There are many types of sculptures, but they can generally be divided into two broad groups: augmented sculptures where the materials used are added to make up the shape (clay, wax, cardboard, and so on), and subtractive sculptures where the ingredients are subtracted. to form something desired (rock, wood, ice, and so on). This guide will give you the basics for both types of sculpture, so you can begin to sculpt and bring out your artistic side. Get started with Step 1 below!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Creating a Sculpture by Adding
Step 1. Draw the sculpted shape you want
Always sketch the sculpture you want to make. It doesn't have to be a perfect drawing, but it will help you shape the sculpture and put the material in place. Draw the sculpture from various sides. You may also need to sketch in detail for certain sections.
Step 2. Create the base
If your sculpture has a base, then this is the section you should make first and then build the rest of this base. You can make the base of the sculpture out of wood, metal, clay, stone or any material you want.
Step 3. Create the "armature"
Armature is a sculptor's language to refer to supporting structures. This structure resembles the function of bone for your sculpture, thus keeping it from breaking. And while not all parts of your sculpture require an armature, this structure is especially important for parts of an arm or leg, which separate from the body and break easily.
- Armature can be made of thin wire, pipe, stick or other suitable material for your sculpture.
- Generally, start by creating a sculptural "spine" and branch off to create the rest of the body. Use your design sketch to help create the armature, especially if your sketch is to a certain scale.
- Unite the armature with the base of the sculpture before you continue your carving.
Step 4. Fill in the basic sculptural shape
Depending on the material you are using to make the sculpture, you may need to make the underlay with a different material. This is generally necessary when sculpting polymer clay. The undercoat will help reduce the cost and weight of the sculpture, so consider using it.
The materials that are widely used are newspapers, aluminum foil, and cardboard. #*Glue this fill material into your armature, so the basic shape of your sculpture will begin to show. That said, you still need to further shape your sculpture, so don't stop here
Step 5. Move from the big shape to the small shape
Start adding your sculpting materials. Start by forming the largest part to the smallest part. Make a big shape first, then make a small shape. Add materials as needed, but avoid taking too much material from the sculpture, as it will be difficult to return to your sculpture.
Step 6. Add sculpting details
Once the general shape of your sculpture is established, start mixing, carving and creating finer sculptural details. The details you need to make for example are hair, eyes and muscles, fingers and toes, and so on. Make details on your sculptures until they look perfect.
Step 7. Add texture
The final stage of sculpting is to give your sculpture some texture, if you wish. This stage is very important for producing realistic looking sculptures, but is not necessary if you want your sculptures to look different. You can use a sculpting tool to give it texture or use whatever tools you have in your home.
- With the right tools, the rule you have to remember is, the smaller the tip the finer the detail it creates. The curved tool is used to smooth the remaining clay and the cutting tool is used to cut the sculpture.
- You can make your own carving tools from aluminum foil balls, black pepper, toothbrushes, toothpicks, necklace chains, combs, sewing needles, knives, and so on.
Step 8. Dry your sculpture
You will need to burn the sculpture or allow it to dry, whichever method suits your carving material. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your sculpture.
Step 9. Color your sculpture
If you want your sculpture to be colored, color it after it dries. You may need to use a special paint, depending on the material you choose. To paint polymer clay, for example, you will need an enamel paint.
Step 10. Mixing the media
You can make your sculptures more interesting by mixing media. That way your sculpture will look more real or have a more attractive color. Consider using fabric, or real hair for your sculpture.
Method 2 of 2: Creating Sculptures by Subtracting
Step 1. Sketch the sculpture
Start by making a sculpted version of clay, wax or other materials that are quicker. You will use this shape as a sculptural sketch. You will make measurements based on the sketch and then use them to carve or sculpt your sculptural material.
Step 2. Create the base of the sculpture
You can use the measurements from the sculptural sketch and mark the wood or stone you are going to carve so you know which parts to cut out. For example, if you know your sculpture won't be more than 14 inches long, you can get rid of materials that are taller than 15 inches. And leave room to carve and shape the base of your sculpture.
Step 3. Use a measuring tool
A measuring tool is used to measure your sketch and create a measure of the same location and depth in your wood or stone carving.
Step 4. Make carvings with details
Use a tool that matches the material you are using, and start reducing the sculptural material and adjusting it to the size of the tool you used previously.
Step 5. Smooth your sculpture
Use progressively finer sandpaper to smooth the sculpture to the size you want.
Step 6. Done
Add any other details you want to your sculpture.
Tips
Leftover material from the outside is not suitable if you are going to show off the sculpture outside, because it will not stand out
Warning
- Be careful when using all tools during carving.
- Many materials can produce fumes and are toxic, so be careful.
