Category:

Let's Play

Duration: 8:07

142 views

5

NEW SHOP ADDRESS: Newloot.Etsy.com Materials used are Super Sculpey polymer clay, Original Sculpey, Metal Wire, DAS air drying clay, Aluminium foil, Base primer from citadel, acrylic paints, Inka gold paints, Game's workshops Citadel paints.

If you liked this and want to see more and/or your ideas or have questions, leave a comment and you can support by shopping at my site: www.etsy.com/shop/JerzkusLoot or at: paypal.me/Jerzku

---
Wanna check out tutorials for sculpting figurines? Go to my channel and check out my Tutorials 1 and tutorial 2 playlists, they are full tutorials in real time!
----

The armature is a fundamental part of the sculpture. In very basic terms it is the skeleton or support structure that will hold your clay as you sculpt the figure. It is important not to take short cuts or work hastily without proper planning, as this will result in much unnecessary frustration later on.

For beginners an armature can seem complicated and overwhelming not knowing where to begin. This is a simple system that works quite well and can make an armature in a relatively short amount of time (usually 30 minutes for a 12" armature!)

There are some clays out there that are self-supporting and therefore do not require they use of a support armature. These materials are clay/wax hybrids that are light in weight and fairly rigid when cool like Castilene, which will be covered in another segment.

Choose your clay. You have several options when choosing a modelling clay to sculpt your face. Each clay is different, so choose the clay that best suits your purposes.[1]
Ceramic clays are water-based and easy to work with right out of the bag. It needs to stay moist while being worked, as it can dry out and crack. Ceramic clay can also be fire hardened to make a permanent sculpture.[2]
Plasteline clay is an oil-based clay that doesn't dry out, and can't be fire hardened. It is popular with special effects crews for its ability to hold high levels of detail.[3]
Polymer clays require an armature, or a wire skeleton, for support. They are weaker than other clays, but are good for painting. Polymer clays can be fire hardened, though they are not as hard as ceramic clays.[4]

Gather supplies. Aside from the clay, you'll need a few other things before you can start sculpting. A good, clean working area is necessary, as are a few tools to help you add detail to your sculpture. You can buy sculpting tools from most craft stores.
You don't have to buy specialized tools for sculpting. It may be possible to find other utensils that serve the same purpose. The main functions of your tools are to cut, scrape, and shape the clay.[5]
You can use sewing needles to draw fine lines in your clay, and add detail

Form a ball. Roll out an oval and smooth the clay. The smoother you can make your clay in the beginning, the easier it will be to form your face.[11]
Depending on the size of your sculpture, it may be difficult to roll out a ball. If you're making a small sculpture, it shouldn't be a problem. However, if you're making a larger sculpture, you may need to sculpt out a neck as well.[12]
Keep in mind the proportions of your subject as you form the oval. You'll be adding clay to make the other facial features, but the oval should resemble the basic shape of your subject's head.[13]

Form the eyes. Using a small spoon or rounded tool, start forming the eye sockets just under the eye-line. Take care not to gouge the clay.[22]
Work carefully and take your time. Try to keep your tool flat on the clay and use small circular movements. Smooth the clay out as you work. The sockets should be deep enough so that the eyes do not protrude from the sculpture.[23]
Add brow bones by rolling two small cylinders of clay and attaching them just above the eye sockets. Make sure the clay is workable so you can blend it onto the face. Using a small spatula, slowly work the brow bone into the forehead creating a small ridge. Work until you can't see any creases between the forehead and the brow bone.[24]
Form eyelids in much the same way as you made brow bones. Take two small cylinders of clay and place them just under the brow bone and into the eye sockets. Smooth out any seam lines to blend the eyelids into the rest of the face. Repeat the process to form the bottom eyelids.[25]
Roll small balls of clay to place into the eye sockets to act as the eyes. Round off the ball and form each eye in its socket. Try to keep the eyes symmetrical as you form them.[26]

Fix any mistakes. Before you finish your sculpture, compare it to your photo reference. If you find anything you aren't happy with, go back and re-work it. Stay patient and think of your mistakes as opportunities to improve your skill.[36]
Once you're happy with everything, do a final blending pass over your sculpted face. Smooth out any seams, remove any excess clay, and clean up the sculpture.[37]