[Irishman]

I haven't dropped out of sight (as thought by one of our members) but I have been busy with work and enjoying the kayaking weather. I finally got down to the shop after a two week hiatus and got out my molding clay. I've always been impressed by the Samuri Warriors and their ceremonial garb...so I molded one to see what it would look like. As you can see, I left the face very basic and have not added hands or swords - well, to tell the truth, I ran out of clay. The helmet and its attachments has lost some of its shape as I can see with the pictures. This is the randition I came up with...and it may change once I get to carving the wood. I like the pose so that will hopefully stay the same. Give me some time with this one as it will be a challenge and only my second carving in the round since the gargoyle I posted here. I'll be sure to share my learnings with everyone. Thanks for looking.
Patrick

[Mottles]

Patrick, good job on the clay model for your project. I'm not sure what your plan will be for the face. I would like to see him have a fierce expression, but it's your carving. When will you start the actual wood carving? Can't wait to see updates.
Kathy

[GaryMc]

Really looks nice, now get to carving it in wood, hehe.
GaryMc

[doris]

hi patrick, nice project, i do look forward to see your wip in carving :-) ... i like the clay, beautiful subject, nice dynamic pose. and interesting armor (correct word?) and despite you not asked for critique, i hope you not mind if i point out something, which struck me disturbing, and which would take away from your carving..
and that is, the general proportion of that samurai is wrong : when you look where his center (in height) is, it is about where his waist is (even counting in that his legs are slightly bend), but grown up males usually have half of their height made up already with the legs alone, that is the center in height is at the crotch...also the arms look much too long, the ellbow should be on waist height, fore arm is about same length...when your sculpt would hang down his arms, it looks like the hands would touch the knees...i hope this helps (but you probably know already) before you cut in wood

[Irishman]

Thanks for looking everyone.

Good observation Doris. I made a metal frame to mold the clay onto and discovered soon into my molding that he had a long upper torso. I had his knees up higher initially to try and compensate thinking that his legs would be covered by the armor...but it didn't look right. I plan to make his stance wider with longer legs once I get carving him so I hope the posture will be more balanced. Another observation is that his arms are too long. May not be evident with the armor but underneith the layers you would notice it more. Faces are so much easier

Patrick

[A Willburger]

Hi Patrick, Good start and I agree with Doris but that is what is good about clay you can see the problems and fix them before you start to carve.
Andy

[Ron T]

Hi Patrick, great design. I have been thinking about and wanting to do a similar carving since that is my heritage. Perhaps when you are finished it will inspire me.

Good luck.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Nice start. Doris is correct to a point. If you can take some more suggestions to me the arms are completely out of scale with the body no matter how short the legs might be. Just put your elbow to your side and you'll see what I'm talking about. The elbow on your figure should hit at the armour joint just above the waistline not at the waistline.