hatted worker hand-sculpting the base and root detail of a concrete tree trunk feature, shaping wet concrete at ground level

DVD 3 - Texturing (Chapter 3)

Using our proprietary sculpting material known as Carve-Right, we dive right into texture and begin the blade work that will bring this geology to life. Troweling, moving, chipping and breaking are all part of the equation.

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A gloved hand brushing a paint or sealant onto a sculpted concrete rock surface with detailed fossil-like texture, during the finishing stage of a rock feature

DVD 3 - Painting & Conclusion (Chapter 4)

Using cup guns and brushes to get the desired look is what we do at Authentic Environments. In this chapter I explain all of my moves and other interesting tricks of the trade. Protecting our bronze statues is critical too, see what we did that still allowed us to paint easily.

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A worker with a tool belt tying wire on a large rebar and PVC pipe armature framework inside an excavated pool or water feature construction site

DVD 4 - Armature Tying & Bending (Chapter 1)

Using your rebar benders effectively and tying your rebar intersections is covered in this chapter. Different types of ties and bending using the opposing forces method makes this aspect of work much easier to do.

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A hard-hatted worker in gloves operating a shotcrete or gunite hose to spray concrete onto a wire mesh surface during rock feature construction

DVD 4 - Structure Coat (Chapter 2)

This video will cover the importance of covering the armature and shaping shotcrete to get the geometry correct for texture operations. A very up close and personal look with the application of pneumatically applied concrete.

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A worker standing inside a partially completed sculpted concrete pool or water feature, pointing to design elements with white chalk lines marking planned rock formations

DVD 4 - Waterproofing & Prep (Chapter 3)

Not only do we show how to waterproof correctly we also show how to protect the work and add tooth for better adhesion of the texture coat. The importance of a wet substrate and correctly mixed materials are shown with additional information to prevent leaks.

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A worker carefully hand-detailing small sculpted rock formations on a larger concrete rock surface, with paint buckets nearby and an orange construction fence visible in the background

DVD 4 - Coloring Techniques (Chapter 4)

Learn displacement methods of painting to get the desired look and nail your references. Working wet on wet is one of the many applications covered in this highly detailed look at the coloring process.

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A worker reaching into a tight space to hand-sculpt and smooth wet concrete into a detailed rock crevice or cave-like opening in a large rock feature

DVD 4 - Texture Operations (Chapter 5)

I show how to capture drama in your rockwork with a few easy-to-understand techniques. How to make the rocks exert pressure on one another and creating the look of rubble and collapse is shown in this very exciting chapter.

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A gloved worker applying color or sealant to a small framed concrete rock texture sample panel outdoors, with orange construction fencing and a bag of sphagnum peat moss visible in the background

DVD 4 - Lichens & Sealing (Chapter 6)

Wonderful broadcast methods are used to get that degree of realism sought after in many applications. Most of the items needed for flawless execution are readily found on the jobsite!

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A worker crouching inside an excavated pool or water feature construction site, holding a measuring or leveling tool while checking dimensions within a metal scaffolding framework

DVD 4 - Scaffold & Vendors (Chapter 7)

In this chapter you will learn the correct way to safely build your scaffold that will be OSHA compliant. We look at the different clamps and how to effectively use them to prevent accidents and make a safe and helpful work site.

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