These are the basic supplies for starting a
strong armature that will support a medium
size sculpt (about 10"). 1/8" brass rod, small
diameter bendable wire, two part epoxy like
Aves or Apoxysculpt and tape. The strength
of the supporting structure depends on the
brass rod. The wire is just to support the clay
while you sculpt. Any wire that you can bend
with your fingers is not adding strength, just
support.
Using the scale drawings, determine the basic
pose and where the joints will bend. Mark these
places on the brass rod and place it in a vise
to bend it into shape, leaving a couple of inches
beyond the end of the foot for the supporting
post. Next, bend and wrap lengths of the wire
around the support rod to represent the position
of arms, neck and the other leg.
Mix equal parts of the epoxy and form around
the rod and wires to make the basis for the body
and firmly secure the wires to the rod. This will
need to cure over night for strength before using.
When this is cured I wrap the wire and rod
with either masking tape or white floral tape
sot he clay will adhere to the wire better. I
will usually add a small wooden bead to the
end of the neck and cover it with tape as well.
Finally, after all this preparation it's time to
start adding clay. Pick up a good anatomy for
artists book with good drawings of all the muscle
groups and joints in many poses and from all
angles. Begin to wrap clay around the wires,
smoothing and accentuating the major muscle
groups as you go. Develop the head into the
shape of an egg with a chin.