Tyrannosaurus clay model

[JohannesB]

After my first sloppy and hasty attempt at a dinosaur model a few years ago, I thought it would be nice to confront my limited skills by trying to do it again, but better, and this time with lips (and for convenience sake, mouth closed). I made a mockup of the animal using a fallen tree to get a somewhat higher vantage point in surveying its surroundings. I thought that it would add some interest and liveliness to the model. I hope it will work out. It will be about 48 cm when finished. I thought a bigger model would be easier to work on, especially in view of the finer details.

[Newt]

It's a good start! I look forward to seeing your progress. 

I think you are wise to go for a larger size. I have Edouard Lanteri's classic Modelling and Sculpting the Human Figure, and IIRC he recommends students start with sculptures in 1/4 to 1/3 scale (ca. 45-60 cm) before attempting smaller or larger scales.

[JohannesB]

I have been struggling with the head. I would like some advice from the forum, if anyone who has much more knowledge about the anatomy is willing to give. I think I will bake it like this, and then add scaly details (and eyes, of course) afterwards.

[Justin_]

Looking good. I would bake it now so you don't risk accidentally squashing anything, but then sand it to refine it a bit more before adding the scale texture.

[JohannesB]

Looking good. I would bake it now so you don't risk accidentally squashing anything, but then sand it to refine it a bit more before adding the scale texture.

Good idea about the sanding! Thanks 🤗

[JohannesB]

A random find. Would it fit on the base as a "certain species of conifer"? It is a bit course and cartoonish, maybe. If I were to use it, I would add to it with paint and other stuff, of course. Any opinions?

[JohannesB]

My custom made resin eyes might be too big (even when considering the eyelids covering part of them)?

[Over9K]

A random find. Would it fit on the base as a "certain species of conifer"? It is a bit course and cartoonish, maybe. If I were to use it, I would add to it with paint and other stuff, of course. Any opinions?

Where'd you find that?

I've been using a faux bonsai in my diorama pics for years, and added an aquarium bonsai recently. Would love to add that too!

[JohannesB]

My neighbours just left it on their veranda when they moved out. I just saved it from being thrown away in the garbage I guess So unfortunately I don't know where it can be purchased.

[JohannesB]

Smaller (5mm), but still too big? (Even when considering the eyelids that will come later?)

[JohannesB]

The feet take a huge amount of time to get right (if ever). But I won't give up

[Dusty Wren]

Yeah, the worst part about the feet is once you finally get one looking the way you want it, you have to repeat the whole process again

Keep going! It's looking great. The wrinkles at the bend in the foot look very convincing.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

All I can offer is that this is a very ambitious effort and so far it looks very impressive to me! Wonderful work and I encourage you to keep at it!

[JohannesB]

Yeah, the worst part about the feet is once you finally get one looking the way you want it, you have to repeat the whole process again

That is true! But at least I don't have to struggle the whole time, because I will have gone past the stage of experimentation and trial and error (since this is my first attempt at such a sculpt).

Edit: I take it back. It will be a struggle the whole way!

[JohannesB]

This project is taking a huge amount of time, and apart from probably some anatomical mistakes (like a neck that is too long, I think) I am bumping into a lot of problems because of a lack of experience in model building. The main problem, I feel, will be stability, caused by the weight of the model, as well as the fact that the left leg will be too fragile to hold up more than I'm guessing half the weight of the whole thing (which will amount to more than half a kilogram). I should have thought of that when making the metal frame. A pity. Now I will have to let the model rest on a metal rod under the chest. It feels like a mistake that could have been avoided if I had done more research. But then again, maybe I just bit of more than I can chew. I hope I don't give up Anyway, further suggestions and criticisms are always welcome.

[JohannesB]

Trying to create integument/skin. Because I didn't think this project through from the start, I have to think of little solutions here and there, now and then. It doesn't make it seem very consistent, but I have some hope it will turn out OK.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

I like what I see, nice work!

[Over9K]

IMO, your skull/head is looking like what is being described in Witton's King Tyrant. The jaw fully closed would still maintain a gap between the teeth, which has the effect of deepening the appearance of the head, while at the same time making the snout appear shorter optically.

Intentional or not, I think you've captured this, and it makes me anticipate the "Wittonization" of how T.rex is portrayed...

[Over9K]

Trying to create integument/skin. Because I didn't think this project through from the start, I have to think of little solutions here and there, now and then. It doesn't make it seem very consistent, but I have some hope it will turn out OK.

The Body In White is brutal in its honesty. Paint Hides All Sins.

[JohannesB]

IMO, your skull/head is looking like what is being described in Witton's King Tyrant. The jaw fully closed would still maintain a gap between the teeth, which has the effect of deepening the appearance of the head, while at the same time making the snout appear shorter optically.

Intentional or not, I think you've captured this, and it makes me anticipate the "Wittonization" of how T.rex is portrayed...

Thank you for your observation! It is much appreciated and makes me more aware of the process of creation and the choices I make (consciously or just by "chance", as it were), and therefore it makes me more able to think about what I could do to improve my skills (of observation and creation).