Yet another MK III - clay sculpt

[rigor]

Never having sculpted before I'm starting on the calves and will work my up the body to learn as I go. I'm still struggling to find the shape of the calf. It looks too muscular yet. It flares down towards the toes too much too, but the shape is slowly getting there. I'm using cutout templates and measurements from full-size posters to help. Anything to help me along since I've not done this before.

 

[koobecafees]

For a first time sculpt it seems like an awesome job to me. How did you get the right leg so smooth?

 

[rigor]

Forgot to mention. Any sculpting tips or resources are very much appreciated. Any websites or videos you recommend?

I'm using Klean Klay firm and try to build up a large block then start carving it down until my templates (made by tracing the big posters) just barely slide over the clay form. I used two templates, one front-to-back and one side-to-side, to give the rough shape. I've moved on to the thighs and pelvis. Will post more pics later.

 

[rigor]

For a first time sculpt it seems like an awesome job to me. How did you get the right leg so smooth?

Having no instruction at all I'm probably doing it wrong, but I found the straight cutting blades ended up leaving light ridges in the clay surface. Every additional stroke made the surface ridges deeper. I tried a lot of different things, but what worked best for me was using the finishing rubber on the surface and pushing down very firmly while I pulled it along the surface if that makes sense. What this does move clay from high areas to low areas because it's not a cutting tool. After that the surface needs cleaned up a bit then because pulling so hard like that tears the surface a bit. By running my finger over the tears in the opposite direction that I pulled the finishing rubber, I push down the slight tears. Then I clean up the surface with a card, and it's nice and smooth. It's a pretty fast way too.

 

[JackAce]

personally i always liked to use fishing wire to cut away at a large piece of clay. if you get any build up / rough edge mess its pretty easily cleaned up with a light brush of a wet sponge.

 

[punisher]

looks good so far!