How to Sculpt the Back of a Bust

Sculpture is a three dimensional art requiring the artist has to pay attention to both the front and the back of a bust. The back side of a bust, although often neglected, gives the artist the opportunity to shine. A well sculpted back along with a finely executed front can turn an average bust into a masterpiece.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start sculpting the back of the bust by shaping the shoulders. The shoulders are more rounded and smooth on women. The shoulders of a man should be more developed in the area just behind the neck.

2. Develop the bulge for the shoulder blades. The shoulder blades should be smoothed right into the spinal column. The bones of the spine and shoulder blades should be easily discernible in the back of the bust.

3. Center the body so that the line between the buttocks defines the center of the body from the upper shoulders, down the back and to the buttocks. The legs should be located on opposite sides of this line.

4. Define the buttocks by smoothing the clay into the upper hip down to the upper and inner thigh. The buttocks should be shaped to match the position of the legs. The curvaceousness of the buttocks is up to the artist.

5. Step back from the bust and examine the proportions of the back of the bust. The shape of the back, shoulders, buttocks, thighs and spine should match up with the shape of the front of the sculpture. Realism is lost if the shapes of the back do not match up with the body shape of the front of the bust.