Sculpting is not an easy art form, especially when you are starting out. There are many difficult aspects that sculptors have to manage, such as the wide variety of different clays. It can be easy to feel disheartened by the final result when doing your first few sculptures – but nobody is going to perfect the art straight away. Sculpting is said to be more challenging than painting because you have to work with three dimensions rather than two. So here are some top water-based clay tips to get you amateur sculptors underway:

·        Picture the Final Result

Before you have even got your hands dirty, picture exactly what you want your finished sculpture to look like. Keep that idea in your head throughout the entire process. It might help to draw out what you want your art to look like from several different perspectives and angles. Remember to keep the dimensions, ratios and lengths all correct when doing it though.

·        Check the Wetness

When you are starting out as an amateur sculptor, you don’t want to be using dry clay. It can be difficult to work with. Wetting your clay will make it much easier. You can test this by getting a small piece and rolling it until it forms a small cylinder. Bend the clay so it forms a horseshoe shape. If your clay has cracked then you will probably need to add more water. If it has bent smoothly, you’re ready to start moulding.

amateur sculptor

·        Amateur Sculptors: Build Smart Forms

There are some easy methods to start building up forms when you are at the potter’s wheel. Using coils of clay is a great way of building up sides of hollow shapes. Laying it down in a spiral can stop the clay from easily collapsing. Recesses then can be made by pinching, then digging out with your thumb and finger.

·        No Sticking Out Shapes

Advanced sculptors are able to create amazing pieces of work with limbs. However, this will often be done with something called an armature (a long, metal skeleton structure that can hold the clay’s weight). You may develop the skills to use this apparatus at a later date. But if you are just starting out then it is a much wiser choice to stick to more contained designs.

amateur sculptor

·        Watch Others Work

You would be amazed how much you can learn by seeing someone else sculpt. Whether you go to a local art studio or watch videos on YouTube, looking at the techniques more advanced sculptors use can help you. You will be able to start mimicking these techniques and see what works best for you.

Categories: Art Sculpture