#527 In the field: Brookgreen Gardens workshop, con't . . .

Start this series with  #522,  April 16, 2014.  http://www.brookgreen.org

I post bird anatomy and armature building on this blog as a review and continuing education for students.
One of the most frequently requested subjects concerns my method of constructing a "cantilever" armature
which supports the projected wings of birds in flight.

The dictionary explains "cantilever" as a projection, fixed at one end, that is used in construction.

Below, are two different versions of the "cantilever" armature set-up using 1/2 inch plumber's pipe, floor flange, "T-joint"
and tie wire . . . all materials that are available at a hardware store.  Strength and stability is
achieved by packing clay around the "T-joint" after inserting loosely twisted tie wire.

The top picture depicts the armature set-up with a double loop of wire for a wingspan in excess of 20 to 22 inches.
The second photo depicts a single loop twisted wire set-up for wingspans of a shorter length.
Please note:  Each loop is made up of TWO wires, loosely twisted together.
The single wire was placed to denote the wingspan [in inches] of the species to be modeled.

Below, aluminum foil is used as a vehicle to carry the warm clay and to cantilever and project the wing shape
into space . . . a wingspan exceeding 30 inches can successfully be constructed in this manner.
A thorough explanation of the "cantilever" armature system is available in my workshop and I invite workshop
participants to follow along with their own work as I demonstrate the amazing strength of the armature.

http://www.brookgreenworkshops.com

Below, as I demonstrated the armature system by modeling a duck with outstretched wings in the workshop,
a student followed along and depicted a barn swallow in flight.

Below, are examples of block-ins and works in progress of birds in flight using the "cantilever" armature system.

Below, are examples of cast bronze sculptures of birds in flight . . .
I used the "cantilever" armature system while creating these works.

A Day on the Bay (View 1)
12"H 15"W 10"D

 A Day on the Bay (View 2)
12"H 15"W 10"D



Hay Bay
19"H 25"W 14"D

Falcon Heart Humming
20"H 20"W 16"D

Height of Land
12"H 23"W 15"D

To learn more about the subjects in this blog go to the links below.

For a complete list of  the blog subjects go to the Index Page and

type the subject in the Search This Blog link on right.

Blog, text, photos, drawings, and sculpture . . . © Sandy Scott and Trish

#452 Sculpture en plein air . . . the live model

Sculpting from a live model, outdoors and en plein air,  can be a rewarding experience.   

However, the situation for the sculptor is quite different from traditional studio work.   

Please refer to the last post, dated Aug.11, 2013, for an introduction to this post. 

The initial challenge is direct sunlight which makes oil-based 

plastilene clay difficult to work with unless the air temperature is cold.

The live model serves only as a point of reference and it's best to 

predetermine the pose with a sketchbook as illustrated below.

Once the pose and proportion is determined, the sculptor must build an armature.  

An armature is an internal frame designed to support the clay and the work in process.   

Armatures for figurative sculpture are generally made of plumber's pipe and wire as shown below.  

By keeping the armature simple and flexible, the artist can make design changes as needed. 

Below, is the little goat study, from life, at completion of a one-sitting, plein air session.

Blog, text, photos, sculpture, and drawings . . . © Sandy Scott