Time to Re-think and change direction.

Every project, whether painting or sculpture, is like a problem that needs to be solved. This project started to head south as soon as paint was applied. It reminded me of painted garden dwarves or as Dean wrote in his comment (which see), "a creepy mannikin". So...the paint has been obliterated and covered with clay once again. The project has been re-thought and a new plan has emerged.

more progress...

Just a quick picture to continue documentation.

Sculpture continued....

The process goes on... Much of the time has been devoted to experiments, many of which were unsuccessful. For example, mixing plaster of paris with Insta-clay produces a weaker substate than either separately. The pants were quite a challenge but came out pretty well. The jacket is the next big hurdle. It is like trying to make doll clothes. The hat and right hand are an experiment in applying liquid clay to dried plaster. (So far, so good.)

cont......

Here I've filled in the eye sockets, a bit of an ear, and added a little mood lighting.

Ongoing...

It's time to begin to define the facial features, and I added a top hat. The eye sockets will be filled in first, and then refine his features. I'm hoping that as time goes on, he will lose his resemblance to Frosty the Snowman!

Sculpture continued....

The armature is in the process of being completely covered with plaster. This will continue until the form is ready for his garments. I'm starting to realize at this point that the pinecone head was probably NOT the best idea! "Life is for learning."

Armature for Sculpture

Armature for a sculpture. This armature is constructed of left-over wooden shims for strecher bars. wood glue, and skewer sticks. The head is a pine cone. It stands about 22" high. I have no sketch, just an idea. I'll post as it progresses.

Step-by-Step Self Portrait Finished

At some point you just have to say it's done. I'm at that point with this.
It was a good exercise with a limited palette. (note the eyes are yellow!)

Step-by-Step Self-Portrait cont.

That feels better! Just a little more tweaking.

Step-by step self-portrait continues...

There is still something missing...

Step-by step self-portrait

It still has a long way to go, but is starting to look like something.

It has been a long dry spell. In order to get painting again, I thought I would do yet another self-portrait and share pictures as it progresses. The point of this project is not so much to create a likeness, as a feeling. It is best to experiment with your own image rather than someone who may never speak to you again. So...here goes.

Still Life with Blue Bottle