How to Sculpt the Portrait in Clay (Sample Clips) sculptclay.com

[LeGrandSculpture]

****PLEASE NOTE: I get many emails and comments regarding the type of clay used. *** It is WHITE EARTHEN CLAY, LOW FIRE, NO GROG MANUFACTURED BY HIGHWATER. YOU CAN PURCHASE THE CLAY FROM ANY CERAMIC SUPPLY HOUSE. :)

I thank everyone for the wonderful comments about the video, and it is increasingly difficult to allocate time for response. Again ... thanks for your views and comments! ~Peace & Love

[jerome3151]

It looks like my Uncle!

[Ronnelsky]

Sir what clay did you use? Can I ask for the brand?

[Qaphsiel1]

this is not a "how to" its just you showing off, but still very good!

[RaceAcer60]

The Scultpting is WAYYYYYYY COOOOL,but the music SUCKS!.

[theconquered]

hey how u make the hair detail if i can get one of mine looking like that ill post it im close but the hair and mouth are really giving me trouble but the mouth i can learn as i go just want to know the how to do the hair

[Icarokrom]

Really, really good, you deserve congratulations. Thank you for the opportunity to watch your magnificent performance!

[GodsentHellraiser]

I like how you give him a backrub when it's all done.

I'd need one too after being stiff so long. :P

[Blossomtree]

what is the beginning song?

[Blossomtree]

what is the name of the beginning song. Btw this video really helped with my sculpture

[Blossomtree]

i like the beginning song, what is it, and very nice sculpture

[EXiisch]

Wow!

[charlesleroi12]

cest trop bon...continue...cest un travail impresionant :-)

[charlesleroi12]

do you speake french...my yes

[Ashley586221]

Great work :)

[ndemsam95]

He just sculpted Benito Mussolini.

[olipimp]

WHATS THE NAME OF THE CLAY THAT U USE

[LeGrandSculpture]

@olipimp

've answered that question in earlier comment responses ... please read below. ;)

[xph0enixxx]

@LeGrandSculpture Answering may save us time for browsing that particular comment below. I was about to ask the same question, now i'm discouraged to search for that comment wherever that is. It could've been much easier if you have only answered. No offense.

[drakenkorin404]

OMG im having so much problems with eyes!!!!1

[drakenkorin404]

love this soundtrack!

[daDopeArtist]

May I know what type of clay you use? Like the brand name

[wakojako49]

hay man!! ive got a question.... did you start of with just news paper to fill the hollow clay structure? cause ive been trying to do that but my problem is that the clay would soak the news paper and sometimes sag. and how do you remove the news paper afterwards. ive another question how do you prevent air bublees inside the clay that would break the sculpture when you heat it in the kiln.??

[LeGrandSculpture]

@wakojako49

I address those issues in my full length instructional video: How to Sculpt the Portrait in Clay

You can order the video from my website.

[Crizikk]

@wakojako49 its called "wedging" you push the clay against the table in a certain way, and it will form almost a cone shape if you do it right, then that pops the bubbles, and yea. thats all , i guess you can look up "how to wedge" on youtube or w.e , Good Luck .

[jab060154]

Hi This was great. Can you show us how to fire this when you are finished with a head sculpture.

[LeGrandSculpture]

@jab060154

I prep my work, and take it to a potter I trust who has a kiln. There are many videos posted you YouTube to answer your questions. ;)

[Emmark1000]

I think we should hunt the one person that didn't like this vid and kill him

[Luka1180]

@LeGrandSculpture F**K that sucks :'( I mean, like when wood gets wet and when dries it usually cracks -.-

[LeGrandSculpture]

@Luka1180

I never have a problem with my tools cracking.

[Luka1180]

@LeGrandSculpture No I mean the clay itself. Like when wooden stuff is dryed after being wet, it somestimes brack. Even thick branches.

[Angelatopia]

This is amazing! I am currently trying to do a self portrait out of clay and I am finding it so difficult to look like me. I wish you could give me some pointers.

[gpabsky2011]

very nice... visit...gpabsky.com website for the artist. ty!

[MrErickg94]

cool sculpt but gay ass song

[LeGrandSculpture]

Hahaha ... glad u liked the sculpt.

[DRKisMOO]

What tools do you personally use for clay sculpting?

