I just started sculpting clay about 5-6 months ago. I was in the hospital for almost the entire Summer, so I picked up some clay and started making things that I never knew possible. Imaking a 'd always been a pencil artist and that was my bread and butter. When didnt have access to quality pencils in the hospital clay was the only other medium I could work without making a mess of my room. Now, I find working clay more satisfying than my drawings. it's addictive and fun to create.
I love hearing stories like this. I hope you kept the sculpting going. I'm sculpting 20 years now and am delighted to have passed the bug onto 4 people who previously thought they wouldn't be capable of producing the amazing pieces that they now regularly make. Adding that extra dimension onto 2D art, is one of the most satisfying things an illustrator can progress to.
Nearly all of my tools are custom made by myself, to meet my own specific needs. I have drawers full of old purchased tools and equipment that sees very little use. A pencil length bamboo spatula, flat on one side and convex on the other, is the one tool I use more than 90% of the time.
The tools in my Amazon affiliate links are inexpensive and great for beginners. I would start there so you can try a variety to see what you like. Then it might be a good idea to go into a Sculpture Depot store (there's one in Loveland, CO) so you can pick out one or two high quality tools in person. I highly recommend using the tip in this video before using your tools: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PTEBIro2HL8.html ...the gorilla glue epoxie costs about 5 bux i think, and it takes only a few minutes to do. If you don't prep them like i did in that video, they will eventually break.
My sculptures are always molded for casting in bronze, so they are given a "patina" instead of paint. You can try polymers, which can be baked in the oven to harden, then painted; however, that type of clay is not as easy to practice with. Oil based clay is much better for practicing.
@@FritzHoppe Actualy ordered Super Sculpey (Beige), to test how it feels. But in my country is very popular Fimo Professional. My plan to create miniatures :)
There are many different methods and materials available. I have taught one method in a classroom setting. I would recommend starting by sculpting two similar figures. For one figure, carve away slowly from a block of clay. For the other figure, build up the clay by slowing adding pieces. Try this, then come back and share which method you prefer. I usually check new comments.
Hello. Please tell me, the tool at 5:17 to 5:47 needs to have sharp edges? I bought something similar in a set of six tools, and the edges are not sharp at all. Do I need to sharpen the edges of this tool (at any of the 2 ends of it)?
It doesn't work very well with oil based clays. I only mold the clay with rubber and plaster. Then the resin can be poured into the mold. I have videos on molding sculptures, if you go to my channel videos.
I have been doing this professionally for 8 years, but i have used clay since I was around 3 years old. My family were artists, so I have been fortunate enough to always have access to clay and tools.
I'm going to start squlpting and I bought some tool I whant to make a character of mine but I don't now if I should practice first instead of doing a project
There are some of my affiliate links to basic tools on amazon, but the really nice carving tools are available at Sculpture Depot and Arizona Sculpture. There is a Sculpture Depot store in Loveland, CO. I highly recommend stopping in there if you can. The staff is very knowledgeable.
There are links in description of this video. That will take you too some good affordable options on Amazon. Arizona Sculpture & Sculpture Depot have some excellent tools, but they are more expensive. So I recommend starting out with the variety packs in the links. That way you can first find out which ones are your favorite. I highly reccomend doing this to ALL of your tools... This video shows you how to make them last a lot longer: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PTEBIro2HL8.html
Hey man, you seem to know your stuff about sculpting and the different clays. I’d always been interested in the idea of sculpting , it seemed simple . Grab some clay, sculpt. But i was wrong , it is quiet overwhelming . Basically I want to make little figures about 15 cm tall or so, that I can paint. Which clay would you recommend for me? ceramic? Thanks :)
Start off with some cheap but viable clay to make sure you actually want to get into it. If you do like it, practice with that same clay until you can smoothen, add/remove details, and use your hands right.
