Follow the making of this unique dog sculpture.
Expression
Attitude
Character
The armature has been designed - measurements being assembled.
First elements of the armature welded.
Other elements planned and sourced.
Steel rods and first wire
The wire set against outline
Close up of head components
Next the build up of the wire forms for the body and neck
here the filling of the wire to develop the width and first depth of the body core
Then the first layer of the clay to cover the wire and body
Next the study of the top line and the lower profile - and to add the clay to that profile
Good build up of overall top line
Build on the chestline
The chest line and top line will be refined.
Work has happened to add to width of loin shoulder and neck.
Next the study of the front and rear views.
Looking to support the head and set the positions of the legs....
Good sessions follow to build up the neck, head and body form and confirmation. I left some of the shade as I prepared the image for uploading... Giving an indication of the final topline after skin and hair detail are added
Checking of measurements. Research into Breed characteristics.
Continued work out of the form and development of the back and hip into the top of the legs.
Work continues
The body and legs have been developed
The head and neck sketched in
Just a hint of paws
Next to fill out the sides
A sketch of a collar has been dropped on to start to gain a reference
The ears are only sketched in place and will be adjusted and refined
We can start to see her breed!
Every time an area and muscle group is adjusted all must be checked.
Much more work to do and all the surfaces to add to top levels.
Major changes made to the neck to come closer to her form and character as seen below
After consultation with the commissioner/owner more adjustments to neck and leg length...also shape of nose and face
More adjustments after feedback
Here a comparison - you get some foreshortening when taking photos - but we are getting close - you can note Precious statue has her head raised to look at her owner
The details to her face and ears will be worked on once the pose and neck is right.
Cutie!
Work on the fine details continues, the rounded collar is set on the neck and the lovely lines of fur begun.
Fine details of the face in the spring sunshine - light and temperature just right for this close work to get the surfaces finished
Cheeks more rounded - visible from this angle and her collar is finished
Lovely wrinkles on her forehead when her ears are up and forward like this
Work on the feet to continue and we are booked in to the mould maker next week!
Mould all made
Great Skills involved to achieve a quality reliable mould
All these stages need their own skills and expertise.
Next the use of the furnace and the pouring of the molten Bronze. All the work to de -invest and reinstate the surfaces, patination and final check...
And the Gorgeous Girl - Precious Statue is complete
Here in the garden bright sunlight you can see the paler more golden tones of this bronze statue of a Precious dog.
