Portrait and Monster Clay

Copyright     Art  Di Lella 2013

Copyright      Art  Di Lella 2013

Copyright       Art  Di Lella 2013

Recently I received a commission to do a portrait. The images above show the early stages. The subject that I'm attempting is a middle aged female. I'll post it's progress over the next several weeks.

I have to say that this particular project for me is a bit unusual. What's unusual is I'm using a a product that's new to me called Monster Clay.
This product is an oil,wax based material which models like wax. It takes some getting use to the way this material behaves. It's like wax but lacks the stickiness and it's easier to carve.   Monster Clay can be warmed and melted as well. When it's warmed sufficiently the clay has the consistency of taffy.  If you take it further and melt the material it can poured or brushed into a mould just like wax.
Like other oil based clays this clay will never dry out.
Although it possesses many good qualities, I think it's best suited for smaller to medium sized works that have intricate detail. I don't see it as a replacement for wax or oil/water based clays but a welcome addition to any studio's materials inventory.

In other news, I'm madly working away at other projects,moulding and casting other artists' sculptures.
Speaking of which, I will post some images of casts that were done for others in some upcoming posts.

I'll be back soon, Cheers!