[LeGrandSculpture]

I use anything that works/produces the results I want. I like wood tools because I can reshape them the way I want.

[xxswemanxx1]

where did you get the clay

[LeGrandSculpture]

I've answered that question in earlier comment responses ... please read below. ;)

[lemonnightmare]

awesome stuff!! love your song choices as well. keep up the good work!!

[reinamortal1]

I have a sculpture bust made out of a basic earthenware clay I obtained near where I live in Oaxaca, Mexico. The sculpture is cracking, though only the shoulder/chest portion. What can I do to deal with the cracks short of starting over again from scratch with a different clay?

[LeGrandSculpture]

reinamortal1 - You are allowing the clay to dry while the wall thickness is too thick. As you probably know, clay shrinks as it loses its moisture, so it is important to build an armature wrapped with newspaper, which will allow for the contraction. My method: achieve basic composition, then hollow the sculpture to approx 3/8" - 1/2" then continue to achieve fine detail. Bring the moisture up to fix your cracks by wrapping the sculpture with wet paper towels and keep it covered for a few days.

[reinamortal1]

Thank you for your reply. Right now, the head is virtually separate from the neck and chest. The head appears to be fine, with no cracking. It has it's own armature, basically a pole up the center and paper. It does, however, have quite thick walls and is quite heavy. I found the strain of the weight difficult for the bottom portion of the sculpture and have it sitting on a a can and am sculpting the neck closely around the can and expanding the body around an armature of metal and chicken wire.

[reinamortal1]

I notice no one ever mentions chicken wire as an armature anymore. How do I use paper in order to give the fullness of the body I need? Use lots of it? How do you "hollow out" your sculptures, especially if there is an armature? Can you come to my house and show me? (just kidding...)

[LeGrandSculpture]

hehe ... can't come to your house, but you can order the video which gives full instruction to answer all your questions. Good luck with your work! :)

[HikeMaple]

AH!!!! SO DETAILED EYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best Tequnique

I've ever seen! Good Job! Your nose is perfect! You should upload tons of tutorials! I'm sort of a self learning student with the arts. I just began an art class in high school, but I'm pretty sure we won't be doing any clay sculpting. I plan to try it myself

[Akynn]

Watching your video really helped me A LOT! I'm a college art student too and I'm making a portrait of my mum but making the eyes really troubeled me - It's easier now when I saw your video :) Thanks for being so awesome!

[lilacwinteraire]

Holy crap. I'm a college art student, and we did self-portraits just by coiling. This technique is so efficient! You have a marvelous talent. I've been slaving over my piece for 3 weeks now, and you make it look effortless and truly realistic.

[LeGrandSculpture]

lilacwinteraire - Thank you for the compliments. :) A few suggestions ... only touch the clay with meaning and purpose. There is a natural tendency to dabble too much, but not accomplish anything. Video yourself for an hour, and observe your actions and efficiency because you are your own best critic. Also, keep your view in constant movement - above, below, and around the model and the sculpture while casting identical strong shadows on both. Best wishes!

[TheSKYizFalling]

I use marbelx air dry clay because I don't have acess to a kiln and I've experienced cracking, would you mind suggesting a better clay I could use to avoid this problem?

[LeGrandSculpture]

All air dry clays crack. I recomend ProSculpt. It's cured in an oven at 275 deg f. It's mostly used by doll makers, and it will yield the best results. Just google "ProSculpt" to find a supplier. Best wishes. :)

[TheSKYizFalling]

@LeGrandSculpture Hey thank-you much! And btw your talent is evident. Cheers.

[LeGrandSculpture]

Thanks Chicken Little! Best wishes! :)

[lori21011]

what kind of clay did you use? I really liked your demonstration Ive only started sculpting acouple months ago. I really like using soap stone! my teacher lent me a hunk and turns out its my secret talent. good oil based clay is hard to find in stores.

[LeGrandSculpture]

White Earthen Low Fire w/ no grog. If you are just starting out, I would suggest you hone your skills with a low-fire (no grog) water clay. It is cheap, and you can achieve incredible detail. Some artists don't use it because it dries out - if moisture is not maintained, but you will find the characteristic to be your friend when you learn how to master the clay. Best wishes!

