Secondary form ......( this is what comes after I block out the basic shape)
Then I proceed to add a tad more detail...expression lines, prior to adding these lines, (which will bring plenty of character to your ..well character, figure, creature etc) I will google tons of reference images, for example "wrinkled necks" or in this case a bunch of turtle and human skull reference from Flicker... remember most of the masterpieces you see here at the CH, were brought about because of at least two elements knowledge/reference , the artist's ability to capture form ( knowledge/talent), and convey it, but based on reference, a good eye, and even better reference are KEY, cannot stress that enough.
Some people get real good at certain subject matter, so they do not really use reference that much anymore, I have an awful memory, so I have learned not to rely on my own strength ( sometimes your ego will try to interfere, don't mind it) , so I use reference as much as I can.... I hear Alex Ross uses tons of reference, same as Adam Beane who is one of the best at capturing realistic fabric folds, ( just one of his many talents sculpting wise)
Also, using a mirror for expressions always works.... you'll look silly making different types of expressions, but it pays off.
Anyway, remember I am trying to go as far as I can in sculpey, so then I can cast in wax, I am casting in Silpak red carving wax, just for a change, I still love my Zen though lol, but my Silpak red needed a bit of attention as well plus I like the smell of sculpey... I know, I know I said I would never go back to sculpey, but I could not resist.
I am NOT finessing or rounding off the scribe lines yet, once I get to a decent point where I am happy ( and only you determine that on your pieces) then I will smooth with 50% alcohol and 50% sculpey softener and a soft bristle brush... synthetic works for me... trying to make everything as soft ( not sharp) and subtle as possible... some people use mineral spirits, or just plane Vaseline, the result are pretty much the same I think.... just be careful NOT to over do it, in other words just soak your brush with the equivalent of a couple of drops of your polishing liquid...., if you soak the brush in it, then you will end up with a big mess :? and trust me I have messed up some pieces in the past., if you kinda already messed up, try to let the softener dry or use a napkin on the surface that's muddy and the towel/napkin will soak the excess liquid after a couple of hours.
I will continue with this very basic tutorial as I keep working on this guy....here's some pics of a different version...a samurai... I was just bored...let me know what you think haha
Thanks,
-Erick