On-Armature Bust Part 5: Blocking in the Features

[@dragonfly111cute]

This is an absolute treasure of knowledge with the anatomy photos along with everything else! I started with this series after already having a start on my armature. I will be following along and continue. Then I will start over! Thank you so much! My sculpture teacher has been out with health issues so I truly appreciate your instruction ❤

[@03dinatale]

Your videos are incredibly helpful!! Keep making them! Would love a series of facial expressions

[@intheround8310]

Thank you! and I want to do an expressions series too. They just take so long to make and I've been really busy with some new classes recently. I'll get there eventually🤞

[@carolinemorgan1888]

Great help thank very inspiering

[@SculptSome]

these are great videos thanks

[@intheround8310]

Thanks! I love your work too!

[@obiebutcher2665]

Hi Mark. Thanks for the videos. I'm making a bust of Henry V.,I have completed the praying hands which will sit as a separate sculpture in front of the head and torso...Now I wish to do the full shoulders as well. Will I need a horizontal piece as well on the armature for the shoulders ?

[@intheround8310]

That shouldn't be necessary. For a bust, the mass of the clay is typically close enough to the base on which you're working to more or less support itself. That is, the first layers you build up will stiffen as you work and support subsequent layers. If you have problems with the clay slumping, you can just wait a little longer for it to harden. That said, for a bust that includes a significant part of the torso, you might want to consider a filler for your armature to minimize both weight and clay usage. This could be anything really, but if you use a rigid material, make sure to leave yourself a good two to four inches of working space so that the clay doesn't shrink down on the armature and crack before you finish the sculpt.

[@fizabatool4635]

Plz u can make armature with wire keys. 😧

[@intheround8310]

You know, there are so many different types of armatures, but I'm not sure what you mean by this. Could you elaborate?

[@fizabatool4635]

@@intheround8310 i mean any easy armature ???

[@intheround8310]

@@fizabatool4635 You know, I think a video on armatures might be a good idea, but as it could take a while to make (I’ve got some other work lined up), for now I’ll just say that armatures don’t need to be complicated to work well, and almost anything could work as an armature. The two most important points to keep in mind are: one, all armatures need to be strong enough to support the material you’re using, and two, they can’t impinge on the surface of your sculpture (except if you’re using a style that pierces the sculpture at one or more points to provide additional external support). If you’re using water based clay, there are two additional considerations: one, you can’t use an armature that’s too rigid and too near to the surface of the sculpture because it can cause the clay to crack as it dries and shrinks, and two, since you have to be able to remove the sculpture from the armature for firing, it can’t be too internally complicated.

[@fizabatool4635]

@@intheround8310 okkk thank you