Modeling clay

[chipper67]

Hello,

I've been thinking about buying some modeling clay to try and get some better ideas in 3d for an original carving I've been thinking about for some time. My question is (for those that use it) what is the best modeling clay and tools to work it? And where can it be purchased at? A few things to consider is that I want the kind that can be used over and over and I just plan on using it for doing smaller figures.

Thanks,

Chipper67

[woodcarver55555]

Chipper67
you are looking for Plastaline. It is an oil base modeling compound that has been used by artist's for a long time. There are cheeper clones out there but the oil tends to seperate out after awhile. Any art supplies store, art mail order, and some of the woodcarving suppliers carry it. An online search for Plastaline should get you 100's if not 1000's of hits. I have some I bought back in the 70's when I was still in high school. It comes in a wide range of colors. Have fun. Duncan

[Irish]

Hi Chipper,

You can find plasticine clay on line at www.dickblick.com or www.jerrysartorama.com There are also sets of wooden modeling tools for the clay ... don't use your knives as it makes a real mess of them. So clay models that you make will need a wire form for support so you can check that out also.

Susan

[Callynne]

This is a very interesting topic to me. I've been wondering about making up a clay model, just for that purpose. I think it would have been a big help with the football players I'm working on right now. Their pose is just too 'unnatural' looking to me. Picture a little old lady, standing in front of her full length mirror, striking a 'macho football stance' .... it just doesn't cut it! Yes, I think it's time to check into making clay models!

My comfort zone is twelve inches and under, do I need to make a wire form for all my pieces? I know I saw...somewhere...an article by Ian Norbury (at least I'm pretty sure that's who it was by) doing just that. Anyone with a better memory than mine remember that article? Any advice on this is greatly appreciated. Deborah

[kaiserb]

Dont forget when buying Plastacine it comes in 4 or 5 viscosities.

Medium is about the best and most versital for figure sculpting.

[kaiserb]

Originally Posted by Callynne

This is a very interesting topic to me. I've been wondering about making up a clay model, just for that purpose. I think it would have been a big help with the football players I'm working on right now. Their pose is just too 'unnatural' looking to me. Picture a little old lady, standing in front of her full length mirror, striking a 'macho football stance' .... it just doesn't cut it! Yes, I think it's time to check into making clay models!

My comfort zone is twelve inches and under, do I need to make a wire form for all my pieces? I know I saw...somewhere...an article by Ian Norbury (at least I'm pretty sure that's who it was by) doing just that. Anyone with a better memory than mine remember that article? Any advice on this is greatly appreciated. Deborah

A down and dirty trick for getting proportions correct for your clay model is instead of a wire frame, go buy an 6" or 12" wood Manikin and put the plastacine over the top of it. http://www.dickblick.com/zz216/01/ or http://www.dickblick.com/zz216/12/

If you really want to get fancy and make sure all the musculature is correct get an anatomy book and buy a skeleton base.

Or you could just buy a presculpted Manikin http://www.dickblick.com/zz216/00/

[Old_Gord]

Or go to the Woodcarvers e-zine at:
http://carverscompanion.com/Ezine/Vo...5FrameSet.html
and see a step by step tutorial called "Keep on Carvin" by caricature carver Mike Bloomquist who took a cartoon drawing and turned it into a clay model for his caricature woodcarving.Smile.

Cheers.

OG.