Rupali
 

This was a quickie of a local gal - 3/4 lifesize ceramic. Drying now, but will have a hot patina applied when finished.

A quickie!!? You should see my quickies - they look more like my palette than a piece of art!

I like the design and balance of shape, light and shadow very much, and also your sensitive handling of the character and physiognomy of the model. Very nice. So beautifully conceived and finished for a quickie.

So you don't need a kiln when you sculpt in ceramic (you've inspired to do a bit of sculpting)? I've sculpted in clay before but was never near enough to a kiln to have them fired, and was afraid of them cracking if I did.

VERY nice. How long does it take you for these quickies? I have no reference point for the amount of time it takes in sculpture, so I am cuirious.

It is always a joy to view your work...such elegance and balance and technical confidence.

Hi Heidi,

Again, another beautiful piece. I can't wait to see it after she gets her patina.

Jean

Beautiful work, Heidi!
She has a very lively expression, and I love the way you handeled the clothes.

Heidi,

I don't know a lot about sculpture but I do know beauty and exquisite craftsmanship when I see it. Your work is always at such a high level of excellence, it is inspiring.

David

Thanks so much for your comments. Yesterday I called this done, but after looking at the photos, am already making a few changes. The eye treatment looked odd and mechanical, so I changed them to look more natural. Also, she is from India and has black hair, so I need to add more darks at least at the scalp to convey the hair color. I meant to have the hair loose and sculptural, but old habits are hard to break, and I over worked it. I need to do more quickes and learn to loosen up.
I have 3 new commissions to do now that need to be tight and refined, so that idea will have to wait a while.

Thomasin, I have seen your work and it is so refreshing. They look quick to me, but precise and masterful. I only sculpt on weekends, so this is considered a quickie, having been modeled in 2 weekends. With a more refined sculpture that is a commission, I will usually spend about 5 or 6 weekends modeling and reworking, to really nail the likeness. I have a small kiln in my garage (it is now 20 years old) and will fire this when it's dry. I would love to buy a bigger one some day.

Carlos, Jean, Marina, and David - thank you. Carlos, the above answers your question also.

Heidi, this is just beautiful! So deep and penetrating. Her skin seems alive and I can imagine her breathing. I am so impressed with what you do quickly and I think you should keep on doing it as much as possible to work through the issues you have in mind. Breakthroughs will keep on happening.

I just love seeing every one of your pieces. Brava!

Heidi, your work has real soul...

Thanks Alexandra, Chris, and Tom - you always say the nicest things.
I have 4 posthumous portraits on my plate right now that I'm working on and they are certainly more of a challenge. On the other hand, they are more meaningful to the clients and I enjoy making them. Hopefully, I can "capture the soul" on these.
I lucked out on one of them. The man couldn't decide if he wanted his mother depicted young or old, so he ordered one of each version. We should all have clients like that.