Hello putty-pushers,

The first major problem encountered by every scratchbuilder is: WHERE DO I START?

I thought it would be interesting (and entertaining ) to our fellows members to see how I proceed.

Here's my method. The photos were taken during the building-up of my new 120mm figure.

FIRST STEP: the pose. Mannekin is made of cast components (head, torso, hips) and wire. Note that the prop (stool) is already complete and definitive before the figure is even started as it would play a major role in the pose.

(to be continued)

All questions and comments are welcome of course.

Quang

Back view.

The figure is standing on his own (not glued to the base). A sure sign that the balance is good :lol:

Q.

Hi Quang.

Very interesting and looking forward to his progress.

Can I guess what it is yet? No! :lol:

No questions yet, but I'm sure I will in time

Rob

Amazing Quang to see you do the very begginning of a figure. I look forward to the following steps.

Cool SBS,Quang ! Thanks for posting and I'll be following it very closely.Cheers.
Kenneth :lol:

Hey Quang, I will definitely be following this thread. Thanks for sharing.

regards

Very much looking forward to this one Quang! Thanks in advance....

-jim cox

Quang,

Really great! I am looking forward to this thread.

Joe

PS I have not forgotten you, just sorry it has taken so long.

This will be interesting for sure! Looking forward to it!

Like all other, I too will be watching this to see where it goes. Thanks Quang for showing us how you start and procede.

Jim Patrick

Quang, I've missed seeing such a posting(s) from you. There's a lot to be learned from seeing your sbs's. Welcome back!~Gary

This looks very interesting.

I'm most impressed 'he' stands like that. The sculpting so far represents the combined skeletomuscular contribution to the pose.

I wonder about muscular involvement in a standing pose. If a figure is sculpted that doesn't quite stand up, does that add action to the pose?

Very interesting SBS.

Andy

Hi Quang

Whare's the head from? The Musketeer? Also, have you been inspired by some piece of art? or do you just start experimenting with the pose?

Rob

Thank you, guys, for your support.

But let me put things straight even if it may cool off your enthusiasm .

This is NOT a 'regular' s-b-s full of 'how-to' techniques and tips (like Gary's excellent 'Ramrod' article ).

Rather an insight on the 'process of creation' : how the mental figure is transformed into its (hopefully) corresponding twin in 3D. The process is not always as straightforward and trouble-free as one may think.

Here's the next step: FREEZING UP THE JOINTS.

Putty is added on the joints to 'freeze up' the pose. Note that the elbows and spine are left free for further adjustments. Also note how the supporting leg angles inward to counter-balance the swing of the hips.

Q.

Back view.

Rob: the head is from the final figure (alright, now you have a clue). The first two photos were made the sculpt was well underway to demonstrate the wire mannekin (yes, I did make a new mannekin for that purpose).

As for the pose, I chose the subject first, then thought out a pose that would 'fit' the character. No other inspiration, although in retrospect it looks furiously like PM's Sailor Malan. C.G. Jung's 'collective unconsciousness' :lol:

Andy: In a relaxed pose, the muscles are er... relaxed. So there would be no or little interaction of the muscles. The balance is just the result of an equilibrium of the masses.

Conversely, in an 'action' pose, the figure is off-balanced due to muscular influence. And as you rightly stated it, some muscular involvement in a standing pose would add some action (like surprise, tension, nervousness,...).

Q.

Quang, Great stuff my friend. I love your insights on sculpting and posing.~Gary

Quang, so far !! Post more please ! Cheers.
Kenneth :lol:

Quang, very interesting stuff.
I've always enjoyed your step by steps and articles, I have found them to be most helpfull to me.

Cheers.

Roc.

hi quang
this is very interesting to see what is your process to de the anatomic of your figure.
I have the same method do do my figure
great job
what will be the topic of this figure.
laurent

Quang ,as always very inspirational.Please keep them coming


Stephen Mallia