Sculpt the Human Figure
When you first sculpt the human figure, the best approach is to create a relatively small sculpture using oil-based clay and a wire armature. You need to hire a model to ensure that your sculpture turns out believable, especially if you're sculpting an active or complex pose.
Instructions
1. Decide upon a basic pose for your sculpture before you hire a model, whether standing, sitting or reclining. Also think about the basic proportions you would like and whether you want to sculpt a male or a female figure. Hire your model once you decide.
2. Make a wooden base for your sculpture that is large enough to support it and small enough to sit comfortably on your sculpting stand. Drill a hole into the base, then bolt or glue a narrow pipe into the base for support if you're sculpting a vertical figure. Attach a pipe perpendicular to the support pipe to keep the armature vertical as you work.
3. Build the armature to get a basic form for your sculpture. Use copper wire or another sturdy wire and wire cutters to shape a stick figure. If the sculpture is relatively small, make the feet and legs with one piece, bending the wire at the joints. Make the upper body out of another piece of wire. Create arms separately if necessary.
4. Mass on the clay to create a basic shape. Fill in the basic shape before your model arrives to allow you to work only on the specifics and anatomy of the pose with the model present. This saves you money by hiring the model for less time.
5. Use the model to understand and capture anatomy, rotating the model stand or moving around the model often. Look especially at the proportions and the way weight is distributed. You probably need a few sessions with the model to complete your sculpture.
6. Add the finishing touches to your sculpture without the model present, such as the overall texture of the sculpture, the hair and the facial features.
