A new sculpting log of madness [Archive] - BoLS Lounge : Wargames, Warhammer & Miniatures Forum

Build

06-16-2013, 10:11 AM

So...

Well guess I'm back in the sculpting saddle, got loads of things I want to try my hand at and plenty more materials to use in sculpting.
I'm starting off with a number of different pieces, hopefully juggling a maximum of two at a time and seeing how things go from there. My plan at the moment is to balance one production miniature alongside a private piece.

My main two at the moment is the champion for the Bull dragon bloods (piccy below) and another Miriael Sabathiel (this time in demon prince form, or sort of a cross between the two, the general idea is a bit like a mockery version of the living saint).

Loads more after that including Gotrek with his axe and the Dwarven hammer of fate, warp spider exarch, Howling banshee/Wyche (think Howling banshee exarch who has got bored with behaving), a new Vampiress to replace my old one (old one will then be going to Harry on Warseer), more dragon bloods and loads and loads of lizardman pieces including Krok Gar and Grymloq sculpt from the ground up.

Also, as an FYI, chances are that with the dragon bloods there might be little shown for a while, this is because everything has to go through Felix before I post images, sorry but that's part of the contract terms and conditions, which is understandable.

But for the moment, here's some juicy artwork, it should give you an indication of where I'll be going with the sculpts and hopefully something you'll like.

http://www.avatars-of-war.com/esp/web/saga/img/dracoestirpes_062.jpg

If it helps I'll be chucking in plenty of WIPs too, even from armature stages, though don't expect any tutorials, it's damn tricky trying to take photos and sculpt at the same time.

I should also add, any questions or help that I can offer, just ask, I will do my best if you're having trouble with conversions/sculpts of your own.

EDIT: and finally I forgot to add this.
http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2013/160/5/c/super_sculpey_firm_practice_by_backsackandjack-d68f5no.jpg

Had a go using super sculpey firm, nice but very heady due to the turpentine you have to use to make it workable in miniature, not something I wold recommend, especially as you get limited time using it, but on the plus side, for sort and quick projects, it's VERY good.

Here's Krok Gar's spear in super sculpey.

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2013/090/8/8/spear_wip_by_backsackandjack-d5zx787.jpg

eldargal

06-16-2013, 10:14 AM

Yay! Always love seeing your work.:) *flails excitedly*

Deadlift

06-16-2013, 10:18 AM

Build

06-16-2013, 10:27 AM

Fantastic, I would be lying if I didn't say I was a little envious of your artistic skills with the sculpting. But at least I get to follow your log :D. Very much looking forward to seeing the results. Especially Gotrek. Firm favorite of mine.

Hopefully you'll like it, I've been stuck/procrastinating for ages on the right sort of look for a piece, too dynamic can look awkward and means things don't rank up well or look too out of place, however I quite like this pose., which is where I got the idea for including the hammer of fate from.

Although I have had no luck in finding an image of what the Dwarven hammer of fate looks like from demon slayer.

http://media.moddb.com/cache/images/groups/1/8/7250/thumb_620x2000/Male_Barbarian.jpg

@Eldar girl,

I hope you approve, the banshee/Wyche idea if it goes well should look really good, I had an idea from these two images.
http://i508.photobucket.com/albums/s330/aeliad/Womens%20Gymnastics/EvgeniyaKanaeva22.jpg and http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NBBvskbCFT0/TQhKs3FAQNI/AAAAAAAAAPE/XN-n6AZN8nY/s1600/Wych3.jpg something both graceful and deadly, though sculpting a moving razor flail that moves around her like a gymnastic ribbon is going to be very interesting...

eldargal

06-16-2013, 10:35 AM

Brilliant, can't wait.:)

SotonShades

06-17-2013, 05:50 AM

Very much looking forward to those models :D

Deadlift

06-17-2013, 06:19 AM

Just out of interest Build, are these one offs, or do make casts of these models. I would be interested in Gotrek . I think that Diablo pose is perfect too.

Build

06-17-2013, 12:10 PM

Just out of interest Build, are these one offs, or do make casts of these models. I would be interested in Gotrek . I think that Diablo pose is perfect too.

At the moment anything I do which is direct GW IP is just going to be a one off as casting can present some issues. This is where it gets tricky, even with the recent Chapter house case. If I did a blatant carbon copy of Gotrek (which is more tempting) then I can't sell it or casts of it, I can however legally cast it and give copies of it away as no money is changing hands, so in theory GWs pockets do not get emptied.

If I went the Dwalin route (short mohican rather than the traditional GW slayer mohican) and made sure the runes and designs on weapons and such were not GW infringing, I could cast it and sell copies. However Gw could still challenge me, while I don't like them when it comes to their views on competition, the last thing I want to do is stoke any fires.

@SotonShades, thanks mate, hope you enjoy.

Anything I do sculpt that goes to companies or if I decide to privately cast I will say so as soon as I start the project though, just trying to cover my own arse as best as possible. :)

Build

06-20-2013, 03:17 PM

Smallish update...

