Seb
Full Member
Posts: 101
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Post by Seb on Sept 19, 2004 0:01:26 GMT -8
Hey guys, after 4 or 5 mounth that I've been playing with clay, I think I'm starting to feel comfortable with it. Question : Do you think it's a good training to model only "one side projects" ? I mean doing just the right side of a car, for example. It allows you to learn to make a shape alive without worrying about the symmetry. I know symmetry is a major component of the clay modeling skill, but to my sense I think it's not useful to spend 500 hours to model a symmetry project if you don't even have the knowledge of creating a 3D shape and being able to modify it as you want. I know that some studios are producing half models and use a mirror to have the visual illusion of a whole car. I think there are two ways : 1__ learning to produce half 3D shapes to feel the volumes and surfaces, then learn to duplicate it with symmetry. or 2__ start with very simple forms but learning to duplicate it with symmetry, then step by step learning to produce more and more complicated volumes.... What do you think ? I can post pics of "half studies" in the next two weeks unless you explain it's bad to do that ! ;D ;D Sorry, it's the typical question of a self-learner. Cheers Seb
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Post by Steve Austin on Sept 21, 2004 6:47:21 GMT -8
Hi Seb, Generally we aim to produce at least a 3/4 model, that is, a full front end and a full rear end. This is usually achieved by using a ground template to drag your front and rear end shape to a section that is pre-determined. From that basic section the model is then refined to the satisfactory shape. I have worked with and without a centerline mirror, my preference is to model a complete vehicle. It allows more freedom of movement. If you are just exploring different forms, then there is no reason to duplicate the model until you are happy with the shape that you have. Develop the forms first using the serrated steels and rakes. There is no reason to waste energy cleaning up a surface if it isn't the final surface. When your've finished, post your pictures so that we can see your progress. Have fun!! Steve A
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Seb
Full Member
Posts: 101
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Post by Seb on Sept 24, 2004 7:02:01 GMT -8
Ok Steeve.
I have a meeting on monday with a retailer of Faberhard Clays. The person said me I should use the medium clay , as the hard tends to crack with time. He also said that the medium clay is used by 95% of the modelers in the industry. Renault are using the hard one , and citroen work with the medium one.
Do you think it's ok to work with the medium one for small projects ( 1/18 scale for ex. ) or is it better to work with a clay that is as hard as possible to be able to hold the fine details etc ?
Personaly I like to work with hard products. But maybe it's a better thing to get close to a shape I want with a softer clay and then mold it to cast it in a vrey hard product I will be able to sand and paint etc.....?
I've understood the scale is important.
I'll go to see the guy monday.
See ya
Seb
P.S. : oh Steeve I know you can feel there some shyness from members to show their work lol ..... we are all intimidated ;D I swear I'll post pics as soon as I'll have the samples done ! ;D ;D
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AliG
New Member
Posts: 4
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Post by AliG on Sept 24, 2004 7:41:28 GMT -8
Hi Seb
If it is any help the general rule with clay is to use a harder clay for more detailed work. Therefore full size models tend to be constructed using soft to medium clays and interior and scale models are usually modelled in harder clays. Of course this varies from studio to studio and it's a matter of personal preference really. The most important thing is that whatever clay you are using, you must not mix the different types or you will have problems with the finish. One last thing to remember; if you use a hard clay you will have to keep your tools sharp.
Good Luck
Ali
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Seb
Full Member
Posts: 101
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Post by Seb on Sept 25, 2004 0:55:55 GMT -8
Thanks Ali I agree with you. Even the hardest clays are never hard enough for my taste ! I've tried to work with epoxy low density pastes, they are great for sculpting and details, but they're difficult when you want to change the design or get close to a shape. Like all products, we have to deal with advantages and inconvenients. That's why I was talking about molding a soft shape and cast it in a stiff resin to get a perfect result. I will try different firmness of clays if the guy can help me with samples or price break. Pics will follow. See U ;D Seb
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