making model figures

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theatre design design studies

Making Model Figures THTR10053

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theatre design design studies

Equipment and Materials Florists wire and fuse wire Sculpy or Fimo;- is a malleable putty like material which

is flexible like clay and can be hardened by oven baking. Or;- Das;- a mixture of clay and pulped paper. does not

need an oven to harden, will dry out in the air. Needle nose pliers Cocktail sticks Pins Assorted papers PVA (white glue)

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theatre design design studies

A word about materials

Its worth experimenting.

If you are using sculpy or fimo you need access to an oven during the making process. Read the instructions very carefully.

Figures need to be fired before they are dressed. Especially when learning how to make figures you can skip the

hardening of the clay part of the process. The material is resistant enough to still work for you.

Das is self hardening but messier to work with and harder to get a clean finish.

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theatre design design studies

Paint The most useful paints for model making are acrylics. They dry

quite quickly and will work on a good variety of surfaces. They are fairly economical and its worth checking out the cheap book stores and art shops for bargains.

When working on metals and plastics you may need to use enamels.

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theatre design design studies

Making the figureThis illustration deals with making a fairly realistic scale

figure. It is equally valid to use more abstract , sculptural responses

if its appropriate for the style of work. Design for dance can benefit form this for instance.

The key thing here is to get used to the scale and proportion you are working at.

Expect to spend three to four hours making a figure.

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theatre design design studies

making model figures

As with much in the design process it begins with drawing;-

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theatre design design studies

making model figures

Draw out a side and front view of your figure at

1:25

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theatre design design studies

making model figures

Carefully make up a simple wire armature following your scale drawing

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theatre design design studies

making model figures

Build up the armature with extra wire carefully woven onto the frame

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theatre design design studies

making model figures

Use this process to build up some of the musculature and form, for instance the hips, shoulders and head.

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theatre design design studies

making model figures

The completed wire frame figure

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theatre design design studies

making model figures

Use das or fimo to begin to build some of the detail.

Start with the head and use cocktail sticks and

pins to shape the detail

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theatre design design studies

making model figures

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theatre design design studies

making model figures

Be careful not to let the figure get lumpy .

Refer back to your original design for proportions and scale

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theatre design design studies

making model figures

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theatre design design studies

making model figures

You can add a simple wire stand to help keep the figure upright

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theatre design design studies

making model figures

Details such as hair can be added

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theatre design design studies

stop If using fimo or sculpy this is when you have the option

of cooking the figure.

Refer to the instructions on the packaging- do not overcook.

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theatre design design studies

making model figures

Clothing can be made form various papers, tin foil or cling film- Experiment with different types

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theatre design design studies

making model figures

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theatre design design studies

making model figures

Dress the figure using your research material /original drawing.

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theatre design design studies

making model figures

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theatre design design studies

making model figures

The finished figure ready for painting

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theatre design design studies

making model figures

Use the model figures to create the sense of a moment of action in your design.