Chalices of Cartagena, Cups of Ponce De Leon

[Customrelic]

I picked this back up after a month or so of not working on it. This is going to be the "Aqua" cup of Ponce De leon. I studied the screen used prop and was kinda shocked at how bad it was. Looking at several screen shots throughout the movie, i noticed they had to have used a bunch of different ones throughout the film as none looked the same. So I incorporated all of them into one. Although slight, there are differences. My first observation was both cups did not sit straight. They had tilts to them. Neither had round rims. One was almost flat on one side. My biggest problem was the pearls. I couldn't tell if they were real, what size etc until i saw a photo of the screen used one. (Below). They were definitely pearls, but cast as one solid piece. After looking at countless pearls and sizes, I discovered they are 2.5 mm in size and freshwater. The amber type panels were a little tricky. I was going to try and melt down amber at one point to duplicate them. But when a friend asked if i could cast a set for him, i decided to pass on all of that and just paint. But i wanted it to look old and weathered as a 500+ year old cup would look. I decided to do a "cracked" finish to give it a little more than just a painted piece. I sculpted all the pieces with the intention on making casts of them. While doing this, I experimented with coloring, textures etc as you can see from the pics. This is in no way the finished piece or colors. So far, im pleased with the pearl size/shape. I really like the panels and the texture. I def will add a black/brown antiquing wax to all the grooves under the pearls. I like the brown antique wax used in the groves and corners of the panels. I wanted to mimic 100's of years of grime build up. I have yet to complete the top rim (its just the supports right now) or any of the fine detail. Ill need to strengthen the pearls somehow for when i make the mold. And i still need to hollow the cup and do the inside. Does anyone have advice or comments on tips or suggestions on coloring, texture etc? Again, everything done so far is just experimenting. The colors and textures will come after i cast the cup. I thought i could use one prototype cup and make both cuos from it. With of course the correct wording on each.

 

[Customrelic]

I finished all the rough work and now time for detail. It's weird doing something not perfect. Im trying to follow screen accuracy and keep everything not straight. Im still experimenting with colors, especially the silver. Im going to do a silver leaf inside to see how it looks. Being that purple is the compliment to silver, ive been messing around with dry brushing parts of the silver rub n buff. That may be an option after casting. All the pearls are on according to the originals. I just need to add a few rubys to the bottom of the goblet part.

 

[Customrelic]

I think im going to cast this cup to make both. The originals are pretty crudely made. As i said in an earlier post, they are cast in one piece. There are no seperate pearls on them. They didnt even bother painting the pearls on the originals. I scaled the size of mine off of scenes in the movie. Its a pretty good size. And being the originals are similar, i figured casting both off of this one would be far easier than sculpting a second. The colors were all experimental. After casting, i will airbrush more properly.

I also am beginning to prepare to make this in a metal. Maybe pewter. I was planning on doing the panels in an amber resin. Idk just yet. I have a few more projects to finish. Comments are welcome.