First off, I hate grass, looking like a 28 days later extra is not helping.

Secondly, I've had some good feedback from Felix on the first dragon blood, sadly I have to complete much more of it before I can show you all some images, but images should be worth the wait (with any luck).

Working on constructing the armatures at the moment, I take a lot longer now with these than I used to in the past. A good reason for this is if the pose doesn't look dynamic enough at armature level, then it won't with detail on either and there's nothing worse than cutting bits back just to try and compensate, it completely destroys your enthusiasm in the project.

Anyways, if it helps I've included a few images for the Miriael sculpt, the idea was to take her changes to chaos a little further, kind of like she has started down the road to demonhood but not quite reached it and her looks being a stark contrast to the living saint, a mockery and stab at the pride of the Adepta Sororitas.

So for the Slaaneshy armour designs and patterning I was having a look at this.

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/279/3/b/sister_of_khorne_by_greyall-d5gyrg4.jpg

And for a more general look I was thinking something along these lines, but with the wings being more bat like rather than feathered. I was also thinking about adding more armour than this one has, it always seems silly to me to have some many vital areas exposed and unprotected, might as well just hang a big "please shoot here" sign on them. The shoulder pads would be decreased in size, the iron halo would probably go too, as I said above I was thinking about keeping the overal design consistant to what current sisters of battle have, just tweak it to add that chaos touch here and there without going into the whole sticking tongue out on every single chaos demon mini look.

Thoughts, suggestions and musings welcome.

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/239/1/c/40_000_pv_kiriban_by_storykillinger-d5cl2h2.png

Wrath of Azkaellon

06-20-2013, 03:29 PM

Looking forward to seeing what's going to come out of this! :)

Deadlift

06-20-2013, 03:51 PM

eldargal

06-21-2013, 01:12 AM

In the Grim Darkness of the Far Future, there are only Beans.

I like the second one apart from the bare midriff.

Build

06-23-2013, 03:48 AM

Looks good, I prefer the 1st image. The second ones nice, but maybe the face looks too neutral. Hard to put into words correctly. Too pretty if that makes any sense. The 1st one is a little too baroque though, as you agree I think. A happy medium between the 2 would be good. I think a helmet could be good, or some sort of half mask ?
Attractive face on the mask side, scary as **** face on the actual face. Half and half bit like phantom. Just throwing ideas out there :)
Look forward to what you come up with Build.

Oh and the second lass looks like she's farting fire.

You thinking like a half mask then as mentioned with phantom of the Opera? Overall I want to keep as much fo the face helmet free as possible (again to go with the mirroring of the living saint).

I'll make sure I tone down the explosive wind though. ;)

I might have some photos of armature work up later on today, going to have an experiment with sculpting wings (can post links to a good tutorial by Gael Goumon).

@Eldargal,

Agreed, cannot stand the whole more is less approach with armour in both fantasy and 40K (except for where the fluff calls for it like wood elf wardancers).

It just reminds me of this video every time I see a bear skinned piece.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTGh0EMmMC8

Build

06-30-2013, 02:16 PM

Sorry about the severe lack of updates,

Kind of feels like a bum thing to do given I was saying I'd have photos up last week.

Life however has its arse kicking shoes on...again.

I need to prioritise the dragon bloods sculpt and of course I can't post updates until I've been cleared to, which means other pieces take a back seat. On top of this I did no sculpting in the evenings last week as I'm having a lot of trouble at work (risk of losing my job through lack of available work).

Really sorry about this I will post updates as soon as I can.

Deadlift

06-30-2013, 04:45 PM

Build

07-07-2013, 07:10 AM

Real life has a habit of getting in the way :(
I hope everything turns out for the best and look forward to seeing what you post when you can.

Yeah, it's been bad, things are getting worse, but trying to sort out a new place of work is really difficult and majorly hindering me.

I still can't show piccies yet of the dragon blood for AOW.

I will be having to take a week or two weeks off unpaid leave possibly soon, so I'm hoping I can use it to get more work done.

Build

07-19-2013, 07:26 AM

Updates, updates, updates.

First off, some smallish but important news, doc thinks I have an over active thyroid which is causing a few things from short attention spans to wanting to do everything the world and live have to offer in the next year (I personally call bull on that as I happen to be in shape not from an over active thyroid but because I get off the couch once in a while). Although he has said the other possibility is I have some sort of undiagnosed mental thing, but getting bloods done on tuesday to find out about the thyroid.

Either way hopefully something will be done to help me concentrate more on sculpting.

I do have piccies though and Felix has cleared them.

Taller than current GW lizardmen, I was hoping for this one to be a champion.

A few notes, first off anatomy is proving much easier as I know how everything works now, areas like the traps I have greater increased in thickness and length as they need to support a large head and long neck. Wings will be getting added too.

