First sculpt

[juno]

With all the new blood flowing into the RPF, I felt the need to try something new (at least new to me). This is my first real attempt at sculpture. This is not a show-off thread, IÂ’m looking for constructive advice and criticism. (Okay, a little praise wouldnÂ’t hurt either. )

The sculpt is the beginnings of an embryonic dragon. I used reference photos of baby birds outside my house and pictures of embryonic alligators. Once finished and cast, it will go inside an egg and into a formaldehyde jar.

 

[Gigatron]

Pretty cool - disturbing, but cool

Some pretty decent detail so far :thumbsup

Keep it up and post some more progress pics as they come.

-Fred

 

[SethB6025]

Nice work.

 

[Walter]

Juno,

Looks like you are off to a pretty good start there. :thumbsup

-Bryan

 

[moffeaton]

I dig it. I know it's probably the nature of using Sculpey, but the color is great too - I'd imagine them to have a slight "raw chicken" vibe going on, with some white striated membranes in the egg. I love how you've given it a sense of underdevelopment - weak features, and a toothlessness that would (in my imagination) be a fetal dragon's chief characteristics. My only knee-jerk reaction is to keep the eyes completely sealed. Awesome idea - hope you post progress shots.

 

[pghfett]

Looks great so far I too like the color of the sculpt.
Looking forward to the progress.

 

[OldKen]

it looks just like a real one.

wait...

well it does actually look like what one would guess that it would look...

id say very nice for a first time.

is this for a harry potter prop of sorts?

 

[juno]

No, this one is for my nephew's collection of fetus in jars (well, I guess it's a collection of none at the moment because his fetal shark in a jar's jar leaked).

 

[SgtFang]

NEAT... (Phil likes it too)

Whenever I can redo my library the way I want it, I want to have a few pickled mythical animals in jars too. :thumbsup I'm going for sort of an alternative Victorian/ Jules Verne feel -Mummy case, Nautilus model, steam powered fighter planes w/ confederate markings, weird critter heads on the wall, etc.

-Sarge

 

[kibosh]

<div class='quotetop'></div>

Whenever I can redo my library the way I want it, I want to have a few pickled mythical animals in jars too. I'm going for sort of an alternative Victorian/ Jules Verne feel -Mummy case, Nautilus model, steam powered fighter planes w/ confederate markings, weird critter heads on the wall, etc[/b]

Now THAT would be really cool. I have a section of our living room that is set aside for our office. I plan on displaying all the Star Wars stuff I hope to build/acquire.

 

[KidL]

<div class='quotetop'>(Gigatron @ Nov 16 2006, 09:39 AM) [snapback]1358967[/snapback]</div>

Pretty cool - disturbing, but cool
[/b]

:lol My thoughts exactly.

Great start juno.

The only recommendation I can make is to maybe add some texture to the skin (reptilian 'bumpy' skin if that makes sense). For Sculpey, I believe ppl generally make a 'texture stamp' rather than actually sculpting each wrinkle/bump. Maybe even a worn piece of leather?

 

[Too Much Garlic]

SWEET. (doing Cartman voice) :thumbsup

 

[juno]

Thanks for all the comments.

I actually decided not to do a skin texture as I really wanted to go for a really early embryo, not an almost hatchling. I did try to play up a bit more fetus-ish texture on the body. I also went with MoffEaton's suggestion of closed eyes.

I finished the body tonight:

I think I'll wait until tomorrow before I decide whether or not it is complete. (I'm definitely going to play a bit more with the tail. The clay is Premo polymer clay (Sculpey's expensive sister) with an aluminum foil armature.

 

[Snoballz]

Wow... nice work. I really like the wing "buds" on the back, but maybe they'd be a little more formed or larger?

 

[KidL]

<div class='quotetop'>(juno @ Nov 16 2006, 08:05 PM) [snapback]1359491[/snapback]</div>

I actually decided not to do a skin texture as I really wanted to go for a really early embryo, not an almost hatchling. [/b]

Ah, that makes a lot of sense. Although, I would keep in mind that the formaldahyde might 'blur' out some of the finer detail. But still, you're reasoning is valid and would probably convey more of what you're going for.

 

[juno]

I had originally done bigger wing buds but they looked lame -- like a malformed chicken wing.

 

[Mr_Creepy]

<div class='quotetop'>(juno @ Nov 16 2006, 11:22 PM) [snapback]1359537[/snapback]</div>

I had originally done bigger wing buds but they looked lame -- like a malformed chicken wing.
[/b]

I dunno, that actually sounds pretty cool to me. :lol

Looks fantastic, very realistic--I bet your nephew will love it

 

[Beagle Bill]

I like it. Very unusual (and that's why it's so cool.) Definately a standout piece in any collection. Your nephew should love it. Also, I kinda dig the malformed chicken wing idea, as it would further differentiate this little guy from an embryonic dinosaur. I really like the indicated underlying bone structure of the head. Keep us posted.

 

[Beagle Bill]

Sorry, double post.

 

[Beagle Bill]

Sorry, triple post. :unsure I'm gonna have to get a new mouse for this computer.