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Sculpting the Figure in Clay: An Artistic and Technical Journey to Understanding the Creative and Dynamic Forces in Figurative Sculpture
A comprehensive guide for sculptors looking to recreate the human body using clay, from the author of The Portrait in Clay
In Sculpting the Figure in Clay, acclaimed portrait bust sculptor Peter Rubio teaches a master class in the essentials of figurative sculpture. In this intensive, all-inclusive guide, he introduces students to a natural, straightforward geometry that will help them become masters at forming figures of clay. Rubino’s unique approach utilizes a geometric system consisting of blocks, simple shapes, and guidelines that instruct students in a new and instinctive sculptural style, With these easy-to-follow instructions and informative concepts, students will see figures as the basic shapes beneath the form as well as learn vital approaches such as Bend, Lean, and Turn, to create evocative expression, and the Three Position, Proportion, and Plans, for accurate representation.
Other topics
• The Fundamentals of the Clay Torso
• Observing the Model
• Essential Materials and Tools
• Sculpting the Female Torso from the Live Model
• Sculpting the Reclining Figure from the Live Model
• Sculpting the Hand, Foot, and Lower Arm
• Plus Many Photographic Reference Poses for Continued Study
This unparalleled resource is the definitive guide to figurative sculpture.
In Sculpting the Figure in Clay, acclaimed portrait bust sculptor Peter Rubio teaches a master class in the essentials of figurative sculpture. In this intensive, all-inclusive guide, he introduces students to a natural, straightforward geometry that will help them become masters at forming figures of clay. Rubino’s unique approach utilizes a geometric system consisting of blocks, simple shapes, and guidelines that instruct students in a new and instinctive sculptural style, With these easy-to-follow instructions and informative concepts, students will see figures as the basic shapes beneath the form as well as learn vital approaches such as Bend, Lean, and Turn, to create evocative expression, and the Three Position, Proportion, and Plans, for accurate representation.
Other topics
• The Fundamentals of the Clay Torso
• Observing the Model
• Essential Materials and Tools
• Sculpting the Female Torso from the Live Model
• Sculpting the Reclining Figure from the Live Model
• Sculpting the Hand, Foot, and Lower Arm
• Plus Many Photographic Reference Poses for Continued Study
This unparalleled resource is the definitive guide to figurative sculpture.
- GenresArt
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
November 27, 2024
Sculpting the Figure in Clay opens with the question "Why the human figure?", which is subsequently left unanswered. In fact the reader did not realise the subject matter would be the human figure, given that the title promises a much wider scope. The text - already starting with the subtitle - is teeming with platitudes:
* it’s crucial to observe the model from the side
* the 360-degree sequence will get you seeing and thinking in the round, three-dimensionally.
* the poetry lives between the forms.
The text requires a basic understanding of human anatomy, but that is not the starting point of the approach: it is foundation first and form second. In other words, by following the procedure the student will create a sculpture like any other, without a personal vision or creative motivation. Some fundamental tacit assumptions are not delved into: why clay, why female, why nude, why a static pose?
The part on the full figure glosses over anatomy, such as when discussing eyelids and shoulders, and by being void of detail the author comes across as careless about the final result which might just as well not be an artistic expression at all.
The book becomes more interesting in the part that discusses hands and feet. Also the photos with lines overlaid are helpful in understanding the objective.
"My intension [sic] here is to provide a complementary and alternative approach to the figure." at which the book utterly fails, as there is nothing complementary or alternative about any of what is presented.
* it’s crucial to observe the model from the side
* the 360-degree sequence will get you seeing and thinking in the round, three-dimensionally.
* the poetry lives between the forms.
The text requires a basic understanding of human anatomy, but that is not the starting point of the approach: it is foundation first and form second. In other words, by following the procedure the student will create a sculpture like any other, without a personal vision or creative motivation. Some fundamental tacit assumptions are not delved into: why clay, why female, why nude, why a static pose?
The part on the full figure glosses over anatomy, such as when discussing eyelids and shoulders, and by being void of detail the author comes across as careless about the final result which might just as well not be an artistic expression at all.
The book becomes more interesting in the part that discusses hands and feet. Also the photos with lines overlaid are helpful in understanding the objective.
"My intension [sic] here is to provide a complementary and alternative approach to the figure." at which the book utterly fails, as there is nothing complementary or alternative about any of what is presented.
Displaying 1 of 1 review