figure sculpture
1-creating the armature
The armature is basically the skeleton of the sculpture. It’s best to use a pliable, or soft wire. We are using aluminum wire, as it bends easily.
You have a choice between two options: 1, a human figure-realistic or surreal; 2, an animal figure-realistic or surreal.
Where to start-Once you decide on what your sculpture is going to be, watch the following videos on creating the armature. Notice, it’s key to have a proportionate image of a skeleton to begin with. If you’re wanting to create either a surreal person or animal you still need a realistic skeleton to start.
You have a choice between two options: 1, a human figure-realistic or surreal; 2, an animal figure-realistic or surreal.
Where to start-Once you decide on what your sculpture is going to be, watch the following videos on creating the armature. Notice, it’s key to have a proportionate image of a skeleton to begin with. If you’re wanting to create either a surreal person or animal you still need a realistic skeleton to start.
Human armatureHere’s two examples, but both are very similar. Watch both videos, and distinguish which might be easier, better, or the same. Determine what approach you’re going to take.
|
animal armatureIn the first video the artist goes in depth in creating the armature for a horse. The same steps would apply to any four legged animal. The second video here is part of a series, so feel free to watch the next part.
|
Once you got a plan, and have watched the videos you need to start with a rough sketch of what you want to create. Your sketch doesn’t need a bunch of details, in fact, I’d recommend using only the stick figure, but focus on the movement of the sculpture.
If you’re unsure and completely lost don’t get discouraged. You should have several sketches ensuring you have multiple ideas or directions to move towards. Even if you settle on one sculpture, it’s in your best interest to sketch the same armature from multiple angles (left, right, front, back, and even the top view).
If you’re unsure and completely lost don’t get discouraged. You should have several sketches ensuring you have multiple ideas or directions to move towards. Even if you settle on one sculpture, it’s in your best interest to sketch the same armature from multiple angles (left, right, front, back, and even the top view).
bust sculpture
1We’re going to be starting with a technique, that’s both simple, and complex. It’s simple in that we will be removing a lot of clay quickly, but complex because there are several planes to consider. Watch the video to the right to see what I mean.
|
|
2We will be practicing with several smaller blocks before starting our larger, life-sized head.
The video to the right is the second part of the series, which goes into further detail about creating the details of the eyes. |
|