As for height against a GW saurus, well currently the head of a GW saurus reaches the bottom of the deltoid on this dragon blood, but I don't see a problem getting them to rank up at the moment, I have been asked to widen the torso however so will be removing the arms today and placing them further apart.

This is more of a "skin" layer it means I'll be lessen the muscle detail and definition by adding a skin and scale layer over the top.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1792_zpsf926b30b.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1792_zpsf926b30b.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1794_zps3be1d2de.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1794_zps3be1d2de.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1793_zpsb7c2b39a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1793_zpsb7c2b39a.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1792_zpsf926b30b.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1792_zpsf926b30b.jpg.html)

eldargal

07-19-2013, 07:39 AM

Nice, very macho.:p Look forward to seeing the skin and scales on it. The head is lovely.

Build

07-23-2013, 02:14 PM

Nice, very macho. Look forward to seeing the skin and scales on it. The head is lovely.

Always good to get it laid down first, makes detailing afterwards, much easier.

New photos for you, I broadened the shoulders as I was asked to and seeing as this is the unit champion I raised his arm (he has a very large skull topped weapon which I'm working on). I have also included the base I did for the wings (very tricky work on small wings). They will likely get bulked out so I can add detail on them.

As you can see he's quick tall, but I hope everyone likes him.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1799_zps10a07364.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1799_zps10a07364.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1797_zpsa3a41c08.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1797_zpsa3a41c08.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1799_zps10a07364.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1799_zps10a07364.jpg.html)

Also some sneaky peak at some concept art I'm using (pose design more than anything else) for my own saurus.

http://i.imgur.com/BI4U7NR.jpg

Deadlift

07-23-2013, 05:10 PM

Build

07-25-2013, 12:55 AM

Sculpts look very cool. The tail especially is an improvement over other lizard style models I have seen. It's got a Komodo quality to it, more imposing for it.
I hope your health issues aren't getting to much in the way of day to day stuff matey and I sincerely hope you see an improvement soon.
Keep up the good work and I promise if your models make it to the shelves I will 1st in the queue. I may insist you sign the packaging though :D

Thanks Deadlift, I'm sure I still have the Dragon blood artwork kicking around, I could always upload it as I'm trying to stay close to those designs.

Had my results back, everything in the green, although my thyroid is on the slow side, but I wasn't really surprised about that.

tawelwch

07-25-2013, 04:06 PM

I hope you're feeling better. You're really talented! :)

Build

07-27-2013, 10:45 AM

Thanks mate, doing better, though I get days when I feel tired and run down.

I thought about opening up a new topic (I can still do that as this one is getting long and it's only going to get longer).

Anyways, what I'm going to mention now is an idea I've been thinking about for the last few days.

Contest introduction
So with the big new 8th ed Lizardmen releases, there's some very nice miniatures and some huge possibilities for some awesome conversions and modifications. I know I'll be modifying a lot of the minis I get and I'm planning on posting updates on how you can do the same to your lizardmen.

Here's a few examples of what I plan on doing just for my army alone:
- Carnosaur - new head,
- Troglodon head into a Spinosaurus head, maybe even a proper spinosaurus sail on the back.
- Bastilodon - better and spikier scales, something that doesn't just look stuck on.
IF Kroxigors get strength 5 I will be scratch building three.
- Terradon possible conversions.
- Character conversions.
- Salamander conversions and/or Razordon conversions/scratch builds.
- Scratch build Krok Gar. (found some EPIC artwork from D&D I want to use)
- Scratch build saurus hero on foot, possibly my version of Gor-rok if he's any good.

With that and possible other conversions and sculpts I thought it would be fun to offer you all the chance for me to do some conversions for you.

Details:
So from today until the release date of the new lizardmen (the actual release date and not the pre-orders) I will be offering 5 free slots for conversion work.

All you have to do is put down your name on this topic and what you want converted and how and I will pick five.

Rules:
- No unit conversions, just one mini.
- No scratch builds, or near scratch builds - no need to be greedy, big projects need huge amounts of work, the longer it takes me to finish a piece the longer everyone else has to wait and it will slow up everything else.
- You have to mail the piece to me and cover the mailing back to you, I will add insurance on everything I mail, to make sure you are covered.

I should also point out that I live in the UK, so postage could get expensive, please bear that in mind.
I have already opened this up on Lustria-online and warseer and had three entries so far, but I wanted to expand it here and create as much diversity as possible.
I will be posting step by step tutorials on how I do each conversion too.

Thoughts?

Deadlift

07-27-2013, 11:14 AM

Build

07-28-2013, 06:13 AM

I'm taking dibs on the spinosaurus conversion. I think a full sail on the spine could look very awesome as long as there is room to still mount a rider.
So yeah I'm in and I guess I'm taking the plunge into fantasy again ;).

It would be fun to do, that's for sure, especially as I've not done a Spinosaur head before.

