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How to Sculpt a Human Head

Sculpting is a wonderful method of art and self-expression. Sculpting humans can be especially challenging, particularly the human head or face. When artists create these life-like renderings from clay, it creates an emotional piece of art that reflects humanity and the beauty of people.

Things You'll Need

  • Photos of human heads and faces
  • Pencil and sketchbook
  • Armature
  • Oil-based clay
  • Sculpting tools
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Instructions

    • 1

      Gather together photos of people's heads and faces. Three-dimensional renderings are best since the artist can see all aspects of the head.

    • 2

      Sketch a few ideas, and get an idea of what the final head will look like. Choose the best of the sketches to use as a guide.

    • 3

      Working on a piece of cardboard, sculpt the shoulders and neck with oil-based clay.

    • 4

      Using an armature, or base model, guide the clay around the neck and head until it is completely covered. The armature can be made of wire or wood.

    • 5

      Pinch and smooth the clay around the armature until you've achieved the desired results and your head is completed.

    • 6

      Detail your sculpture with various clay and art tools to create the eyes, eyebrow, nose, ears and mouth.

Sculpture

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