Portrait Sculpture Simplified is a complete instructional course encompassing all of the tips, techniques, and tricks I've learned over the past 20 years through both formal academic instruction and practical trial and error. You will save countless hours of frustration and "learning curve" because I have already been through the process and will guide you toward the most simplified, effective techniques. In numerous areas I have included valuable information that has never been taught in school or found in print. Some of the topics covered include: Materials - what you need to know to get started. Proportions - rules to look for in every head. Modeling the head in clay - rules and step by step demonstrations of each feature. Drying and Firing - how to prepare for firing. No hollowing required, learn to dry out the piece quickly, easily, and safely. Patinas - several step by step demonstrations of metallic, wax, and fired glaze finishes. Mold Making - demonstration of making rubber flexible molds and rigid molds. Casting - in bonded bronze and other materials. Base Making and Mounting - make a base, mount, and photograph your finished piece. The techniques I've developed over the years produce consistent and reliable results in half the time it would take if using traditional methods. Over 350 color illustrations are included.

 

This book will cover the complete process that I use for creating a portrait sculpture -- both in ceramic clay and in bonded materials -- and is intended for either the beginner, or the more experienced sculptor. It has taken many years of experimentation to produce a simplified and reliable method for creating a finished piece. Most of the information you will find here does not conform to the traditional methods that are taught in school or in other instruction books. Art students and teachers will find that my simplified techniques are well suited to a classroom environment. There are literally hundreds of methods used by sculptors as each artist has different objectives and resources available to him or her. Different methods are called for to achieve different results. Most sculptors use more than one method and adjust every newly acquired method to suit their particular needs. The objective of this book is not to try to cover every method of creating sculpture, but rather, it is a book to document the particular methods that I have chosen to use and modify for greater efficiency, convenience, and reliability. Feel free to adapt the methods you learn here to meet your own particular situation. If you are new to portrait sculpture, here is a place to start. If you are a more experienced sculptor, then you can add anything you learn here to your own repertoire of acquired methods. I would suggest that you read the entire book and then return to each section as you reach that point in the sculpting process. This book does not detail anatomy and you will rarely find muscles or bones referred to by their anatomical names. There are several books on the market detailing the anatomical structure of the head that you can pick up for reference if you need them. The second chapter details the tools and materials you’ll need before you begin. It also discusses how to choose and photograph the subject you have chosen and how to set up your work area. The third chapter is the meat of the book explaining and demonstrating how to create each feature and how to check for correct proportions. With practice, the information contained here will become second nature, but it is a good idea to refer here often to refresh your memory. The fourth chapter provides you with information about what to do with a piece once you’ve finished sculpting. It begins where portrait sculpture classes end -- with the drying and firing processes. The fifth chapter discusses the art of patination and demonstrates the unlimited possibilities of beautiful finishes you can apply to your clay or bonded bronze sculpture. The finishes demonstrated are glazes, metallic finishes, and simple wax patinas. The sixth chapter provides alternative methods for finishing a piece. Here you will learn how to make a brush on head mold (flexible and rigid mold set) and cast a piece in bonded bronze. The seventh chapter of instruction demonstrates how to make a base for your sculpture, mount it securely, and photograph your finished work of art. Lastly, I’ve provided a list of resources that you might find handy. The links provided will enable you to find all the supplies that you will need.

 

Portrait Sculpture Simplified is a complete instructional course encompassing all of the tips, techniques, and tricks I've learned over the past 20 years through both formal academic instruction and practical trial and error. You will save countless hours of frustration and "learning curve" because I have already been through the process and will guide you toward the most simplified, effective techniques. In numerous areas I have included valuable information that has never been taught in school or found in print.

 

1 Introduction 2 Getting started 3 Modeling Basics 4 Finishing a Clay Bust 5 Patinas 6 Casting 7 Final Touches 8 Resources Index