How To Sculpt In Clay – How To Fix A Sculpture’s Face Without Starting Over

About Adam Reader

Adam Reeder was born and raised in Los Angeles California.  He was heavily influenced by the positive southern California culture and climate.  He started drawing when he was 14 and has been sculpting for 12 years.  Adam earned a Masters degree in sculpture in 2009.  Though Adam learned a lot in his 3 years of graduate school, he claims to have learned more in a 5 day period at a workshop from his favorite living sculptor.

He believes in what Richard Mac Donald taught him “I will teach you everything I know, then what you do with it is up to you”.

Adam’s work has been featured in dozens of editorials online and in print all over the world. Adam has also exhibited internationally and has work in a prominent north western Museum.

Adam maintains that he learns all he can about form and anatomy.  When asked about learning Adam said “I learn form everyone, that way I will never stop learning”.  He say that he sculpts what he feels, drawing upon the knowledge of anatomy and form to create art.  He says he knows he is done with a sculpture when it resonates with the feeling that drove him to create it.

Adam’s Websites:

How To Fix A Sculpture’s Face Without Starting Over

It is normal to sculpt a face and end up with proportion issues. Most people think it is time to start over when you have sculpted incorrect proportions. I am glad to tell you that you do not have to do that.

In this video clip, I have made the segment of the face from the bottom of the nose to the bottom of the chin, too long.

It is easy enough to fix.

1. Ask people what they think of your sculptures, as them to give pointers.  Once you are able to take positive feedback, you will be able to improve your work.

2. Make decisions.  90% of sculpting is making decisions.  If you are timid, you will never finish the sculpture. Slap the clay on, if it doesn’t work, cut it off.

3. Get a sharp narrow tool.  One of my favorite tools (besides the one I had to create myself) is painting pallet knives.

4.  Find a spot on the face you can cut in from the front, and the side.  You can even use clay cutting wire, though that is harder to control.

5.  Make sure the spot you are cutting is not going to mess up too much detail.  Cut in (don’t be bashful) from the front, then side (make sure you hold on to the part you are cutting, if it falls, you could lose a lot of detail).

6. Now that that segment is removed, remove clay, or add clay depending on what is needed to fix the proportions.

7. Putting the clay back on will be done in different ways depending on the type of clay and how you are going to finish it (IE, make a mold, or fire in a kiln).  In my video, the sculpture is oil based clay, so it goes on and sticks in place.

FYI: If it were water-based clay, you would wet both surfaces before putting the piece back on.