New photos from me, working on the unit champion's weapon. I had some very good artwork from Wayne so have been trying to stick as close to it as possible.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1800_zps9de36f0c.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1800_zps9de36f0c.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1801_zpsed4b85e9.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1801_zpsed4b85e9.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1802_zps21f1e4ad.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1802_zps21f1e4ad.jpg.html)

I'm tempted to remove the skull though, didn't seem to do very well with it so might have to re-sculpt it.
I've also made the weapon deliberately bigger to suit the champ.

Build

08-01-2013, 03:35 AM

Still unsold on the Lizardmen from what is being said so far, but I'll carry on for the moment with my own sculpts and scratch builds and if they Lizards turn out as a wash out I'll just bung everything on ebay instead.

Got two photos for you, I'm trying to break down stages as much as possible to try and help show the processes involved.

This is my version of Krok (5th edition Krok), he's described as being big, very scaley and having a large head which allows him to literally bite off heads. With that in mind rather than go for a crocodile shaped head or a spinosaurus one I figured I'd adapt the current heads, so I start by making the muzzle longer. I start adding in some detail to the face to make it look weathered too. I then put in the lower eye lids when dry and then the eyeballs slide into the eye lids when those are dry too.

I then add the top eye lid and stick in the brace in the mouth which will be very useful for adding in teeth at a later stage. There's still a lot of work to be done on the upper parts of the head as well as various scales and spikes.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1803_zps44fed257.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1803_zps44fed257.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1805_zps8d323f72.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1805_zps8d323f72.jpg.html)

I have also finished the base for the wings on the dragon blood, they look a bit bland around the connecting parts but this is done on purpose, it means I can add detail for multiple wing parts when I have had casted versions sent back to me.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1806_zps8baa1286.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1806_zps8baa1286.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1807_zps239be31f.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1807_zps239be31f.jpg.html)

Build

08-02-2013, 02:26 AM

Small update (photos to follow).

Contest closed.

Build

08-02-2013, 02:31 PM

Got updates for you though.

So continuing on from the head, I know the last stage looks weird, but that's how it works, layer, layers and more layers. I now work on the top of the head, adding in the smaller, more basic scales, this helps give shape to the head and allows a thicker, stronger base for adding bigger spikes. It also means I can make any changes more easily afterwards. I also begin with the teeth, I place a small amount of green stuff on my thumb nail, I can then easily pull off small amounts and roll them into individual teeth before sliding them up against the tooth brace (which you should be able to see in the photos).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_head1_zpsc3688cff.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/head1_zpsc3688cff.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_head1a_zpsc0183e36.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/head1a_zpsc0183e36.jpg.html)

Now is the stage where masses get added to the armature, this gives it a very basic sense of shape and structure for me to work with, it also allows me to mark out my boney prominences (clavicle, acromion process, scapula boarders, etc...) it also helps me work out which muscles are going to be contracted and which ones will be lengthened, having the rib cage basically constructed will also help with this. This is incredibly more important with dynamic poses, like the one above; the position of the arms alone means a huge number of back muscles will be in stark contrast from one another, the right hand side will be shortened and bunch, the left hand ones lengthened.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_back1a_zps5130c453.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/back1a_zps5130c453.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_back_zps06ce1b3c.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/back_zps06ce1b3c.jpg.html)

Build

08-02-2013, 02:32 PM

Had to spilt this into two posts because of the number of images.

So I begin making some of the shapes, big muscles like Traps, lats and teres major get marked out, though there will be cutting back of some of the shapes to help sculpt deeper layered muscles around the front (like internal obliques).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_neck_zpsbce9603e.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/neck_zpsbce9603e.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_back2_zpse77209b0.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/back2_zpse77209b0.jpg.html)

Technically the best place to start with a sculpture is from the feet up, while this is true I always being with faces, because they're hard, they make of break a model and I like doing it at the start, mainly to get it out the way, but if things go well it also means I have a lot more enthusiasm for the remainder of the project. I being with the feet and slowly work my way up, this is a skinned down layer system at the moment, getting the muscles right at the moment is what matters so a detail layer becomes all the more easy. Lower leg completed I then move up to the upper leg and the torso.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_rightfoot_zps51129b5f.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/rightfoot_zps51129b5f.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_rightleg_zps2f716c97.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/rightleg_zps2f716c97.jpg.html)

Build

08-04-2013, 11:28 AM

Ok so from here onwards I begin to lay down so more structure work.

I begin by adding in the costal cartilage of the rib cage, this is done as that side of the torso is stretched, especially with the raised are which means that you will see the bottom boarder and a series of lumps that look like smaller muscle but are in fact cartilage.

