Clay sculpting is not as easy as it sounds; you must start by learning the basics and acquiring molding skills. While having the right kind of workspace and tools matters, the way you work with clay majorly determines the end results. If you are a beginner and wish to learn the art of sculpting, you must pay attention to a few techniques and tips.
Here are 6 techniques you must know to improve your sculpting skills.
1. Prepare a Stable Skeleton
The base of every stable and detailed sculpture, the skeleton, or armature is a wireframe that acts as a foundation and supports the finished piece. Since it acts as the base, you must pay specific attention to prepare the armature for your sculpture. While smaller structures use wires as an armature, bigger ones need stronger materials like PVC or wood. It will also help you shape your idea and envision the final product. Make sure that your armature has enough material to support the weight of the clay. If you are a beginner, you must practice the right way to prepare a stable skeleton as well. Tiny sculptures do not need a skeleton or armature at all.
2. Learn the Right Way to Knead
The way you knead your clay can also determine the look and finish of your final product. Before that, make sure that you have the right kind of clay as it can impact your kneading skills. It should also be properly moisturized as too much or too little water can affect the shaping process. It also depends on the scale and proportion of sculpture you wish to prepare. Kneading is often referred to as wedging. Failing to knead your clay with utmost care can create air bubbles and weaken the structure. Learn this drill to prepare your clay before sculpting- cut, layer, knead, and repeat.
3. Know How to Build Forms
Shaping your clay and building forms is one of the most difficult steps in the entire process, which is why you need extra practice when learning to build forms. As suggested by the sculpting enthusiasts at www.justcraftingaround.com, you should start by preparing sketches and envisioning the shapes before you get to actual sculpting. Your sketching skills need not be exceptional; you should just get a fair idea of what you want to build. Prepare sketches from multiple angles to get a clearer idea. Furthermore, practice sculpting the shapes a few times before you actually dump the clay on your armature. Stick to basic forms in the beginning and take it up a notch as time passes.
4. Learn How to Layer
If you are a beginner, learning the right way to layer or coil your clay can help you master the art of sculpting in a short period. You can use a potter’s wheel to practice as layering and coiling clay is easier with this tool. Coil your clay and place it in layers to form hollow shapes. With this, you can easily perceive the final product. Since spirals do not collapse easily, you can easily prepare your sculpture in no time. The way you pinch and dig into your clay also matters. Prepare recesses to add details to your shapes and add some character.
5. Comprehend the Secret of Texturing
Some sculptures need texturing to make them appear more detailed and realistic. While some individuals learn this by instinct, others need a lot of practice to master it. That being said, do not hold too many expectations in the beginning. Since texturing is a difficult skill to learn, you must stay patient and keep practicing. Keep reading, learning, and watching about texturing and shaping different types of sculptures as it will impact your skills in the long run. Today, you can also find several tools to instantly add texture to your clay and make them stand out.
6. Protect the Sculpture with Curing
Curing is the last stage in which your sculpture hardens and is ready to be used. The time needed for sculptures to cure depends on the material and scale of the finished structure. While some sculptures should be cured in ovens, others can naturally dry under sunlight. Learn the right way to cure sculptures as failing to do so will cause them to crack or break.
Once you master these techniques and tricks, you can become a master sculptor in no time. Note that consistent practice will make you perfect as sculpting is not an easy skill to achieve. From choosing the right kind of raw material to adding proper finishing touches, you must pay attention to every step as it can make or break your sculpture. Lastly, pay attention to details in order to stand out and create your own style.