So, I went to the local Michael’s and bought some Laguna Self Hardening Clay. It comes in four colors, but I wanted the Terra Cotta for that natural look and because the lighter colors don’t show shadows and contrast as well for drawing features.
That’s my clay face up there and I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out especially since I’m not accustomed to working with clay. It did remind me why I don’t work with clay – too messy! Things that get my hands dirty just aren’t my thing, but I wanted the end product enough to endure it.
Doing this did show me where my knowledge of facial anatomy needs work. Having to build it from scratch is a remarkable test of understanding. The nose and chin are purposefully exaggerated for character, the eyes turned out nicely, and the mouth could be more refined.
I’ll probably make another one or two of these to have on hand for models as well as giving me the chance to explore facial structure. No time yet to draw and paint from it but, look for artwork based on the clay face in future posts.