This will be added to both sides as it will help my balance the position of the rib cage, which in turn will help me with all the surrounding, connecting and supporting muscles, even the chest. A small not to add here, is I have made a mistake by making the protrusions of the cartilage far too thick, they would in actuality be much thinner than this.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1818_zpsc0ad9dec.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1818_zpsc0ad9dec.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1819_zps2ed5969a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1819_zps2ed5969a.jpg.html)

From here I've provided you with another view to give you an idea of what I'm aiming for.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1820_zps5b53533a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1820_zps5b53533a.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1821_zps7fdb109c.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1821_zps7fdb109c.jpg.html)

Build

08-04-2013, 11:28 AM

Next step(s) is to work on the abdominal layers, but I start on the outside with the internal obliques, these are responsible for pulling the torso up and to the side (as shown by arrows).
http://www.yorku.ca/earmstro/journey/images/intobliquesm.jpeg

External obliques by contrast pull in the opposite direction.

I then add in the seratus anterior above and the points of the costal cartilage (I ending up blocking them out when I got carried away) I can highlight them if it helps?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1822_zps3afb3f10.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1822_zps3afb3f10.jpg.html)

I also add in the rectus abdominus, the six pack muscle and here I make a few changes.
The first is that the muscle itself usually comprises of four "six pack" muscles and two lower ones which don't have a split down the center of them and are much longer than the other four.
I also make sure that the ones on the left hand side of the body, bulge a little more with the supporting muscles (because of the rib cage tilt, they will be shortened in length, as will the supporting obliques on that side of the body).

I also take this opportunity to add in a touch of my own...

Saurus as standard come with natural thick armour, so it seems a bit silly to me for this vital area at the front to be exposed, so I pull a slight edge on each Rectus abdominus muscle to make it more thick, scale like and like natural armour where the muscles can slide over each other like inter locking plates (will smooth out the detail more once I have got the chest work completed)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1823_zps6bf4606d.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1823_zps6bf4606d.jpg.html)

Build

08-11-2013, 09:05 AM

As for the anatomy of with the arms, I had to start off by cutting away a good portion of the pec muscles and then sliding in the bicep. The next stage is to check the angle, the position of the bicep depends on the position of the hand holding the weapon, as everything changes. Once that was sorted I added in the supporting muscles, heads of tricep and then the elbow joint and epicondyles. I then add in the anconeus (triangular muscle which the other forearm muscles tuck in to) as well as the brachioradialis as it would be very prominent in this position.

Getting the deltoid to conform is very difficult in this position as parts of it are much longer while some are shorter.

Ironically the same will apply again with the other shoulder, though in reverse.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/AUT_1828_zps31f4f5e6.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1828_zps31f4f5e6.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/AUT_1827_zpsf1dc4713.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1827_zpsf1dc4713.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/AUT_1829_zps0c6d089c.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1829_zps0c6d089c.jpg.html)

I'm also about to begin work on the entries of the contest, first up is Deadlift's choice.

Deadlift

08-11-2013, 10:28 AM

That looks jaw dropping. Really very very nice :D

eldargal

08-11-2013, 10:40 PM

Yup, very fierce looking.:)

Build

08-17-2013, 02:24 PM

Thank you both, hopefully have something more interesting to show on several levels.

It will be interesting to see how it goes, keep me updated.

Got some WIPS for you, including how I go about making weapons.

This is the first phase of the working with weapons, I start off using apoxie sculpt to make a vague shape of the weapons and make them as flat and as close to shape as possible, the closer I get it now, the less work (namely sanding) I have to do in the second section.

At the top of this photo you can see two advanced pieces that I will be using on my saurus.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/WIPS/th_AUT_1830_zps87df7181.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/WIPS/AUT_1830_zps87df7181.jpg.html)

Here's the second section for weapon work, it involves lots and lots of filing to get the shape and smoothness on both sides to get a smooth and uniform shape (that's all for now, but I will be updating it later on with more work).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/WIPS/th_AUT_1834_zpsf2c0f3e4.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/WIPS/AUT_1834_zpsf2c0f3e4.jpg.html)

Next up is more work on my saurus, it's the harder work now, working on the arms with a highly exaggerated (not to mention different) pose.

At this stage I'm not going too mental with detail or striations, as much of what I've adding will be covered or changed, the important thing at this stage is anatomical accuracy.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/GD%20work/th_AUT_1831_zps143d4679.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/GD%20work/AUT_1831_zps143d4679.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/GD%20work/th_AUT_1832_zpsbcd8c760.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/GD%20work/AUT_1832_zpsbcd8c760.jpg.html)

Build

08-17-2013, 02:24 PM

Even at this stage the anatomy is a little off, the bicep is just a bit too prominent, sticking too high above the shoulder. This however I have changed since these photos were taken, you will see the alterations in the next series to follow later (hopefully tomorrow).

I've also used a basic hand shape at this stage too and experiment roughly with the position of both hand weapons for the finished piece. Aside from using in an army, I'm thinking of using this for a GD piece, a saurus old blood on top of a small ziggurat hacking down a seamlessly endless tide of skaven, the left arm and shoulder at the front having just cut through a number of skaven, loads of conversion work with sculpting deeper anatomy (skaven guts, bones, organs and poses...loads of fun!)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/GD%20work/th_AUT_1836_zpseec8c68f.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/GD%20work/AUT_1836_zpseec8c68f.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/GD%20work/th_AUT_1835_zpsd2410107.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/GD%20work/AUT_1835_zpsd2410107.jpg.html)

Also at this stage, I have been working on a small conversion piece for Deadlift, converting the Troglodon head into a Spinosaurus one. The first step (and this is the part that requires the most amount of courage) is to cut away the old head, which is the point of no return, can't stick back what you cut up.