[somleo8]

Hi this an awesome sculpture...I want to know what kind of clay it is and this is very flexible..I make idols with black clay...in India...now I am in USA and not able to find right flexible and strong clay for my sculptures...can someone pls suggest me...I want to buy the caly which is flexible while making and becomes hard after drying..and also what kind of clay this person in the video is using.? will i get that one in Home depot or any other store..

Thankyou

[LeGrandSculpture]

I use White Earthen Low Fire w/ no grog. You can purchase it at a ceramic supply. The brand I use is "Highwater". Might I suggest you sculpt in a water clay, then mold and cast in stone. Best of luck, and thank you for your compliments. ;)

[914peru]

where do you buy low fire white earth no grog ? I hope you don't maind you cancell your web site?

[LeGrandSculpture]

I buy the clay in 50 pound boxes from a ceramic supply house. I will have my site back up soon ... I hope. ;)

[LeGrandSculpture]

Yes, I do use water with the brush. I like using a wet clay with "no grog" so I don't have a problem with the clay washing out and looking grainy. You're welcome to order the video for additional instruction. :) Just contact me at sculptclay@gmail.com

[53360018]

A Master of Sculpture!

[jcelectrico]

wo is singin ?

[LeGrandSculpture]

Jack Johnson :)

[BbnnaannazZ]

Thank you for showing this very helpful video!

[evilive04]

Life on mars.

[guitarjunkee32]

geeze how much did all that clay cost?

[LeGrandSculpture]

Hahahaha $15 USD

[guitarjunkee32]

@LeGrandSculpture o.o all that 4 only 15?

[LeGrandSculpture]

Well, probably less than $15. I purchase 50 lbs for $26, and use less that half of it to create a bust like the one in the video, then remove about 80% of that and recycle it ... so you figure it out. ;)

[guitarjunkee32]

@LeGrandSculpture aw man ur lucky, i have to pay like 12$ 4 1 pound of clay

[KWHVP]

i love sculpting and plan to do it when im older. i use a clay mixed with wax so it doesnt dry out and it is very pliable

[LeGrandSculpture]

I watched your video ... very nice :) Keep it up!

[guitarjunkee32]

this is epic, i fail hard at this

[CustomFig]

what type of clay you using.

[LeGrandSculpture]

Low-fire White Earthn with no grog

[artofmelody]

Absolutely love this clip. Amazing work. Very interested in learning how to sculpt. That is incredible how realistic it looks! Can't wait to start learning.

[LeGrandSculpture]

TODAY is the best day to start!!

[Schoening91]

Hey ! we din't se if it was looking like u :q

[LeGrandSculpture]

It's okay ... it's not me ;)

[914peru]

Can you tell me what type of clay you use thanks

[LeGrandSculpture]

Low-fire White Earthn with no grog

[kryptoniano999]

Exelent!!!!

[LeGrandSculpture]

Yes I do :)

[spanningtheglobe1]

amaizing....thanks for the video...



[DannyBoy443]

Amateur work. I was better than him 6 years ago when I was 20.

[LeGrandSculpture]

Please tell me how I can find some of this wonderful work you create DannyBoy ... I am always eager to get better. ~Peace

[flower1964pot]

thanks for great help it brillant to watch the process does help here x

[MrDukeyj]

Completely amazing, so much detail, I cant even make a ball...:) If it were to move, I'd think it to be a real person, alive and breathing

[eiryn24]

how many kgs of clay do you need to make a real size head?

[LeGrandSculpture]

I like that question. Been very busy, so sorry it's taken me so long to respond. The answer is 2-fold: To "create" a life-sized head like the one in the video takes about 30 pounds of wet clay; however, I remove the clay from the center when the work is about 75% complete, so the final sculpture is less that 8 pounds of clay. ;)

[eiryn24]

@LeGrandSculpture thanks for taking your time to reply my question :) awesome work!

[MelStar111]

I like how you use fabric/newspaper, etc as "props" before the actual sculpting in some cases. I like to have a visual going on when I do my polymer sculpting: It helps to kind of have a hat or a scarf or whatever you are going to finalize the portrait with while working away, doesn't it? GREAT work!

