The Sculpting Book

Covers modelling from casts, live models; measurements; frameworks; scale of proportions; compositions; reliefs, drapery, medals, etc. 107 full-page photographic plates. 27 other photographs. 175 drawings and diagrams.

This guide shows you step by step how to sculpt realistic figures, from face to feet, through 10 projects. Professional sculptor and instructor Elizabeth Bonvalot provides the guidance and tips needed to--with time and practice!--reach realism with your sculpted figures. Begin with the fundamentals, such as the types and properties of clays, the materials and tools, four base techniques, and topics such as roughing out, adding clay, detailing, engobe, firing, and patinas. The first five lessons teach the elements of figure sculpting, focusing your attention on heads, faces, hands, feet, and the body. The next five projects offer a sequence for effective skills building as you create a bas-relief portrait, an animal, a standing nude, a bust, and a lifesize figure. This comprehensive approach is perfect for people who love clay and have a can-do attitude, even with limited formal art class experience.

Step-by-step techniques for modeling the portrait in clay, firing meethods and mold making.

"A joy to read, as well as a constant reference library. Thoroughly inspiring." — Workbench The republication of this highly valuable text by Edouard Lanteri, a renowned teacher, sculptor, and intimate friend of Rodin (Rodin called him "my dear master, my dear friend"), makes it possible for serious students to gain the requisite skills needed for figurative sculpture and to bridge the gap between artistic concept and figurative realization. Modelling and Sculpting Animals, together with its companion piece Modelling and Sculpting the Human Figure, is the classic treatise on the techniques of figurative sculpture. Representing at least three thousand years of studio lore, this readily understandable, authoritative guide is a goldmine of technical information, easily comprising a four-year sculpture curriculum unavailable elsewhere. In this reasonably priced volume, devoted almost entirely to the modelling of animals, Lanteri offers thorough step-by-step instruction for the figurative sculptor. Beginning with a description of the historical symbolism of animals in different cultures, the author then proceeds to give meticulous anatomy for the horse, lion, and bull. Rules of motion, measurements of construction, erecting the framework, tools, materials, and other pertinent aspects of animal sculpture are covered in detail. The final section presents a comprehensive exposition of the methods of casting in plaster, including how to mix the plaster, applying successive layers and irons, opening the mold, soaping and oiling, chipping off the mold, and special precautions. A profusion of illustrations — over 200 photographs, drawings, and diagrams — clearly demonstrate every principle and method the author describes. 64 full-page photographic plates, 139 drawings and diagrams.

Beginner's Guide to Sculpting Characters in Clay is a comprehensive guide to traditional sculpting tools, materials and techniques for beginners.

A comprehensive guide for sculptors looking to recreate the human body using clay, from the author of The Portrait in Clay In Sculpting the Figure in Clay, acclaimed portrait bust sculptor Peter Rubio teaches a master class in the essentials of figurative sculpture. In this intensive, all-inclusive guide, he introduces students to a natural, straightforward geometry that will help them become masters at forming figures of clay. Rubino’s unique approach utilizes a geometric system consisting of blocks, simple shapes, and guidelines that instruct students in a new and instinctive sculptural style, With these easy-to-follow instructions and informative concepts, students will see figures as the basic shapes beneath the form as well as learn vital approaches such as BLT: Bend, Lean, and Turn, to create evocative expression, and the Three Ps: Position, Proportion, and Plans, for accurate representation. Other topics include: • The Fundamentals of the Clay Torso • Observing the Model • Essential Materials and Tools • Sculpting the Female Torso from the Live Model • Sculpting the Reclining Figure from the Live Model • Sculpting the Hand, Foot, and Lower Arm • Plus Many Photographic Reference Poses for Continued Study This unparalleled resource is the definitive guide to figurative sculpture.

"Promises to become a standard reference book." — The Art Digest. Exhaustive, profusely illustrated guide to all of the technical aspects of sculpting in stone, metal, wood, and other materials. The author expertly covers casting, surface treatment, exotic materials such as amber, coal, and even butter! Much more. 281 illustrations.