Sir John French

[John Ballard]

I have got into a WW I groove so I decided to have a go at Sir John French in 150mm.
I started with a wire armature and then sculpted with Magic Sculpt. Now I have to say that this is my second figure sculpt so be gentle with your comments, although all critics are welcome.

He still has a way to go and is still a little rough around the edges.

John

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Hi John - looks like him. There are a lot of opportunities for cool figures and personailty portraits in WWI. French was a good choice.

By way of critique I would say his head might be slightly too large. The stance is terrific as is your detail work and character. The balance looks OK.

You seem to be having a bit of an issue smoothing the MS. I would suggest a paint brush soaked in water to smooth the putty after the basic shape is estbalished. As long as you wash the brush in water and soap before the MS starts to cure it can be used for the same purposes again later (although likely not for painting).

What are you using for sculpting tools?

Colin

 

[John Ballard]

Colin

I appreciate your comments and yes I am having some problems smoothing out the MS. I'll try some more water and paint brush although for the parts that are set I am struggling along with some sanding sticks etc. I still have a little beefing up to do to his torso so I think that might correct the impression of the oversized head. It is about 7 heads high in all so it may still be a little big. May some trimming of the hat will also help.

I use some wooden sculpting tools and a small metal ball burnisher.

Thanks
John

 

[Colin_Fraser]

I usually go 8 heads so that may be it to my eye.....plus the narrow chest. You are certainly on the right track and this looks to already be an improvement on your pretty decent first effort.

Colin

 

[garyjd]

Try very fine steel wool to smooth out the rough spots/ tool marks. Afterward run some water over the figure and use a soft bristle toothbrush to clean whatever loose particles of steel wool are on the figure. It's a bit messy but it does the job.

 

[valiant]

You could also try using wet or dry paper (500s) rolled tightly into a tube, then sand wet. It moulds itself into the folds, works a treat!

Steve

 

[John Ballard]

Garyjd and Steve Thanks for taking the time to look in and leave a comment. I will be trying both your tips for smoothing out the rough bits.

I got on with some more additions, so the front of his torso is nearly finished now. Been using more water brushed on to help and the smoothing is getting slightly better.


Still a way to go.
John

 

[blaster]

Hi John,

A very good sculpt. Great stance with a lot of character. I presume that you are using this photo of him. If so, you may wish to turn the left foot out to accentuate that swagger.

Rgds Victor

 

[MCPWilk]

Looking good so far, but I think the left foot needs to be externally rotated a touch (cp. photo).

Mike

 

[elanlane13]

A great piece for your second sculpt. Vaseline is a great medium for Magic Sculp you can get very smooth results with it. Do you use rubber tipped paint/clay shapers, they are very good and can be bought from most good art shops. If you let the putty cure for a little while before using it it is easier to work too. My apologies if you know all of this already.

 

[Colin_Fraser]

I will second the clay shapers comment and I think Gordie sells something similar on this site.

Colin

 

[John Ballard]

Elanlane Thanks for your post and I did not know that already

Here is this sculpt primed and ready to paint.

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Its very difficult to put a figure into this stance without it looking off balance from at least one angle. Looks like you did it your first time out. Congrats.

Colin

 

[John Ballard]

Colin
Thanks for your kind comments. I find a rule I use in life drawing is that if the weight of a figure is evenly spread then a vertical line from the base of the Adam's apple will fall directly between the two insteps. As the weight moves to one leg or the other so this same line will fall nearer and nearer to the leg where the most weight is carried. In my figure his weight is almost all on his right leg so the vertical line just about touches the inside of his right foot.
John

 

[John Ballard]

Painting is nearly done now. My usual style of acrylic base finished in oils. Just waiting for it to dry so that it can be matte coated then I'post the finished result.
John

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Painting is nearly done now. My usual style of acrylic base finished in oils. Just waiting for it to dry so that it can be matte coated then I'post the finished result.
John

That's super speedy.

Colin

 

[John Ballard]

Well here he is finished. I<m reasonably pleased with my first full figure. Plenty of learning points for next time.

All comments and suggestions will be welcomed. Thanks for looking in.
John