Anyone know a source for plaster casts of Greek or Roman heads
 

I am looking for a plaster cast head or something similar to practice drawing. Specifically, actual human dimensions, no antique finishing, little or no adornents and no broken noses. A plaster cast Greek or Roman head or bust would be perfect but I seem to be able only to find miniature reproductions. Anyone have any suggestions where I might be able to purchase one? I know they can be pricey, but if it's close to my needs I'll splurge.

One source I found on the web is The Giust Gallery. Their selection is limited, but the quality they have is similar to what I'm looking for.

http://www.giustgallery.com/default.htm

Inexpensive resin reproductions
 

I found the following 10-inch bust, a resin reproduction, while shopping at TJ Maxx, for $14, which is more reasonable than anything similar I've found online. TJ Maxx is a national discount chain, but the inventory changes and this information will not be useful for an extended timeframe.

They had a selection of sizes, reproductions and prices.

Have a look at www.statue.com, noting amongst the dozens of categories, one for "drawing casts".

Also run "Orlandi Statuary" through your favorite search engines. Lots of info and links there.

Good luck.

Check these out:
 

www.sculptshop.com

www.giustgallery.com

There's a good deal of discussion right now in the Forum, primarily in the Critiques and Cafe areas, about the fundamentals of representing form -- creating the appearance of three dimensions on a two-dimensional surface. That's one of the points of working with the antique and anatomical plaster casts which are the subject of this thread. A step-by-step demo may be in the offing, but for now I wanted to add to the list of such objects the so-called Asaro "Planes of the Head" model. Unfortunately, I'm not sure whether it's still available for purchase.

Those who have John Sanden's book or video have seen the Asaro model he uses for illustration. If you haven't seen it, there are attachments following this note. Drawing and painting (grisaille) this model many times, in many lighting variations, could go a long ways toward understanding the form-defining light effects, and be a good introduction to the more sophisticated (softer transitioned) models.

A 1999 article on John Asaro suggested that the model was still available from Planes of the Head, 40 Sunset Drive, Shelby, Ohio 44875, for $57.00, including shipping. I can't find any direct web reference on this, and I'm "geographically challenged" right now to check out that source, but anyone who's interested could follow up on it with a postcard or phone call.

Anyway, here's what the model looks like:

Another view:

Here's a current link for purchasing an Asaro Planes of the Head cast. Cost is $125.

I did see that Loveland Academy version in my search, Mari. The somewhat confusing blurb (suggesting unavailability of the Asaro model) makes it sound like a slightly different model -- and, of course, more expensive. I'd recommend writing to Loveland for a catalog or brochure showing their model. There doesn't seem to be an image of it on the website.

I believe they still sell Asaro heads at the Scottsdale Artist School. Here is one of the heads in one of their studio rooms. Looks like somebody got excited and missed the canvas with their paintbrush

I have this very nice plaster skull from www.sculptshop.com

It is skull #1009.

It is the best plaster skull available anywhere.