The next part is to add a very basic armature, at this stage it's just an upper and lower jaw, both parts of the wire are connected to one another for strength purposes.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/WIPS/th_AUT_1837_zpsff06b4c1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/WIPS/AUT_1837_zpsff06b4c1.jpg.html)

The next step when the previous one has hardened is to create basic skull shape based of the actual creature itself.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/WIPS/th_AUT_1838_zps6ea5b3a9.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/WIPS/AUT_1838_zps6ea5b3a9.jpg.html)

Deadlift

08-17-2013, 04:13 PM

Yay, I'm super excited by this :) thanks for the update.

Build

08-18-2013, 01:46 PM

Yay, I'm super excited by this :) thanks for the update.

Glad to help. :)

Might be a bit of a slow down now however for two reasons, the first is I need more apoxie sculpt and have ordered some as the skull will still need bulking out.
The second is I'm putting some serious thought into a games day piece.*

I'm thinking of diorama, loads of skaven swarming up a ziggurat towards the saurus, only to be cut into little bits.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_GamesdayWIP_zps36ece503.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/GamesdayWIP_zps36ece503.jpg.html)

*If anyone has the grey seer from the skaven screaming bell please contact me!

Deadlift

08-18-2013, 03:03 PM

No rush my friend. Take as long as you want, after all your doing me a fantastic favour :)

Build

08-25-2013, 02:51 AM

No rush my friend. Take as long as you want, after all your doing me a fantastic favour :)

Sorry about the wait, I still haven't had it arrive yet. *head desks*

New update, working hard on getting things done and today that means scales....lots and lots of scales...

The basis here is to be mindful of the anatomy underneath, this includes muscles, boney prominences and masses, all of which I will cover below.

So the basic work here is to start getting the larger spikes in, this follow two rules, the first is the largest of the spikes would be towards the center of the masses and the surrounding spikes getting smaller and smaller. The second thing to bear in mind is the placement of the larger spikes with regards to masses and boney prominences.

Boney prominences are unlikely to have any scales covering them, or at the least they would be very small and with a lot of space around them. This is because there is a large amount of muscle attachment to these areas and movement that goes on around them, so being covered in large restrictive spikes does not make any sense as it would limit movement.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1841_zpsddf764cf.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1841_zpsddf764cf.jpg.html)
With the larger spikes and scales down I then work out in all directions each new ring gets smaller and smaller.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1842_zpsc131c6ba.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1842_zpsc131c6ba.jpg.html)
I typically work on one side and complete it, check the work and then measure up the second side, this is more of a personal preference thing rather than anything else.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1843_zps624016c5.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1843_zps624016c5.jpg.html)
I've also taken this opportunity to try out some new ideas, in this case those are small scales around the collar bone and adding a larger chunk to be a boney growth that also acts as the manubrium.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/AUT_1844_zpsc7a8ff29.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/AUT_1845_zps29f7b902.jpg

Build

09-08-2013, 12:43 PM

First off huge apology to deadlift (I'll drop you a PM)

I've had to put my gamesday entry on hold for another year, just don't have the time, though if all goes well then 2014 will see at least four pieces from me.

I've been working hard on the Banshee Wych character I talked about, the gist I got was a Banshee Exarch who either escaped the Eldar obsessed Necron special character's skinning labs after been tortured for quite some time, or simply a Banshee exarch who got a little too addicted to fighting and decided to join up with Dark Eldar, especially with the Wych cults. The armour combination would need to be sleek and lithe, I still find the current Banshees just a bit too clunky for battle. So I've been looking at two main points, the first is decreasing the size and thickness of the armour plates. The second was to streamline accessories, spikes, belt, symbols, all these things could interfere with movement, even something like the leg strap on the holster (try running with something strapped top and bottom of your thigh, it would not be easy).

With that in mind I've been looking at a number of different ribbon gymnasts, I love the artwork for the razor flail wych, but decided to take the concept one step further.

So following on from my wonderful photo taking abilities...

