How to Sculpt the Front of a Bust

Sculpting the front of the bust requires more time than any other area. The front of a sculpture naturally is the focal point of the viewer. Sculpt the front of the sculpture with the utmost care and pay special attention to the fine details.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Balance the sides of the bust. Stand back from the bust and make the angles of the bust proportional.

2. Use the shoulders as the guide to create a balanced sculpture. Imagine a line across the shoulders and down the center of the bust. The different areas should aesthetically balance one another.

3. Smooth the front of the bust with the slightly moist fingers to soften the edges. During the process of sculpting a lot of roughness is created and this should be removed from the front of the bust by smoothing.

4. Step back from the bust and look at the large details first. Be certain the width, length and circumference of the arms and legs are not overly exaggerated. One arm or leg should not be longer than the other unless the bust is intentionally surreal.

5. Add a few fine details such a veins, kneecaps or individual ribs to define the humanness of the bust. From the front, the bust should appear as if at any moment it could turn and walk away.