There are different types of sculptures, but in general two main categories can be identified: sculptures by addition, whose shape is created by adding material (clay, clay, wax, cardboard, papier-mâché), and sculptures by subtraction, in which the shape is created by subtracting material (stone, wood, ice) from an initial block. This guide will provide you with the information you need to use both techniques and find your own way to reveal the Michelangelo within you. Start with the first step below!
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Sculpture by Addition
Step 1. Make a drawing of the sculpture
It is important to always make a drawing of the sculpture you intend to create. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece, but a sketch made for the purpose of getting an idea of what the shapes will look like and where the materials will go. Make sketches of what the sculpture will look like from different angles. Also consider making more detailed drawings for the more detailed parts.
Step 2. Create the pedestal
If the sculpture includes a pedestal, it is best to start with the pedestal and then make the sculpture on it. Adding the pedestal at the end makes the structure less solid. The pedestal can be made of wood, metal, clay, clay, stone or any other material you want.
Step 3. Build the armor
"Armor" is a term used by sculptors to indicate the support structure of the sculpture, which constitutes its backbone. It also serves to prevent the pieces of the sculpture from falling off. While not every single part of the sculpture necessarily needs it, it is certainly important for parts such as arms or legs that are distant from the body and that could easily break.
- The armor can be made of more or less thick iron wire, hydraulic pipes, PVC pipes, wood, twigs, wooden pins or any other material that performs the desired function.
- In general, it starts from the "backbone" of the sculpture and creates branches for the "limbs". The previously made drawing will be useful to you at this stage, especially if it was produced to scale.
- Anchor the armor on the pedestal before continuing.
Step 4. Fill in the main shape
Depending on the material you will be using for the sculpture, it may be appropriate to make an underlying layer of a different material. It is common practice, in particular, when using clay or polymer clay as the main material, and it is worth considering as it helps to reduce the cost and weight of the sculpture itself.
- Commonly used materials for this function are newspaper, tinfoil or aluminum foil, masking tape and cardboard.
- Freely fill the armature with the chosen material, securing it with adhesive tape and following the main shapes of the sculpture. Don't go overboard with the filler material, and leave enough space to then model the sculpture with the main material.
Step 5. Start with the larger shapes and move towards the smaller ones
Start by adding the material chosen for the sculpture, starting with the most voluminous parts (the main "muscle groups") and then continue with the less voluminous ones (the minor "muscle groups"). Proceed from the main details to the more minute ones. Add material and remove if necessary, but try to avoid removing too much, as it may be more difficult to add it back later.
Step 6. Add the details
Once the main shape looks complete to you, start mixing the material, sculpting and making the finer details like hair, eyes, contours and curves of the muscles, fingers and toes, etc. Keep adding details until the sculpture looks done.
Step 7. Add surface details
The final step in completing the sculpture is adding the surface details (if desired or necessary). This step is important to give your sculpture a natural and realistic look, but it may not be necessary, depending on your personal style. You can use sculpting tools, or even make tools yourself from what you have available at home.
- If you use the right tools, keep in mind that to create finer details the tip will need to be smaller. Tools with metal eyelets at the ends are used to remove clay or clay, while those with blades have a sufficiently intuitive use.
- You can make some tools using foil balls, peppercorns, toothbrushes, toothpicks, chain necklaces, ball bearings, combs, sewing needles, knitting needles, knives, etc.
Step 8. Bake the sculpture
You will need to either bake the sculpture or let it dry, depending on the material used. Follow the instructions provided with the material itself.
Step 9. Paint the sculpture
If you want to paint or color the sculpture, do it after the cooking / drying phase. You may need to use special paint, depending on the material used. Clay or polymer clay, for example, must be painted with glaze.
Step 10. Mix different materials
A sculpture made with different materials appears more realistic or is more interesting due to the particularity of the surface or the colors. For example, consider using real fabric for clothes, or hair - real or fake - instead of sculpting the hair.
Method 2 of 2: Sculpture by Subtraction
Step 1. Make a drawing of the sculpture
Start by making a version in clay, clay, wax or any other material that you can work quickly, and use this sculpture as a model on which to take measurements to sculpt the stone or material chosen for your work.
Step 2. Sculpt the main shape
You can take the main measurements on the reference sculpture and make marks on the stone or wood where you will need to cut. For example, if you know your sculpture will be no taller than 35 centimeters, you can already remove all material above 37-38 centimeters. Obtain the basic shape of your work, but always leave enough excess material to move.
Step 3. Use a carving dot machine
Using a dot machine or other measuring tool, start measuring the reference sculpture, marking the points and depths on the stone or wood.
Step 4. Sculpt the details
Using tools suitable for the chosen material, begin to engrave and gradually reduce the material by referring to the points marked previously.
Step 5. Smooth the sculpture
Using increasingly fine-grained sandpaper, smooth the surface of the sculpture according to the desired result.
Step 6. Done
Add the very last details following your personal taste and your artwork is finished!
Advice
Avoid leaving debris and debris around the sculpture if you wish to expose it outside, or it will blend in with these
Warnings
- Use the necessary utensils carefully.
- Some materials are known to produce toxic fumes or residues. Be careful.