Bear in mind the torso is still under major construction, especially the side with the raised arm. Hopefully the photos will give a good idea and feel for what I'm trying to achieve.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1853_zpsa4d94bab.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1853_zpsa4d94bab.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1854_zps2f5d222a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1854_zps2f5d222a.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1855_zpsd8948b97.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1855_zpsd8948b97.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1852_zpsed326fce.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1852_zpsed326fce.jpg.html)

As for the finished look, I would show you but photobucket keeps refusing to upload the image I have (claiming a miss match) which shows the arch the flail takes. The idea was to extend the flail into something similar to Ivy from Soul Caliber, a weapon that extends to the length of a whip and I'm having loads of fun trying to cut and drill a standard razor flail and then pin each segment on a piece of 0.2mm wire.

eldargal

09-08-2013, 11:29 PM

She looks fantastic.:)

Deadlift

09-09-2013, 12:14 AM

No need to apologise matey, I replied to your PM and were good ;)

Build

09-09-2013, 12:45 AM

No need to apologise matey, I replied to your PM and were good ;)

Cheers, I am hoping to get the teeth started today (this evening) I admit I'll be a lot happier when tomorrow is over with (medical specialist meeting in the UK). If it's ok with you, I might use a mix, or 100% pro-create, I'm starting to like it far more than green stuff.

@Eldargal,

Thank you, I'm assuming that's the seal of approval. ;)
When I've completed more of the piece I'll post photos alongside the last banshee I did for comparison.

eldargal

09-09-2013, 12:47 AM

Yup, the ribbon gymnast influence is very clear too, it's very elegant.:) Can't wait to see her finished, she'll be gorgeous.

Build

09-22-2013, 02:20 PM

Yup, the ribbon gymnast influence is very clear too, it's very elegant.:) Can't wait to see her finished, she'll be gorgeous.

I really hope I haven't lost that feel as I've progressed this piece,

I've been so slow recently but it's been a major busy few weeks, loads happening some of it good, some of it well overdue and some of it not so good (but won't go into details as this is hardly the place).

I read an awful lot of spiderman comics with the black cat recently to see if that could help, so hopefully I've managed to keep a feminine shape going aside from having the black cat knock she hulk off my number one spot for favourite female characters.

My main focus here was to add some muscle armour plates, without removing any grace or detracting from the figure, I also kept in with plating, although I have to say that pro-create is not as user friendly as green stuff when it comes to carving sharp edges (something I will have to sort out on the fore-arm spikes with plasticard), but that's not too much of a problem as the pros of it outweigh the cons, smoother finer detail always wins out in my books...

Also as promised a side by side comparison with the last banshee I did, as you can see the detail looks chunkier and less defined, this is the primary differences of the putties, it makes life easier and means that I can keep certain looks whilst toning down bulk.

Hands haven't been done yet, just the fiddly parts (pinning and drilling with 0.2mm steel wire), drilling through parts of the razor flail has been interesting to say the least, but hopefully you can get a good idea of what I was now talking about.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1865_zps935473a6.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1865_zps935473a6.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1866_zps38561e00.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1866_zps38561e00.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1864_zpsbd7baeb2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1864_zpsbd7baeb2.jpg.html)

Build

09-22-2013, 02:27 PM

For those of you who saw the banshee I did you can see some comparison pieces here, should give you a much better idea of what I was saying, although her armour, limb and body thickness matches the current GW ones, she still looks chunky by contrast, certainly not like the artwork.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1867_zps4d7b45e9.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1867_zps4d7b45e9.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_frontcomparison_zpsb25bdcf3.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/frontcomparison_zpsb25bdcf3.jpg.html)

And with that out the way, hopefully I can start being more productive this week (up until the weekend when I have a mad rush to get to the GD).

EDIT: Sorry, I forgot to upload this.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/th_AUT_1869_zpsbd4b3edc.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/N-large/media/AUT_1869_zpsbd4b3edc.jpg.html)

Loads happening with AOW, I need to really push the lead out and get sculpting for them big time, I've been working on weapons though and came up with this idea for sculpting stone, it's actually incredibly simple and so easy anyone can do it.

EDIT 2: I swear I'm losing my mind with the number of things I've been forgetting...

Other plans for this week and onwards include finishing Deadlift's Spinosaurus.

Deadlift

09-22-2013, 02:57 PM

I really like that sculpt, I can really see how much more elegant it is in comparison to the Banshee sculpt. The green stuff sculpt is also very nice.

Build

09-22-2013, 03:14 PM

I really like that sculpt, I can really see how much more elegant it is in comparison to the Banshee sculpt. The green stuff sculpt is also very nice.

Cheers mate!

Not the best photos in the world though, I really need to stop taking them at night.

But here's some more clear pics for you, before I cut her up for casting too (private casting for painting, but never followed through).
http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/189/a/d/howling_banshee_exarch_by_backsackandjack-d3levze.jpg

Deadlift

09-22-2013, 03:57 PM

I'd buy her :)

Build

10-01-2013, 01:28 PM

I'd buy her :)

You might well change your mind if you saw it in person, really not that happy with the sculpt anymore.

Gamesday was awesome, had a loads of fun, got more helpful feedback, including a bundle of help from Jes Goodwin, some serious pointers for the Wych, so will be adding and making changes to her which should hopefully improve the piece no end.

watch this space.

Roy Gibson

10-01-2013, 02:56 PM

Dont mean to drop halfway through this but i was looking at your models and you make some awesome stuff :) Wish i could sculpt as well as you.

