Make a Maquette
A maquette is a small scale model use to help visualize and test ideas for larger sculptures or architectural designs. There are many ways that you can make a maquette, using clay, wax or other molding materials, Super Sculpty is particularly designed for this purpose as it is durable and easy to mold.
Instructions
Creating the Armature
1. Design the maquette character first on paper, in two dimensions. This will help you solve any proportional problems and help you to map out the final sculpture design. Make the drawing to scale, about 6 to 8 inches in height.
2. Begin the armature of the maquette by forming a "U" shaped foot, which will be anchored later by a wood screw. Draw the wire upward to create an upside down "U" pattern that will make the legs and hips, finish the second foot with another "U" shape. The exact shapes of the legs and hips will depend on the character's design.
3. Wrap the end of the wire tightly up one leg until you reach the middle of the hip section. First extend the wire upwards to create the spine and neck, then create an oval shape for the head. Wrap the wire once tightly around the neck before creating another oval that will be the character's chest.
4. Cut the wire when you have finished the chest cavity, and using a new piece of wire form the shoulders and arms, again forming "U" shapes for the pads of the hands. You should adhere this piece of wire to the rest of the armature with prepoxy.
5. Cover the larger areas of your character with aluminum foil to prevent excess weight created with the sculpting material. These areas may include the head, chest, belly and bottom.
6. Use the wood screws to attach the feet of the armature to the plaque base. Form the character into your desired pose, and you have completed the basic armature.
Sculpting the Character
7. Begin applying Super Sculpty to the armature and forming the shape of the character. Use sculpting tools to perfect the details. As you work with the Sculpty material, it will become soft. Place the sculpture in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes to harden the material, and continue working.
8. Smooth the surface of the finished character by applying a very small amount of rubber cement thinner to a cotton swab, rubbing the surface until you reach the desired texture. Do not apply too much rubber cement thinner, as it literally melts the sculpting material. Allow the sculpture to dry thoroughly.
9. Preheat the oven according to the Super Sculpty directions.
10. Cover all of the maquette's delicate or thin areas with aluminum foil, such as the nose, ears and other fine details. Moisten the sculpture plaque to prevent cracking during baking. Place the sculpture in the oven, checking it from time to time. Once baking is complete, turn the oven off and allow the character to cool completely inside of the oven.
11. Paint the finished maquette character with light gray acrylic paint, if desired. It is best to leave the sculpture a light color, as it helps demonstrate the details in your design.
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