Very first figure WIP - am I going in the right direction?

[Stephen Beat]

...Looking at some of the superb work I was a little nervous about posting up my meagre effort. But, if you don't ask you don't know - so here we go...

The project: To make a 'traditional toy soldier' for use with H.G. Well's 'Funny Little Wars'. This would be the 'master' from which I would make three different poses.
The style: Traditional toy soldier - so simplified and stylised, not completely realistic or historic.

As mentioned, this would be my very first attempt as sculpting a figure, so everything I have done so far has been a 'trial and error' process...Mostly error! So I would appreciate some honest comment, criticism and guidance for the members of this forum...

Really - ANY comments will be welcome. I need the feedback to improve.

1. My DIY armature...

2. My underlying 'anatomy' for my figure...

3. My brother duplicated my 'blank' in resin...

4. I start to 'dress' my blank using my medium of choice - Milliput Fine...

5. Basic 'generic' uniform done, it's onto the arms...

6. Finally, my rough 'master' - just ready to clean up...

RIGHT: This is where I am now - I am currently working on a head but this has been my process of work so far...

DON'T be gentle with me. I need to know if I am moving in the right direction.

Obviously, the style of my figure is somewhat subjective - the traditional toy soldier look may not be to your taste. I understand that - but it's the process and quality of sculpting that concerns me.

Many thanks...

Stephen

 

[Blind Pew]

The only thing that strikes me is the proportions around the chest and shoulders. The guy looks like he's been eating his spinach and working out. Although that may be the very 'toy soldier' style you're after. And I'm only talking about minimal fractions really. And I accept I''m judging it without the all-important head.

Overall, good stuff there mate, try not to be too hyper critical on yourself.

 

[swralph]

not being a sculptor or a really criticising person, to me you`ve really captured that stiff boring old toy soldier style.If it was`nt for these style of toy soldiers I wouldn't of been able to hold mass battles as a kid.I used to enjoy throwing marbles at them.

 

[blaster]

Hello Stephen,

The style of toy soldiers that you are doing reminds me of Tradition toy soldiers in 1/32 scale. I presume that you intend to cast your masters in lead/tin alloy. Perhaps you can also consider doing a separate base, or casting your figure and then soldering them to a tinplate base. This might be easier to cast, avoid too thick a base and save on metal. I attach some ref.

http://www.treefrogtreasures.com/forum/forum.php
http://www.traditionoflondon.com/

Rgds Victor

 

[garyhiggins]

Hi Stephen, I offer some suggestions that I think might help. First, going by your photographs, you don't seem to have given yourself much to hold on to when modelling, so rather than have your brother cast resin coppies, cast them by the press moulding process in the actual putty you are using to sculpt. This way, you can cast in a brass rod (1.6mm will do it) that goes up one leg, across the hip, and down the other leg. If you leave about an inch and a half of rod sticking out the bottom of each foot, you can plug that into a scrap wood base (long enough to give you a good firm grip) and have a good solid modelling stand! Also the brass rod will add strength to the weak point at the anckle.
Another idea is to make a joint under the waist belt, so you can make a quarter turn left and right to give yourself three positions from the one figure.
Best wishes, Gary.