[LeGrandSculpture]

Yes! I often will drape a towel or cloth on the head, especially when sculpting a woman .... helps the visualization process. :)

[shadowfangsydney]

I've been working with poly clay for a while, I like working with regular clay better, the only reason I don't is because I don't have access to a kiln, do you always have to fire this kind of clay?

[LeGrandSculpture]

I only fire my work if the client requires the final work to be clay. I don't own a kiln either (I'm a sculptor not a potter and know little about firing clay). I do workshops for several community arts programs. The donation of my time allows me access to the services of several kilns.

[666devilinhell]

wow man... ur awesome!!:D

[Animalluver116]

This is amazing.Is there anyway for a beginner to do this? How would you begin/practice? You're a master at this! :)

[LeGrandSculpture]

I offer an instructional video. You may email me: steve@stevelegrand (.com)

Thankyou for your compliments :)

[982Munchie]

Wow, jaw now firmly affixed to floor...

[sciwerx]

wow if u sell that sculpture it will cost like a million dollars :D and so cool

[juanillo992]

great sculpture dud. whats the name of the songs?

[LeGrandSculpture]

The songs are by Jack Johnson ... he's my favorite!

[fouz9999]

i love it

[fouz9999]

i love it

[nedeljkomostar]

Beautiful work.

Where you do buy/find media... clay... mud? I would really like to try my self in that field of art. 5/5

[LeGrandSculpture]

You can purchase it at any ceramic supply company. The clay is White Earthen - Low Fire - No Grog

[omgtkseth]

I've been thinking about learning to do this for, um, 8 months? more or less. I guess it's better to start now. But, does it really take long to learn this? I mean, to do a good looking bust, do I need years?, Months? weeks? I'm pretty sure you need to have years of experience to compete with this vid, but to reach a good quality, not very high detail. THen, how much to reach high detail? That hair looks amazing...

[LeGrandSculpture]

Very subjective questions ... it depends on your ability to see. The important thing is to try and give yourself the patience to develop whatever talent you may have. Let me know if I can help.

[bananfot]

wow! Great skulpture! very inspirereing! Are woring on my first bust in many years. you are a great inspiration:)

[agonyuncle]

love your work steve,you make it look so easy

[tsiminiera]

Great!!!!!!

[TheCccrrraaazzzyyy]

You're really talented, I cant even make a ball out of clay :)

[LeGrandSculpture]

Hey! Well, thanks for the comment ... check out my other video too when you get a chance. It's in HD, so the quality's a little better. Have an awesome week!

[kenxii7]

oMg!! i dunno you can do that i used to sculp but not that good...man you're great can you sculp me..? hehe..

[goadprogband]

NUMBER ONE for ME!

GREAT STEVE!!!

I would like to find a book about YOU!

going to to Google ?

Have a fantastic Christmas and new year!!

Maurilio GOAD

[Gusakov]

Great...

Bravo !!!

******

[LeGrandSculpture]

I'm glad you like ... thanks very much!

[Fuchury]

Great sculptures.

they are beautiful...........they have a Soul

[LeGrandSculpture]

Thank you ... your compliment is appreciated!

[Fuchury]

Great Sculptures.

They are beautiful.............they have a Soul!!

[Fuchury]

Great sculptures!!!

Your Art is life.

Wonderful!! :)

[meesterschilders]

thanks for the comment, 5* for this video

[Tfreund3500]

You have such deft hands. Love to see them in action with clay. Great textural accuracy. Liz F.

[iamthebesticanbe]

Wow nice sculpture. What songs did you play in this vid.

[LeGrandSculpture]

Thanks! The songs are by Jack Johnson. An advertisement should pop up when watching the YouTube video with information on how to order his music.

[144000daniel]

Nice job but What kind of clay did you use for this particular sculpture?

I really wonder... :-)

[LeGrandSculpture]

Thanks for the compliment ... the clay is a Highwater Clay - White Earthen Clay, Low Fire with no grog. It's a great clay to work with.

[phantomofthedrivein]

alot of sculptures on youtube look good from quarter views, but dead on they look thicker than they maybe should

[deaprojekt]

Sehr schön

[shakeitshakeitbaby]

Hey bro,

We think you should move to NY

Great video!

2 much talent to stay in W-S!

Jeanna

[KarbonKopy98]

thats like scary good my mom knows his sister

[whiterockstudio]

I enjoyed your demo. Thanks. Great video.