Sculpture - The Art Institute of Las Vegas: Summer 2006

Sculpture

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• Syllabus

Week 8: Final Project ::
This week we learned about the role of sculpture and its relation to the CG production pipeline. We also were introduced to the pioneers of visual effects: Stan Winston, Dennis Muren (ILM) and Phil Tippet. In our sculptures, we strive for refinement so taht we attain a level of believability. This believability is imperative for a movie such as Jurassic Park. Without it, audiences would lose interest, and the movie would fail.

TOPICS COVERED THIS WEEK ::
• The role of the production designer.
• Production Designer, Lou Romano
• DVD "Making of Jurassic Park"
• Sculpture Websites (Thanks Kevin - These are excellent. I will be posting these on the site for reference later.)

Week 7: Final Project Requirements ::
A maximum total of 20 points per category will be awarded. If the sculpture is late, I will not be able to record your final score.

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1. Smoothness:
No clumpy work. No paper mache finish. Strive for refined textures and smooth even surfaces. The time spent here is the difference between what is superior and what is mediocre. Strive for superior! All of you are at a level now, where everything you touch should be turning to gold. There should be marked differences in texture throughout your sculpture. Use turp to remove residue from shavings.

2. Presentation:
Sturdy attachment to the base. No broken parts. No burned areas. Attention to detail.

3. Verbal Presentation and Critique Participation:
Be prepared to share with the class a description of who this character is. Be prepared to share why you chose this concept, and what you chose to do differently.

4. Overall Execution, Look and Appeal.
This is subjective and is the culmination of all of the parts needed for an impactful piece: form, gesture/emotion, storytelling and presentation. Include a prop with your character (10 points).

5. Color.
A neat, even and professional application of color that sets the tone for the piece.

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The image below is a life size sculpture of the Spinosaurus featured in Jurassic Park III.

Image provided by: http://www.myjurassicpark.com/lifesizesculpts.html

Week 6: Movie Minatures, Armature and Blockin

SCHEDULE ::
• Last Week: Armature & Plan
• Due This week (Week 7): Main Shapes Blocked In and you should have a sturdy base.
• Next Week (Week 8): Adding Detail Form. Refinement
• Week After (Week 9): Begin Painting
• Week 10: Final Critique.

This week, we also viewed the minature sculptures used to create environments in King Kong. Not only can styrofoam be used to keep our fast food warm, but it can also be used to make rocks.

Week 5: Plan 2
You have 4 weeks to create your final sculpture. Do your best to create a sculpture that is better than your first. The parameters for this sculpture are the same, this time however, include a prop with your sculpture. Good luck and have fun.

HOMEWORK: Next week, have a second plan for your final sculpture. Include a 3 pose turnaround model sheet and a drawing of your character in an expressive pose. Copy this full size (the size that you want), and begin to create an armature. Next week, you should be blocking in the forms.

Week 4: Coloring Your Model and Firing
This week, we learned how to color your pieces. Use acrylic color and in terms of layers. Use drybrush to add subtle details to the form and remember to mix a large batch of your midcoat to cover mistakes.

I did not mention this, but refrain from using colors right out of the tube. Cut it by making it cooler or warmer, or make it brighter by adding a lttle bit of white and it will also make the cover more opaque.

FIRING:
Your pieces are to be turned in fired and smoothed. 175 degrees for one hour is a nice number. Be sure to use a timer.

After our critique, we will begin coming up with final plans for our next sculpture. The armature will be due the following week.

HOMEWORK:
Continue to work on your sculpturres. They will be due by week 5. Be prepared to begin work on yoru second sculpture by week 5. You will be graded on the following:

1. Smoothness:
No clumpy work. Strive for refined textures and smooth even surfaces. The time spent here is the difference between what is superior and what is mediocre. Strive for superior! All of you are at a level now, where everything you touch should be turning to gold. There should be marked differences in texture throughout your sculpture.

2. Presentation:
COLOR, be sure there are no burned areas. If there are, then paint your piece one nuetral color. Is it neat? Is it professional? No residue? Sturdy attachment to the base.

3. Verbal Presentation and Critique Participation:
Be prepared to share with the class a description of who this character is. I'm expecting a background of your character, and any obstacles and solutions you came across..

4. Overall Execution, Look and Appeal.
This is subjective and is the culmination of all of the parts needed for an impactful piece: form, gesture/emotion, storytelling and presentation.

5. Meeting the Deadline.
Never miss a deadline. If anything, be done early, it makes you look much better.

Week 3: Detail and Smoothing Forms
This week, we covered the basic structure of the face and ways to include detail in your work. We also covered smoothing using a brush and turpenoid to remove the residue created from carving lines.

HOMEWORK:
• Continue to work on your sculpturres. They will be due by week 5. Be prepared to begin work on yoru second sculpture by week 5. Reminders will be sent out week 4.

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Parameters and Grading Criteria the Midterm (Sculpture no. 1)

1. Smoothness:
No clumpy work. Strive for refined textures and smooth surfaces. The time spent here is the difference between what is superior and what is mediocre. Strive for superior! All of you are at a level now, where everything you touch should be turning to gold. There should be marked differences in texture throughout your sculpture.

2. Presentation:
Is it neat? Is it professional? No residue? Sturdy attachment to the base.

3. Verbal Presentation and Critique Participation:
Be prepared to share with the class a description of who this character is. We'll talk about this more in class.

4. Overall Execution, Look and Appeal.
This is subjective and is the culmination of all of the parts needed for an impactful piece: form, gesture/emotion, storytelling and presentation.

5. Meeting the Deadline.

Week 2: Armatures
A strong armature, which can be considered the underliying skeleton for you piece, must be sturdy by reinforcing the the connections. Do this by wrapping tape at these points, followed by a general wrapping of thin wire. Solve for placement on your platform as well so that you will have an easier time in sculpting your figure.

Some of you still need plans for your model. Be sure to resolve for this so that you do not fall too far behind. Have a great week!

HOMEWORK:
• An armature that is attached to a base.
• Blocked in major forms.

Week 1: Welcome
Welcome aboard everyone! I'm looking forward to a fun quarter. If you wish you wanted more time to develop those maquettes you started in Character and Object Design, here's your chance. Please prepare your ideas and bring your materials as listed in your syllabus to begin sculpting next week.

HOMEWORK:
Submit your idea of your first project by the start of the next class. Include thumbnails, consider posing, gesture and expression. Think simple. Get the gesture and expression down first and do not make your sculpture no more than 8 inches high, so that its manageable.