Life Size Stegouros

[Doug Watson]

Where did you guys learn this anyway

For me I started out doing my own sculptures like you but I was using natural sculptors clay, then I took a Museum Technology course, worked in a museum model shop for 17 years and worked as a freelance sculptor for 23 years, I was exposed to a wide range of materials and techniques working in the model shop but these days with the internet their are lots of people sharing technique online.

reiner if that answer confused you that's because I thought the question came from the OP I should pay more attention.

[reinier zwanink]

Dont worry
i noticed it Doug
It was interesting non the less

[paleoferroequine]

Wow, I'm impressed! Those are really neat!! I'm looking forward to doing more skin details like yours, I think I'm going to have to try a different material though. This free form earth stuff is very elastic. I love the hands on your Iguanodon! They really show the weight being spread through the digits. How did you do the scales on the top of the Gastonia??

   These were my very first sculpts along with an Acrocanthosaurus all made to 1/20 scale. Looking at them now my anatomy knowledge was lacking, oh, well! I guess they are not horrible at least, my reference sources on the web and books were sparse in 1999. I did get the non pronated hands on the Acrocanthosaurus right at least. The Sculpey clay is developing cracks however on the Acrocantosaurus and the Gastonia and they need repair. That's why I use epoxy putty today.
   The scales on the Gastonia were made with stamps made from Sculpey,  I would make a mushroom shaped blob and indent the scales with a rounded piece of wood stick, about 4-5 scales per stamp and about 6 stamps total. Looking at the Gastonia today at least that's what I think I did. There doesn't seem to be any repetition at all and the scales vary quite a bit in size and shape. Now in addition I use varying sizes of thin walled brass tubing that have been bent and squashed a bit to remove the circular shape, more of a hex shape. I then form each scale and after an area is done I go back with a small tool and shape each scale individually. Takes awhile but it's worth it.
   

[Doug Watson]

Now in addition I use varying sizes of thin walled brass tubing that have been bent and squashed a bit to remove the circular shape, more of a hex shape. I then form each scale and after an area is done I go back with a small tool and shape each scale individually. Takes awhile but it's worth it.

That's how I make my tools only I use a different type of metal tubing, plus you explained it better.

[Kayakasaurus]

I decided to make this my main sculpting thread. So I will be posting updates on the Centrosaurus or whatever I sculpt next here. I'm sort of waiting to paint my latest projects because I would like to cast them first. here is a color scheme idea:

[Kayakasaurus]

Very nice work I am enjoying looking at your different sculpts, I use epoxy clay to sculpt as well. By the colour I am guessing you are using Apoxie is that correct? I have tried that brand but I found Magic Sculpt gave me better results for detail work.

I was just blessed with some unexpected funds for sculpting supplies. So I'm going to make an order. Is this the epoxy you were talking about(link to Amazon)? Do you mind me asking where you get yours? The Magic sculp website suggests using "Talcom powder" to prevent it from sticking to your hands. Have you tried that? One more question; where do you get the metal tubing you make your tools with? Last question, I promise; is there anything else you would recommend purchasing?? Thank you!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003AL71FI/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1ZRIUX20RB3TB

[Doug Watson]

I was just blessed with some unexpected funds for sculpting supplies. So I'm going to make an order. Is this the epoxy you were talking about(link to Amazon)? Do you mind me asking where you get yours? The Magic sculp website suggests using "Talcom powder" to prevent it from sticking to your hands. Have you tried that? One more question; where do you get the metal tubing you make your tools with? Last question, I promise; is there anything else you would recommend purchasing?? Thank you!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003AL71FI/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1ZRIUX20RB3TB

Yes, that is the material, I get mine from B & M Sports in Quebec, they are a taxidermy supply. http://www.materiel-taxidermie-bmsd.com/en/ since you are in the States you would be better off finding a source down there, since that is where it comes from. I get it in 20 lb kits because I go through a lot of it. The tubing you should be able to get at a Hobby Shop. Also a cheap method I also use is I convert old worn out artist's brushes. I Dremel out what is left of the bristles leaving the hollow metal end on the handle of the brush to shape into the scale I want. Using different sizes of brushes for different sizes of scales. If you don't have enough old brushes go the tubing route. To save on material bulk up your armature with aluminum foil.
I usually wear latex gloves when I mix the epoxy but once it is mixed I find it is not that tacky so I don't use the talcum or anything else on my hands. You can wash it off with soap and water before it cures. I usually just keep wiping off any residue on my hands with a damp rag as I go. Can't think of anything else unless you haven't already bought some sculpting tools. I use wooden tools plus I make some of my own out of coat hanger wired. I hammer the ends flat and then shape them the way I want them. One thing I learned working in the museum they are many ways to get to the same end. We had about six model makers and we all had variations on the same techniques. Try different techniques some you may like, some you may end up modifying and some you may come up with on your own. Good luck.

[paleoferroequine]

   Depending on how much money you have, for less than  $50 you can get 5lb versus the 1lb you found for $25.50.

[Kayakasaurus]

I did this Parasaurolophus from scratch with 123D sculpt+ on the IPad. It is really amazing that autodesk can make 3D apps available for a mobile device. I would recommend the app! But of course the detail is quite limited. Does anyone have accuracy suggestions?

[Kayakasaurus]

Here is a Triceratops I did on the iPad. I think it's almost finished. I would appreciate any tips!

[Kayakasaurus]

Hello again. Can somebody tell me how to change the name of the thread?? I have an update! New pics coming soon! I've sculpted a sauropod... Can you guess which one? Thank you!

[Pachyrhinosaurus]

To change a thread's title simply modify it in your original post. 
Your triceratops is nice, it is supposed to be T. prorsus?

[Kayakasaurus]

Ok here is my Shunosaurus. This is my first dinosaur with the new Magic sculpt I got. It made a HUGE difference. I highly recommend Magic sculpt   

[Kayakasaurus]

To change a thread's title simply modify it in your original post. 
Your triceratops is nice, it is supposed to be T. prorsus?

Perfect and thank you. Umm... If you think it is T.prorsus then yes . I have no idea but I looked em both up and I think your right 

[Dinomike]

These are beautiful! You are very talented!

[reinier zwanink]

A very nice sauropode indeed
You could do more with this

[Arul]

Great sculp ! 

[Rathalosaurus]

The Shunosaurus looks like it just jumped out of Dinosaur Revolution.
Very beautiful sculpt.

[Jetoar]

Really awesome figures with a good sculting material  .

[Doug Watson]

Ok here is my Shunosaurus. This is my first dinosaur with the new Magic sculpt I got. It made a HUGE difference. I highly recommend Magic sculpt   

It looks great, it has nice motion to it. I am glad you like the material.