Quadruped Armatures

The next project is a "Quadruped", a four legged creature. To make an armature for the quadruped begin with an armature map. It is important to continue to include this step in the sculpture making process because it is where the proportions and scale of the sculpture are "Mapped" out.

Since the quadruped has four legs the torso (use 11 gauge wire) needs to have a "shoulder" at each end as shown in the picture (top center). Make two and use the first one to measure the second one so that they are both the same size. Remember symmetry is important. Bind the two pieces together. Use 16 gauge wire to wrap in neat coils between the pelvic area and the chest area of the armature (refer to the armature map to figure out where the pelvic area and apex (chest area) of the sculpture will be.

Separate the the ends of the torso as shown in the picture to create a scapula and pelvis.

Once the torso has been completed make the legs. Depending upon the sculpture it may make sense to use 11 gauge wire for the legs. For example if the animal has a lot of weight in the torso and needs extra strength to hold it up. Otherwise use 16 gauge wire to make the legs.

Make two sets of "arms" - remember from the anatomy armature? Use the armature map to make sure that the legs are the correct length and the same length.

Now that the loops are complete place one end into the "chuck" of the drill and twirl it into a "cord" as shown in the picture (second row right). Find the center of each and mark with a piece of tape. Straighten each piece. Take one set of legs and center over one end of the torso and wrap with 16 gauge wire to attach it to the torso.

With the legs attached to the torso the armature is ready for the head and tail.

The head is attached to the torso the same way as the anatomy sculpture. Make a brain cavity and attach the stem of the 11 gauge wire to the under part of the torso by wrapping with 16 gauge wire in a neat coil.

The tail is attached the same way only to the top.

Now it is appropriate to pose the armature according to the sketches or turnarounds.

Remember when posing the creature to give the spine curvature and bend the legs appropriately for the animal skeleton. Remember to create a pelvic area and a shoulder area just like on the anatomy armature. The differences are that on the quadruped the pelvis faces back. The scapula (shoulder bones) face forward. Refer to the pictures at the bottom left.