#146 TECHNIQUES - Creating natural terrain

Natural terrain such as snow or sandy landscapes can be difficult to achieve in LEGO. Here are two simple techniques to you can use to create realistic-looking landscapes:

The first is what I call layering; using plates and tiles in "layers" to create gentle declines and inclines in the landscape. This can be easy to do as but can require a lot of pieces. A good tip is to also vary the size of pieces and layers, for variety and to create a natural, random look.

The second technique involves slope pieces. Different pieces are arranged to create slopes that give a smooth texture and therefore are great for snow or sand. The pieces used are generally in one colour, as this helps them blend in and look more natural.