Set Up Your Workspace

Now that the pre-primary forms are complete sculpey can be added to the armature.

Set up the work space. The work space should include a mirror (for self portraits), an anatomy book, a human skull* (if you have one), and sketches. In addition to these items the work space may include tools: a roller, wood and wire loop tool, Xacto knife, and Vaseline.

Place the mirror on a box to bring it to eye level. Do the same for the sculpture. It is important to have the sculpture at eye level to prevent the perspective from being skewed.

Next roll out a coil of sculpey. Make it about the same diameter as a dime and as long as can be appropriate for the space. Also roll out a slab. Make the slab about 1/4 - 1/8 inch thick, also as large as the space will allow.

To roll out a coil simply take the sculpey between both hands and roll a hot-dog form. Then put the form on the table and with fingers spread (number ten style) roll the coil on the table until it is the diameter and length desired. If the coil flattens out turn it so that the round end is on the table and tap it gently and then continue to roll.

To roll out a slab place a section of sculpey on the table and flatten with the roller until the desired thickness and size.

*Can be ordered online at places like Shop Anatomical or Anatomy Warehouse.

SKULLS AND MORE
SKULLS

Mounting The Armature To The Base

The diagram demonstrates how to mount the armature to the wood base. Make sure to use wood screws.

The difference between a typical wood screw and a typical metal screw is as follows: A wood screw generally has a pointed shaft to make piercing the wood surface easier. A metal screw generally has a flat end (some have pointed ends). Screws also have different heads. That means that the top of the screw can be identified by a "cross" (Phillips Head) or a "minus" (Flat Head).

Some woods are soft enough that the wood screw can be pushed into the wood where it will stay until it is driven into a secure position.

To drive the screw into the wood an appropriate flat head or phillips head hand held manual screw driver or electric drill with an appropriate driver must be used. Drive the screw into the wood until if fits tightly over the wire of the armature. After this is done use a pair of pliers to crimp the wire tightly around the screw.

If the screw head is too small a washer may be used to increase the area of the head of the screw so that it will fit over the wire.
Simply slide the washer over the shaft of the screw then position the screw through the loop of the armature and into the wood.

Building Up the Pre Primary Form

Begin to add aluminum foil to the armature. Work the whole piece. Try to avoid working one area then going to the next. Do the head, neck, shoulders and base so that the aluminum is unified. Use hands and the roller to twist, press and tap the aluminum onto the armature so that it is compact, tight, and smooth. Avoid loose aluminum foil.

Building up the surface in this way gives the sculpey something to stick to. It also gives the artists an idea on how to pose the portrait for the best effect.

Use the drawings to determine how much bulk is required. Keep in mind the sculpey should be anywhere from 1/2 to 1/4 inch thick over the top of the aluminum foil.

Mount the armature to an appropriately sized board. Place the three loops at the bottom of the armature on the board. Place a screw through the loop and drive the screw into the wood with a drill. Use three 1/2 inch wood screws. Wood screws have little points at the end of the shaft. Crimp the loops around the screws to make sure they are tight and stable.

If the sculpture seems a little unstable add washers under each screw to hold the loops in place more securely. Another option is to use a small amount of well kneaded plumbers puddy (the quick set brand - sets in 3 min.) over the top of the screw. this does two things: it smoothes the top of the screw and adds strength.

Quick Turn Around Sketch

5 Point Turnarounds

When sculpting many artists work from imagination. Traditionally, however, sculptors have used a reference of some kind. A turnaround, along with photos, books, and three-dimensional models are all excellent sources for references.

Here is a basic example of a 5 point turn for a portrait head including the base. This example incorporates a skull reference and a muscle reference called an overlay.

Make drawings of the subject you want to sculpt from as many views as you can. If you are doing an animal you will want to have skeletal and muscular references to help with overall form.

This Is Just One Way to Make An Armature For A Portrait Head

Step 1. Decide on a size that will include the head, neck, shoulders and base. The example here is 12 inches. Fold into a zig-zag with a loose end on top and two mountains and a loose end on the bottom and two mountains.

Step 2. Hold the folds together at about the center and pull one of the loops down, and bend it as shown. There will be one "loose end" and one loop at the top.

Step 3. Bend, like a bow, to create shoulders.

Step 4. Wrap around the bulk at the center once or twice. Pull the rest of the length down and fold up to form a loop. Now there will be three loops at the bottom.

Step 5,6. Pull the top "loose end" down (now there is only one loop at the top) and neatly wrap the "loose end" around the bulk of the wire above and below the shoulders. Wrap tightly and neatly like a slinky.

Step 7,8. Twist the three bottom loops.

Step 9. Twist all three loops together.

Step 10. Arrange the three bottom loops in a triangle.

Now the armature is ready to mount to a board with three screws.

Sculpting With Super Sculpey - Getting Started

Some things you will need are: Super Sculpey (of course), Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil, Vaseline, 11 gauge and 16 gauge armature wire, Wire Cutters, Plyers, Super Glue, Fast Setting Plumbers Puddy (I use Locktite), a small Wood and Wire Loop Tool (I order mine from Reuels on line), a Pasta Machine (not shown) I get mine at Michales, another invaluable tool is an Xacto Knife (also not shown). a Super Extruder (I get mine on line at Clay Alley), a Wooden Base, Wood Screws 1/4 - 1/2 inch head and about 1/2 inch long ( I use metal screws they usually have a pointed end and a Phillips Head, but you can get wood screws with pointed ends and a Flat Head, you will need a Drill with a Driver that has a Flat Head and a Phillips Head. Ahh, you want something to roll out your sculpey. I use a 1 1/2 inch to 2 inch PVC Tube (I get mine at a hardward store and have them cut a piece for me (if you think you're going to use wood - don't the sculpey sticks to it. But you can get an acrylic roller from the art store (very expensive) - but, Hey, it works!