Head sculpting characterization exercise

Head sculpting characterization exercise

In sculpture there is nothing more difficult, but also more fascinating, than the sculpture of the human head. In this section we will examine unique characteristics in head sculpting according to age and gender characteristics.

A head sculpting characterization exercise in front of you examines characteristics of the head and face structure of men and women of different ages. Although the basic head structure is the same as everyone else, there are certain characteristics in the structure that change with age and differ in men and women: different volume in certain areas, wrinkles, creases and the like.

The basic structure of an adult's head that you created in the previous exercise is actually suitable to be used as a basis for creating any figure (except for a child, they have different head structure and proportions). In this exercise, basic differences in the facial structure of people of different ages and genders are continuously examined. Head sculpting according to age and gender characteristics is presented through a demonstration of transformation (inversion) of a young man's head into an older man's head, then into an older woman's head, and then into a young woman's head. 

Head sculpting characterization exercise

In the three videos in front of you, you can watch the changes in the characteristics of the head and face structure step by step. The videos accompany the second improvement in head sculpting "The head - transformations in sculpture" by Alexander Cherkov. In the book itself you will find step-by-step written instructions alongside pictures and explanations. In addition, the book includes a reference to the characteristics of different facial expressions, as well as a section dedicated to sculpting a child's head. 

How To Turn A Young Man's Head Statue Into An Old Man's Head 5:16

With age the smooth face of a young person undergoes changes. Note that in an older man the nose is larger, the skin is thicker and has folds and creases, the neck is thicker and shorter and the hair is thinner.

Head sculpting by age and sex characteristics
Head sculpting by age and sex characteristics

How To Turn An Old Man's Head Statue Into An Old Woman's Head 3:20

In old age, there are noticeable differences between the structure of a woman and a man. Notice the change in volume of the following parts: more hair volume, less eyebrow volume, more cheek volume, less nose volume, more lip volume and less chin volume.

How To Turn An Old Woman's Head Statue Into A Young Woman's Head | 2:24

Head sculpting characterization exercise

Very often, during the lesson on the sculptural transformation of a person's head, I heard questions: Is it not a pity to destroy the previous statue? Is it not worthwhile to sculpt another head, an older one, so that the first one remains for us?

The thing is, during the ongoing experience, I came to the realization that the sculpting process is more important to me than the end result. In general, the fate of the artist and the fate of his works are not the same and sometimes change over time. We find many examples of this in the history of art. The "added value" that the pursuit of art provides is more valuable than anything. More than the work with the highest value he has created. It may sound a bit idealistic, and even naive, but I feel it is important to share it, at least with someone who finds it right for them.

Alexander Cherkov

Head sculpting characterization exercise

Step-by-step head sculpture books

In 2003, Alexander Cherkov published the first version of a head sculpting book and in 2014 he published the second edition of a head sculpting tutorial, along with another part that talks about differences in the structure of the human head according to age and sex, as a continuation of the first part. The second book also includes an explanation and step-by-step instructions for sculpting a child's head. the books Available for purchase In 3 languages ​​(Hebrew, English and Russian) and delivery all over the country and the world.

For more explanation on sculpting parts of the face - go toSculpture exercises that focus on one part of the face at a time: Eye sculpting exercise / Mouth sculpting exercise / Nose sculpting exercise / Ear sculpting exercise. It is easier to understand the structure and anatomy of each part when working on it alone without the composition of the whole head. It is recommended to perform the exercises in preparation and before approachingHead sculpting Or as an aid during head sculpting and work on the details. Facial sculpting exercises also appear inThe book of introduction to the world of art Part 3.

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