Joshua Clayton

10-04-2013, 12:07 PM

I would love to watch a video on the sculpting process. You should have your own Youtube channel. All of us amateurs would watch!

Build

10-04-2013, 12:13 PM

I would love to watch a video on the sculpting process. You should have your own Youtube channel. All of us amateurs would watch!

I am seriously considering it, I have a HD ready mini DV camera so am toying with the idea, I won't lie...
I would need a tripod though, I don't have one.

@Roy Gibson
Thank you, if I can help with crits just ask, always happy to help out.

David Peers

10-04-2013, 12:35 PM

Build

10-04-2013, 12:40 PM

Wow, Build that is a really nice sculpt. REALLY NICE.
That being said, you're quite right the photos you've taken aren't the best and yet still do the model some justice.
Any chance you could try and grab some better photos so we can really appreciate all the detail you've poured into this sculpt?

I have a 1.3 mega pixel camera, really not the best, but I will try in the morning when I have some better light.

The wych/banshee I will have a better look at when I've made some corrections (Jes Goodwin was really helpful and gave me some strong pointers and tips which I will cover when I post some updates. The long and the short of it is that I need to work the shapes and curves a little more, mainly the "B"s and "S"s with the legs and some serious work on the torso).

Erm...out of interest, is there any reason there's 90 odd members and 661 guests looking at this thread? It went fairly quiet in here and suddenly seems to have exploded, unless it's a site glitch.

Khorneguy

10-04-2013, 12:49 PM

Erm...out of interest, is there any reason there's 90 odd members and 661 guests looking at this thread? It went fairly quiet in here and suddenly seems to have exploded, unless it's a site glitch.

BoLS posted a link to your log on their Facebook feed :) Congrats! Your work is amazing :)

Joshua Clayton

10-04-2013, 12:55 PM

Well I am certainly excited for the time you do have a tripod!:cool:

Build

10-04-2013, 01:10 PM

BoLS posted a link to your log on their Facebook feed :) Congrats! Your work is amazing :)

Ah that's why, thanks for clearing that up, I was really wondering what was going on.

@Joshua Clayton
I have stuck some photo stage by stage tutorials together with plenty of info if that would help?
Here's one I did on the Lizardman in this thread, in full.

http://backsackandjack.deviantart.com/journal/Adventures-in-green-stuff-Tutorial-1-395757043

Joshua Clayton

10-04-2013, 01:52 PM

It does help! I have saved it in my deviant log! Ive been considering putting my hand to the green stuff for some time now, but it is an intimidating medium.

Seerkarandras

10-04-2013, 04:35 PM

Wow I would buy that Exarch in a heartbeat. Well Done!

Mark Fisher

10-04-2013, 04:40 PM

Really nice sculpting is that Fimo you are using for it as I was just wondering as it looks like the stuff my wife uses for her hobby

Build

10-05-2013, 02:27 AM

Wow I would buy that Exarch in a heartbeat. Well Done!

I did have her cut up for casting (for contest painting work, but never got around to finishing), couldn't cast her legally though, would be an IP break.

@Joshua Clayton
It can be, the stickiness seems to put a lot of people off.

@Mark Fisher
It's Pro-create, a bit like green stuff, but less sticky, a bit thicker when mixed and better at holding finer detail.

Build

10-05-2013, 09:57 AM

Small but ever so important update....

I have been mentioning super sculpey firm for a while now, mentioning it's challenge and its crumbly quality can make life very difficult as it denatures quickly...

Well, as it turns out, I was wrong...very wrong...

The sculpey I had been using was very denatured, so much so it was very crumbly and had no real good qualities to it at all.
Here's an example:

Denatured sculpey firm
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/AUT_1871_zps6d3731a0.jpg
Normal sculpey firm
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v697/N-large/AUT_1885_zps8f4d6cab.jpg

Look at the differences, they are STAGGERING!

The old crumbly sculpey firm had been sitting in my window for years, yet despite this and the discolouration of the box I never twigged that something might be wrong, but fresh sculpey firm is a joy to work with a real joy!

I have had a quick practice just now, so easy to get fine details, shapes and textures on it, so much more easy than denatured sculpey firm.

Build

10-21-2013, 02:42 PM

Sorry about lack of updates,

Loads has been happening, but I've reached and finalised a very important life based decision, I'm stepping down from professional sculpture for at least two years, perhaps longer or even permanently. I will continue to sculpt as I do enjoy it, but it will only be private pieces, pieces I want to sculpt and at the pace I set down.

It wasn't an easy choice, but I am a busy person, I have a full time job which I enjoy and many other commitments, so much so that I can't justify losing most of my evenings and all of my weekends to sculpture, it's just not practical.

I sent a load of greens off to Avatars of war recently (and had feedback emailed to me this morning, you will be seeing something soonish, but no hints as to which one ;)) which marks my final commission piece.

Will hopefully get this thread moving again soon.