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How to Build Armatures for Sculptures

Building an armature for a sculpture is sometimes necessary when the artist is executing a figurative sculpture in clay or other materials that are built up on the surface such as paper pulp or plaster. An armature is also necessary when you are working on a piece that is larger than a foot or two. An armature is the skeleton of a sculpture and helps support its structure. Armatures also help capture precise positions and gestures in a figure. Capturing the pose of a subject is especially helpful when you are working on a sculpture from a live model, as there will be times when the model is not present. There are many ways to build an armature, but the most common method employs the use of aluminum wire, which can be picked up at most hardware stores in the fencing area. There are also many wires specifically for armatures that can be purchased online or in art supply stores.

Things You'll Need

  • Aluminum armature wire or baling wire
  • Pliers
  • Thicker wire
  • Armature base
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take the measurements needed for the subject you are working with. Take enough measurements to help you complete the sculpture and render an accurate armature.

    • 2

      Draw a basic shape of the armature on a piece of paper. The drawing allows you to bend the armature to a close shape of the final desired product. Keep in mind that there should be as few joints as possible to ensure maximum strength.

    • 3

      Attach your armature to a support base. The base should be sturdy enough to easily turn as you work on sculpting. Most bases are water-sealed and have an arm that comes up from it.

    • 4

      Wire the armature securely to the base's arm.

    • 5

      Add some wood or other suitable material to bulk up the armature where needed, particularly in gaps that will be filled with modeling compound.

    • 6

      Continue to add thin wire to the rest of the armature, wrapping the wire tightly around the appendages. Using more wire will help the modeling material stick better to the armature.

    • 7

      Make any final adjustments to the armature as needed. The armature will have moved around while fastening and must be checked again for accuracy.

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