My turn for the brick wall. Probably because I was trying to push myself a bit too far. I wanted to try and get a more expressive face and was initially quite happy until I took the pics . I will be calling this one BIG NOSE! reason is fairly obvious lol. Also got the scale 120mm wrong as you will see from the last pic.
Please fire away when your critiques.



Barrie.

Barrie,
Stu said to me 'practice' practice' practice'. Keep going mate.

Andrew

Hi Andrew, that's so much better, the head is now in a much more natural position and the jutting chin has gone, but from the photos it still looks a little as if the face is stuck on the front of the head so, as you check it, make sure to check from above and underneath as well. Also to keep the two sides of the face even, take a piece of thread, wrap it round the armature wire and pull it tight into the middle of the chin nose and over the top of the head to give you a visual reference marker. I hope this helps, you and Barrie are doing very well. Although the skills and mindset are the same as with painting, the techniques of sculpting are skills that have to be learned, and that does take time.
Best wishes, Gary

Barrie, don't knock it mate, I think it's great in fact I think I was watching him in a film this afternoon.

Hi Gary,
Your suggestion of the thread is so perfect in its simplicity.
Many thanks,
Andrew

Thanks for the support and encouragement Gary. Will have to try the thread thing myself during the week.

Barrie.

Only way to do it I think Andrew.
Cheers,
Barrie.

I’ve been practicing again. Obviously still a long way to go, but I think I’m starting to develop a process with which I’m becoming relatively comfortable. Now I need to start working more carefully on the eye area.
In the meanwhile, head No. 8 is available for comment.



Cheers,
Andrew

Andrew, that's a cracking job mate. You've certainly grabbed the bull by the horns. This one looks a real mean dude.
Well done mate.
Barrie.

You are definitely making progress Andrew!
You've got the basic skills now, understanding the characteristics of the putty and tools etc. Which is a big part.
Now its about studying the contours and subtleties of the face. I think if you got a couple pictures of a face from the front, side and maybe three quarter. It should give you a good understanding of contours. Foe example: if you alter the profile of a face, it will effect the face from the front also. But these are just the subtleties.
I guess what I'm saying in a clumsy way. Its about refining and honing your skills.

Well done buddy, you've made huge improvements in no time at all. You just need to keep practising.

Carl

there are no limits to the talents of barrie hynd, well done mate.

Carl,
Many thanks for your comments and suggestions.
I was actually thinking of initially using a good bust that I'd painted to give me the 3D effect.

Andrew

No thanks necessary mate. I'm just glad your enjoying the experience.

A 3d head would work, but if you can couple that with as much info, drawings, paintings and photos as you can.
Then you are able to access the subtle differences, the effects a slight movement has on therest of the face etc.

But your doing fine mate, and you'll carve your own way!

Carl

Hi All,

Thanks for the suggestion Gary. It was duly ordered and finally arrived yesterday.
I’ve now had my first attempt with the firm Sculpey. I used it as it came and didn’t mix it with the pink Sculpey. It takes a bit of getting used to since it softens quite considerably in use, but I’m getting used to it. It’s certainly easier to see the features. I’ll have to try mixing it as suggested and do some further tinkering.
My latest attempt is not so much a move forward, but more an experiment with the new material. I realise that I’ve set the eyes too deep and the overall effect is somewhat Neanderthal, but it was good fun and I’m looking forward to practicing some more asap, but this time paying much more attention to Carl’s initial photos.
In the meantime you’re welcome to make as many derogatory comments as you like.



Cheers,
Andrew

Actually Andrew, setting the eyes a bit deeper really works well. If you're experimenting with materials, you can't really concentrate on form at the same time. Anyway, this isn't bad at all. You and Barrie are getting the hang of putting character into your faces so well done.
Best wishes, Gary.

Your getting to grips with this for sure Andrew. Like Gary says, the deepset eyes works well.
Not had any time myself to do some more, too busy with work

Barrie.

Hi Folks,

I’m still persevering.
Less of an experiment, and more of an effort to follow Carl’s SBS, but without the extremely jutting chin this time. This is the result of three hours work. Still a long, long way to go to achieve what I’m really after. The next target will be the nose and upper lip area. Material is Sculpey Firm, which I’m finding it easier to use this time.
All comments and advice will be most appreciated.



Cheers,
Andrew

Andrew, your perseverance is paying off mate. Your raising the bar level for the rest of us with each of your posts.
Barrie.

Thanks for the encouraging comment Barrie, but I’ve decided that I’ve made my last photo upload to this thread.
While initially I was making useful steps forward and Carl, Gary and others were giving loads of advice and useful pointers, it was very helpful to post my attempts.
I feel that I’ve now reached a point where there can’t be any more advice for anyone to give until I’ve managed to apply what I’ve been taught so far.
I’ve got plenty of clay, loads of time and I’m my own worst critic; so there’s every chance that I might post something for comment sometime in the future.
Meanwhile, many thanks to everyone who’s taken the trouble to help me on my way.

Cheers,
Andrew

I think you're right Andrew, you're producing good stuff now so only practice will get it to where you want it to be. I look forward to seeing more in the future.
Scotty.