Sculpting books and techniques

First time sculptors shouldn't discount Maureen Carlson's "How To Sculpt Clay Characters" as an excellent way to learn the basics of sculpting a human figure. I started with this book. With this book, you will learn how to sculpt hands, feet, add teeth to a smile, and create expressive faces. Yes, her characters are cartoon-ish, but her basics can be applied to more realistic sculptures.
I moved on to Katherine Dewey's "Creating Life-like Figures In Polymer Clay." This book is like a Bible for sculptors.

You can order both books from the Amazon links that you see here on my blog.

I did learn from video tutorials from Patricia Rose, however, her face sculpting technique does not work well for me.

You will find that you pick up one technique and another there. All the while, you are developing your own look, style, and maybe even a few of your own techniques as I did for hands. Whatever works for you is OK! You don't have to follow rules other than the manufacturer's recommendations for curing your clay. Experimenting leads to success!

My recovery and a sculpting tip for you!

I am still using a cane and brace when I out in public, but I am slowly making progress. I have walked at the Mall of Orange, which is a small mall near our house. A large mall would overwhelm me at this point. I walked through Target today. It feels so good to get out and about. I feel like I am part of the world again! I started aquatic therapy last week. I felt like I weighed a ton when I got out of the pool! It was a strange experience. I have a great therapist who reminds me that I didn't have just one or two fusions, but 8! He said that is "major major" surgery. So, I can't expect to bounce back too quickly. In fact, he said it could take up to a year. I am normally on the go a lot, so I have had to learn patience. I will no longer have mobility in my waist, however the therapist said that a minimal amount will come back, eventually. That's a fair trade-off for being able to walk without that terrible....no, unbearable pain going down my left leg. I will be able to live a productive and good life with a couple of adjustments.

Since I can't sit long enough to sculpt right now, I thought I would leave you some sculpting tips as I think of them.

For my dolls, which are usually about 4 inches long, I use the eye a large tapestry needle to imprint the fingernails and toenails. You can buy the needles in several sizes to fit the proportions of your doll.

OOAK art doll sculpting tip!

This is for new sculptors:
If you are serious about sculpting, you need to learn about sculpting and smoothing with a brush. Often, just the pressure or push of a brush will give you a subtle indentation that creates the right shadowing on a face. A brush is also what you need to smooth out a face or other body part. A filbert with natural bristles is what I use, along with a touch of mineral oil. Don't use too much oil, or you will end up with gooey clay. I use my brush a lot! It is the only way to blend and finish your doll faces.

Hope this helps you on your art doll journey!

I have this baby in a bunny suit up for sale on my website for only $59. That is a great price for a doll that is one of a kind. Her face will never be repeated because I never use molds.
If you would rather buy her from my blog, please write me at am803@aol.com. I have her set up on the website for paypal, but other payment methods are not out of the question.
About her:
She is 4 inches high to the tip of her bunny ears. She has hand painted eyes which were glossed for realism. I sprinkled a light layer of fairy dust on her because I simply love sparkles! She has detailed bunny feet pads. Her face was painted with fine acrylics and Genesis heat set paints, then sealed.
She is eagerly waiting to help you celebrate spring at your house!

OOAK doll ~ bunny baby WIP

Here is my work in progress, a baby in a bunny suit! I still have to refine, paint, and detail her. Wait until you see how much personality will come from the eyes!
The ears have a wire armature for extra strength. I really hate working with armatures, but every sculptor has to learn this discipline.
No she doesn't have her own ears showing because they will be "under" the bunny hat part of her costume. You'll see.
Watch for photos of the finished bunny. Coming soon!

hand tutorial part 2

If I were going to actually use this hand for a sculpt, I would do more finishing, but these photos will give you the basic idea.

Please let me know if they help you create realistic hands. I appreciate your imput.