Want to have a go at sculpting

[taff edwards]

Hi all
Can anyone give me some advice on what I need to start sculpting , I have magic sculpt the odd tools ,I have seen 1/35 scale manakins and was thinking that might be a start .I understand there lots of different types of sculpting mediums
Any info on what I need would be great .

Cheers Chris

 

[elgreco]

Hi Chris. You might want to have a quick read of Stephen Mallia's tutorial on our website: http://elgrecominiatures.co.uk/contents/en-uk/d56.html. Just to get you started....

 

[Tony Barton]

Whatever actual material and technique you work with , it's worth remembering that you have to train the mind and eye as well.
Draw : and draw a lot.
It is the best way to train the eye to understand the shapes that you wish to sculpt in 3D. Any large scale academic art sculptor has to undergo years of such training, and small scale figures are really no different.
Do not expect miracles from your first attempt, be patient and work at it.
Good luck....

 

[taff edwards]

Thanks guys
I will start to practice
Cheers Chris

 

[DarkSpawn]

Hi Chris,

this tutorial (http://massivevoodoo.blogspot.de/2010/01/massive-voodoo-sculpting-tutorial.html) from "Badsmile" gives also a good overview for a first start.
But sculpting is practice and much more practice, you need a feeling for volumes and proportions.
You can have a look at Stefan Niehues youtube channel (http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeWvEq_S-pXfOLjLkov_7AQ), he uses is own poly-clay.
Cyril Roquelaine's channel is also worth a look: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywInoennuBiwuTsqTg1ytg

 

[taff edwards]

Hi mate
Thanks for the links lots of good info for me to look at as the evenings draw in ,nice glass of wine log on the fire
Yahoo
Cheers Chris

 

[theBaron]

It was true to the ancients, yet it is still true today: Practice, practice, practice!

I'm undertaking the same effort, to learn to sculpt, and yes, early works will probably not look like you want them to.

I'm using Aves A+B, also Super Sculpey, floral wire to make armatures. I also read a tip from Alan Ball, about using the putty itself to make the armature. I'm trying that, with an eye to cutting the figure up for layout in a mold.

Prost!
Brad

 

[taff edwards]

Hi Brad
Thank you for the reply ,I agree practice practice , and not to set ones self to high a target , I will be happy at this point just to make an armature lol
Have had some wonderful advice and offers , and thank you Ray
Cheers Guys

 

[1969]

Hi Brad,

A armature along with a scale chart will help immensely, rather than concentrate on details you need to concentrate on anatomy and proportions from the beginning, both armature and scale chart are important tools for this whether you are a beginner or experienced sculptor.

What scale are you interested in ? I might be able to help you with resin armatures, if interested PM me.

Steve

 

[Richie]

Hi Chris,
I am certainly no sculptor but have ventured into quite a few conversions. I think Steve has given you the best starting advice. I would also add another two points to this, get someone who knows what they are doing to give you guidance and critique, I know Steve has helped, supported and coached me no end. You are also lucky having Jim on your doorstep. Secondly I would study some of the great sculptors and there are plenty on here, look at their work, the pose, volumes and drapery etc
Below are some outstanding world class dynamic poses by Bill Horan. The difference in a slight bend or twist can make or break the end result, Lastly perservere, don't give up and try, try, try.
cheers
Richie

 

[taff edwards]

Hi Richie
Great advice and I have already started looking at the skills out there , yea it's a really bonus having a great buch of guys so close , have started modling a rich tea biscuit for Friday lol
Cheers Chris

 

[Nap]

Hi Chris ,

Have a word with Jimbo on Friday he is da man .....don't let him get his hands on a bust ...he will put legs on it before you know !!!!

Rich Tea biscuit ...bet you enjoyed the research !!!

Nap

 

[theBaron]

Hi Brad,

A armature along with a scale chart will help immensely, rather than concentrate on details you need to concentrate on anatomy and proportions from the beginning, both armature and scale chart are important tools for this whether you are a beginner or experienced sculptor.

What scale are you interested in ? I might be able to help you with resin armatures, if interested PM me.

Steve

Hi, Steve, that's a good tip, too, and I forgot to mention it. I have a 54mm scale template that I use when forming an armature, and you're exactly right.

I decided to learn to sculpt, because there are figures I'd like to have in my collection, that no one else makes, at least, not in 54mm rounds. It's opened up a whole new perspective for me.

Prost!
Brad

 

[taff edwards]

Hi guys
Thanks for the info really getting fired up to have a go
Cheers Chris

 

[Colin_Fraser]

The other advice I would give is start at the head for your first few. Don't be slave to a particular scale. Once your head is done sculpt the rest of the fig at whatever proportions feel right. Trying to constrain yourself to a scale adds additional complexity and is not really required unless your are going commercial or trying to fit the new piece into an existing collection.

Colin

 

[taff edwards]

Cheers Colin
Great advice cheers Chris

 

[theBaron]

...trying to fit the new piece into an existing collection...

Bull's-eye! That's my preferred scale, so that's one of my requirements. It's not so bad, though, it's a good learning experience.

Prost!
Brad

 

[Mizog]

I think it was mentioned up above but try to stick with anatomy and proportion, it is vital to get it right. It is always so tempting to jump to the interesting detail stage of the process. If you think the proportion is correct assume it isn't !! take time away from the piece and then revisit - also use a mirror, its amazing what a different view does. Only when you're happy after all this, go to the detail.
......i wonder why I stuck with caricatures ??......
Have fun !
Mizog

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Another useful tool in addition to the vital mirror is digital photography. It amazing what you see in a photo that the eye edits out and ignores when observing the real thing.

Colin

 

[taff edwards]

Cheers guys
Chris