So, how did that happen?!

So, I'm painting on my head for the Marilyn Radzat class, thinking I hate it, I hate it, I... oh wait a minute, maybe this isn't so bad!  Still got a bit of cleaning up to do, but much more pleased that I thought I'd be with it.  Unfortunately I still don't have hands.  I got a good tip from a friend today and I've got the basic parts done and they are sitting on a piece of cardboard to leach out some of the plasticiser.  I'm still finding this ProSculpt clay way too soft, but the cardboard seems to be helping.  Update, hopefully this weekend.

Sculpting with Marilyn Radzat

I am taking an on-line sculpting class with Marilyn Radzat over on "A is for Artistic"

http://www.aforartistic.com/character-heads-hands.html

I'm probably never going to be great at clay sculpting, but I enjoy the challenge!!  We are using "ProSculpt" which is a polymer clay.  As far as polymers go, I like it better than Sculpy, but I am remembering why I went to paperclay.  I have hot hands. Funny I always thought they were cold, but when I handle clay they heat right up!   Meaning, after just a few minutes clay becomes soft and squishy and impossible to mold.  So I'm learning to keep my hands away from my sculpt as much as possible and work in 15 minute increments.  I've also kept my studio at 65 degrees, which seems to help a bit.

This class is sculpting head and hands and painting them.  I've also signed up for the follow-on class, which will complete the figure, rising from a seashell.  Right now I'll consider it a sucess if I figure out the correct place to put the ears and how to get 2 the same size...

Doll update

Between all the necessary projects, I've gotten a bit done on the doll begun in Ankie's class last month.  With all the beads, crystals and the crown, I've taken to calling him Prince Valiant.  Just a bit more work on the carriage and he'll be done.  I've got a special spot in the front hall niche picked out for his final home!

ANKIE DAANEN!

Yowzers!  Two fabulous doll classes in less than a month! 

I’m on starstruck overload after spending two glorious days in New York with another of my heroes, Ankie Daanen.

 The workshop was sponsored by Gwen Jackson and we stayed at her home, which made getting to work on time really easy!

Here is Pat Adamczyk, my roomie.

 And here is my creation as it stands right now. Obviously, I’ve got a lot of work to do, but I’m very proud of this one. After years of saying “I just can’t sculpt in clay,” well, I guess I can after all! One of the secrets here is watercolor paints and I went out first thing this morning to buy my own set (I've got nearly as much studio space dedicated to paints and clays as I do fabric!)  I’ll be sure to post the completed doll, hopefully in just a few days.

Here’s a few more pics of our class: