Idea and pictoral references I was hesitant to post anything regarding this project seeing that I still have the Highlander vignette and other projects yet to be completed. The project is still in the initial stages so aside from a "sketch" of the bust in sculpey and gathering references not much in the way of time has been taken away from what I'm doing now.

The idea was inspired by Mike Blanks 54mm portrait of Karl in addition to his Great Northern War pieces. I even contacted Mike in regards to this project and he sent me some valuable information that will be of help.

I managed to find several portraits of Karl and by comparing them for similiarities in the way the face is structured.

This was a project that I had planned on doing well over a year and felt a little guilty for not doing it sooner as Mike did take the time to send me some materials.

Here is another page of reference pictures.

I also managed to find facial pictures taken of Karl's corpse in 1917 that will be used in reconstructing his facial features.

Sculpey "sketch" Here are some pictures of the composition as planned. He will be shown wearing a cuirass with a buff/yellow waistcoat and blue coat over top. Karl also has an interesting hairstyle as he has quite a receeding hairline. The "sketch" has since been dismantled and the armature has been set aside pending completion of the Highlanders.

Another view.

Profile. The "sketch" is not a very detailed study, and was mainly done to give me an idea as to how the complete bust would look. I hope to do the best likeness possible with the information at hand.

Gary

excellent introduction, and very impressed with your 'sketch'! Many of us would be happy with that! It certainly has the feel of the man and I look forward to seeing this develop!

Hey Gary!

Great to see that you have decided to take the plunge and get ready to start this project. I know you told me about it a long time ago, and I am definately looking forward to see the finished piece.

Your sketch is most impressive as well, if that is a sample or a simple sketch of what is to come I am sure we all have a treat comming!

Yes, busts...more busts...!

Gary, very impressive, looking forward to this new project .


Keep up the good work.

Cheers

Roc

Very interesting subject that will be dealt with in you more then capable hands. Dare I ask will it be a commercial piece or a one off? BTW your "sketch" is better than anything I've sculpted in the 20+ years of painting little men.

Guys, Thanks for the kind words. My main objective is to reconstuct Karl's features as close as I can to the references I'm using. In short it's fairly plain which suits my purpose. I will not begin actual sculpting for a while, but will post an sbs once it begins.


The piece is not currently being sculpted with commercial production in mind, although I would like to try and get a few castings made if possible. I just do not see the subject as being something a manufacturer would want or many folks would be interested in. Only time will tell.~Gary

Awesome Gary! A very good likeness.

Will you be doing the final version in Sculpey too?

Jason, Thanks. Yes, the head will be done sculpey and the cuirass/ clothing might be done in AVES putty, I have not decided yet.~Gary

Hey Gary,

Really nice. I think you have found what you were looking for in this one.

Joe

Nice sketch :lol:

Gary,
You never cease to amaze me...phenominal! Simply awesome...
Thanks for sharing; can't wait to see how the cuirass comes along...
All the best my friend

Patrick

Callum, Thanks.

Patrick, Thanks. The cuirass will be fun as I've never done armor before.~Gary

Nice choice of subject, Gary!

Id be interested in a bust of Calle dussin(Charlie dozen) if it comes out as good as the first shot promises.

Let me know if you have some troubles regarding references and Ill see what I can do.

Just notice that the heading of the thread says "Karl II". But I assume that it is a typo made in haste as it is Karl XII.

Janne, You're right it is a typo, one that I do not think can be fixed. Thanks for the offer of references. I'll call on you if I need them.~Gary