Old Lilacs

Old Lilacs
A 5"x5" oil painting done in 2012

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Sculpted Songbirds from Polymer Clay

I've been sculpting figurines with polymer clay for nearly all of my adult life, but haven't yet put any of the (major) work online for anyone to see.  The sculptures have always been sold through local stores or craft/gift shows.  I figured that since I can't see right now enough to continue painting my songbird portraits the traditional way, I'll have to start painting them in the round, after they've been sculpted in polymer clay, and then share them with the world so that I can have someone to talk to.

The paints I use are a heat set oil paint that is made from the same stuff that polymer clay is made of, so once it's heat set, it becomes a part of the clay underneath.  The painting process is exactly the same as painting a normal oil painting.  I see these sculptures as little round canvases.  Usually the figurines end up being around 4" high with their perches, so are a little under life size.

Songbirds in their undies




 Here's a little collection of sculpted birds in their undies, waiting for their turn in the "dressing room".  Or should I call them blank canvases?  No.  They're alive and kicking and screaming for their clothes!





Next are 3 of the same birds with their "clothes on", along with some silk leaves and moss for extra accessorizing.  We all need our accessories, you know.
Bluebird

Bluebird 2

Wren

Wren 2

Red Breasted Nuthatch

Red Breasted Nuthatch 2