First Sculpture

[Trapdoor]

Hi, I just wanted to post some pictures of my first sculpture. This is a post-apocalyptic scene where a guy is getting shot in the forehead. I did not get to do as much detail and perfecting as I wanted to do since this was done in my Sculpting for Animators class. I really enjoyed creating this. I really want to do another sculpture but I cannot seem to get going with a solid concept or idea...I have started sculptures since this but I never seem to like the new ones...I always end up just smashing the sculpey back into a ball and get burned out feeling like I wasted hours..If anyone has any advice or has experienced the same beginner issues, please let me know what was good practice to get past that.

thanks,

-Caleb-

[Doggy]

No such thing as wasted time, call it practise instead:)

[modi123]

You could have accentuated the 'in' hole with fleshy bits blowing outward. At first I was unclear if this was a zombie lumbering around or what.

[Smolder]

I'm a beginner also, and I've found that for me to really want to work on a sculpture it either has to be a subject I really like, or involve some kind of new technique. Like, the first couple I did were video game characters I was fond of, while with the latest one I wanted to practice making textured skin so I did a dragon.

If you are in animation school I'd wager that you would be able to find some people who design their own characters. Try working with them to make a sculpt of their design; the result would strengthen both of your portfolios.

When doing original work I try to do some concept sketches to make sure I want to take the idea to sculpture. Those drawing DO NOT need to be beautiful pieces of art in themselves, just rough sketches to fill out the idea.

For your first sculpt this is very good, don't give up! The more you practice the easier it becomes, and things that seemed impossible before become second nature.

[TeaMonster]

Hi Trapdoor welcome to CA!
Good work for your first, really, you should be happy :)

My best advice for being the best....Do MORE, Then Do MORE BETTER, Then Do Something GREAT, Then Do Something AMAZING!

You get the jist, what we have to learn we learn by doing. And looking round CA!

[Mah ' Crub]

Absolutly ! We all have those issues. I don't think I have ever been 100% happy with anything I have ever done, who has? To just sculpt more is the best advice they have all given you and I agree totally. Hours upon hours.
Try making something completly from your own imagination! Some wierd beast or creature that no one has ever seen before, so that there is no right or wrong. Just play and I swear, you will start to find things in the clay,,, that you didn't even know were there!
Sounds strange but, look at your clay as you work, it will often tell you what to do, or at least give you a hint.
This piece is very good for a first timer. His armor is great, his neck and collar bones, shoulders look good, real good. His face is pretty good but his nose looks too big to me, too much nostril. His eyes need more work. Here is a tip! The eye is the window to the soul. It's very important not to rush the work around any eye! And it's not just the eye ball! It's the entire occular region that makes any eye look good. From the bags, and sags under the eye to the lids and the overhanging brow and don't forget the crow's feet at the corners.
Your body seems to be a little too long. Same with the arms. But the sculpt looks really great and your base is kick ass!
You are definitely on the right track. Really good start, Really! You just have to put in the hours in this art-form called sculpture. Countless hours. Welcome to the forum. I have found that the people here are golden, and will always help if you need it.
Mah ' Crub

[Trapdoor]

Wow..I feel like a jerk because I never came back to this..You guys are awesome, Thank you for all the critiques. Thank you Mah ' Crub. Very insightful stuff! The more I put the hours in the more its getting "Comfortable" Practice makes Improvement.