Is there a simple trick to making a highly detailed life size sculpture of a face?

Question

I have seen some highly detailed sculptures of a person's face and was just wondering how these artists did it? Are their tricks to achieving this level of realism or is the process of sculpturing a face as painstaking as it looks? I know that in painting some artists trace the model, for realism.

How long does it take to become this good?

I want to take up sculpturing.

Answer 1

Sculpting with what type of material? I use wood. I usually draw on the wood and use photos for reference. Realism is achieved by high detail ,experience, determination,common sense,and skill. It takes a long time to be able to get it right and some never do.

Answer 2

They probably made a latex mold of the face first then poured plaster into the mold. A very good artist can make a highly detailed sculpture of a face from scratch but if you want it quick and don't have the talent, latex is the trick.

Answer 3

First cover your face and hair with Vasoline, then use plaster strips to cover your face. It takes at least 3 layers. When it drys remove the mask and use it as a mold by coating the inside with Vasoline after the mask has cured. Then make a plaster likeness. With a little sanding it is fairly good model. It's the same concept as a Death Mask. Yet fairly inexpensive.

Answer 4

Two ways:

1) Latex molding of an actual face

2) Computer imaging from a photo or sketch. Use the image as a guide for the sculpture.It could be placed or projected onto the raw material.

Answer 5

first of all,u gotta be willing to do something illegal, like steal some office material. then take sum of those stolen goods (watch yo back cause the po-po might be on yo acne ridden back) and convincie people that you the real deal. anyway throw sum glue material on someones beauitful face and rip it off, thereby given u an impression of their sick face. then, use a butter knife to carve out the eyes (not on the real person) and nose holes. done. you set. wait for the honeys and the money and drink a six pack of budweiser. listen to eazy e.

Answer 6

Your missing the point, if you want to be a succsessful sculpturer just produce some crap or rubbish and sell it to the authorities for use as a public monument for 50 K, that's what modern artists and sculpterers do nowadays.

If you want to learn how to produce crap and rubbish just do a fine arts degree.

Answer 7

You Have To Have Talents, luck and Not be lazy by working and trying

Answer 8

bronzediva is right