3D figure sketches

[underfoot]

a question in another thread about wax castings reminded me of these wax figures I use for quick modeling in life drawing and figure sculpture classes,

thought some of the figure sculpting folk may be interested

they're about 8 inches tall, a mix of microcrystalline and bees wax,
the wax is poured into a simple 2 part plaster mold which has been soaked in water. they set quickly (3-5 mins) and release easily, I usually pour about 20 at a time,
when dropped into warm water for 2 mins they become flexible and easy to
shape and manipulate , they can be carved and added to, and melted and re-used
they're great for life drawing sessions and quick maquettes,

[chris 71]

underfoot you are revealing some of your secrets thank you

[fritchie]

Nice idea, U! That could only be done quickly in a class, but it seems a good idea to keep poses and imagery fresh in the mind.

I like the quick mold also. How did you make that - (Overall container and bed to support the first wax before turning)? Do you use a softer clay to hold the figure for the first plaster? I've seen something similar by sculptors over here, but my molds always seem more elaborate and awkward.

[underfoot]

Originally Posted by fritchie

I like the quick mold also. How did you make that - I've seen something similar by sculptors over here, but my molds always seem more elaborate and awkward.

simple as it gets fritchie, the original is in plasticene (oil clay),
the figure is posed so that the separating line runs straight down either side of the body,
the figure is suspended horizontally in a shallow box and plaster poured 1/2 way
(looks like she is floating in a bath)
when set, cut locating points, (I just used a countersinking bit)
paint on a mold release, (water, detergent and clay slurry)
and pour the top half,
you can pour the wax castings as soon as the plaster sets, wax won't stick to wet plaster and the shrinkage allows the casting to just drop out.
the whole process takes less than an hour.

[fritchie]

Thanks. The point I was missing is the flat original. The similar procedures I've used and seen here are for final waxes with a twist of some sort to the pose. In those cases, a flat bed of some sort of clay is built up under the original, a barrier for the plaster put around it, and from there the process is similar to yours. This generally takes me about two (interrupted) days, but the shop I mentioned does it in one working day, with shorter pauses.

[Scout]

Underfoot, that is a great idea. You have put it in the universe now. Thanks you for the information.

One thing I was wondering. How do you clean contaminated wax when it is reused a lot? Scout