How to Sculpt a Human Head

Sculpting is a wonderful method of art and self-expression. Sculpting humans can be especially challenging, particularly the human head or face. When artists create these life-like renderings from clay, it creates an emotional piece of art that reflects humanity and the beauty of people.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Photos of human heads and faces
• Pencil and sketchbook
• Armature
• Oil-based clay
• Sculpting tools

1. Gather together photos of people's heads and faces. Three-dimensional renderings are best since the artist can see all aspects of the head.

2. Sketch a few ideas, and get an idea of what the final head will look like. Choose the best of the sketches to use as a guide.

3. Working on a piece of cardboard, sculpt the shoulders and neck with oil-based clay.

4. Using an armature, or base model, guide the clay around the neck and head until it is completely covered. The armature can be made of wire or wood.

5. Pinch and smooth the clay around the armature until you've achieved the desired results and your head is completed.

6. Detail your sculpture with various clay and art tools to create the eyes, eyebrow, nose, ears and mouth.

Tips & Warnings

• You can leave the head without hair or add your own hairstyle or hats with more clay once the sculpture has been completed.
• Feel free to create lively facial expressions to give your sculpture a more human look.

Resources

• DVD video on human head sculpture
• Example of process from start to finish