Portrait Sculpture

Portrait busts are hand created in either water-based or oil based clay. The eye and hand of the artist are the primary tools used to shape the clay.
First, the major masses of clay are assembled giving the overall shape and size of the head. Next, the elements of the expression are added. The hair is added very early in the process because hair is an important feature of the likeness and cannot be added on later. Now, slowly, the features are defined; the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth are developed.
When completed, two methods of preservation can be used. If the bust is made from waterbased clay, it can be fired. Several different patinas and finishes can then be applied to the piece. The bust can also be made into a bronze where a wide variety of patinas are also available. These decisions are very individual and can be made by visiting with Chet.