Creating Lifelike Figures in Polymer Clay: Tools and Techniques for Sculpting Realistic Figures Kindle Edition

I had this book on my radar because I had recently began to ply my hand at polymer clay in the hopes of being able to produce epic maquettes of fantasy, comic and mythic origins.Unlike many of the similarly priced art books, this one isn't a coffee table display of the author's best works, but rather, a real instruction manual on her technique. Another review here that convinced me to purchase stated that it's laid out more like a college course textbook.Since I'm a neophyte when it comes to polymer clay, I cannot say if it holds value for anyone other than a newbie looking for techniques and tips. Intermediate and advanced sculptors may not find anything they didn't already know. But, for me as an artist new to polymer clay, this book is amazing. Exactly what I was looking for. I highly recommend it.

I started at the beginning, made my own tools, some came out well, some not so much. I followed along and made six heads, all different, with varying degrees of success. Then I made six torsos. I have learned so much and I haven't even gotten to arms and legs and clothing yet! This is a powerful book that can take an eager student to the next level in sculpting. My figures are still not what I consider "lifelike," but I can make faces that look human, now. I even managed a fella that is somewhat handsome. I'm thrilled with this book and wish I had it in hard copy. But, it was on the Kindle, and I do hate to wait for shipments. Plus, the Kindle version is cheaper. I put it up on my computer and spent a week learning, learning, learning. It's a brilliant book, worth every cent and should be used as a textbook for any sculpture classes. She discusses all the scales, too, which few books of this sort do. It's about proportions rather than size. I have new language for talking about my projects. I have new skills, simply from doing what I saw in the book to the best of my ability. The most important thing this book gave me, however, is confidence. I no longer wish I had a doll for a scene (i love dollhouse miniatures), I can simply grab some clay and craft one in a few hours. It's amazing.

I have been trying to pick up figure sculpting, so I decided to give this book a try after reading some of the reviews of it. For me, this book is mostly a success, with the exception of a few issues which kept me from giving this book 5 stars.- It follows conventions that don't seem very common to sculpting, so I found it difficult to combine the techniques found in this book with other sculpting techniques I've learned.- It asks you to make some of the tools you'll need to use ( carving and sculpting unique handles, etc) and then requires you to use them to complete some of the books projects.- most directions tell you to use aluminum foil as a core instead of armature wire, which I found to be more difficult.Otherwise, I felt it explained it's techniques very clearly and, with practice, I found that it was possible to achieve results similar to the author's finished figures.

This is a very informative reference book for anyone who wants to start out learning how to create the art form of the doll. The photos and instructions I find are quite helpful.There are lots of great techniques aiding in the process of creating the body parts, tips on baking time. The details in the sculptures are exquisite. Katherine Dewey pays attention to fine detail.I found it helpful to know about the proper tools for the creating of the dolls and look forward to later, working I Cernit and sometimes polymer clay .

I have been drawing, painting, knitting, playing with all sorts of clay, pretty much any trip of art or craft for 60 years. I've taught others techniques. I love all types of hand work. In all of my years of creating I have never found a book that explains every single step in creating a person. Ok, fantasy people, but people all the same. I read the book from cover to cover, went back and started over. Outstanding layout of technique, materials, shapes, color ideas and facial expressions. This book left me in awe. I learned something every page. I will be attempting some of the techniques offered in this book in addition to what I already know works. I recommend this book to anyone that wants to build or paint people. Young artists could benefit from having this book as an addition to their regular art books or program to show them more and easier possibilities. I wish I'd found this book when I was in college art.

I bought this book a couple weeks ago, and I have thumbed through it. I bought this book with another one called Faemaker by Dawn Schiller, which is quite inspirational in its own right. Full disclosure, I have not made my first sculpture yet. I am waiting on a couple more tools in the mail. Looking through the pages, I am blown away at how detailed and informative it is. It is more than I expected. This is a MUST reference for all figure sculptors of any medium. I can see this book as a reference for digital 3D modeling (such as Blender 3D or Zbrush). This book discusses (with nice pictures) shape fundamentals, tool creation, costuming, painting, and of course, anatomy theory. It even discusses how to adapt the theory to smaller scale figures. I do not regret the purchase.

If you haven't made a lifelike figure before instructions for each phase of the project are needed because it can be daunting to attempt. This paperback is very well written and the pictures of each step are perfect for even a novice to complete a figurine that makes you look like a pro. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to create a figure that looks anatomically correct. Showing what tool is needed is an important part of creating your figurine. The author did a great job at helping a first time modeler create a project successfully. Explaining anatomy and how to achieve it were essential in creating my figure.

An excellent book on polymer clay, as it covers almost all aspects of creating a lifelike figure, from measuring the clay to adding the final touches. Lots of pictures and step by step instructions, the author guides you all the way to completing your figure, leaving nothing obscure or unanswered.I already tried a couple of figures (don't count the first one as it didn't even resemble a human...) and (I think) I'm starting to improve (I can at least pinpoint my mistakes). My worst nightmare is when I have to blend the seams after I add a piece of clay ,where I find it difficult to do this and at the same time avoid distorting the work already done(particularly around the face, where everything is just tiny ). I guess here comes practice and experience.A complete book on its subject, you'll be glad you got this one. Have fun !

This book is a good book but not brilliant some of the instructions are hard to understand and i wish they were a bit more clearer. I have been using the book as a guide and have used the correct proportions as what is said to use I am finding some of the proportions a little bit out so i do have to cut a unit down just to get the right size. Its not bad but I wouldnt recomend it to beginners. Your more likely to get a better outcome if you read the books by Maureen Carlson. This book seems a bit to advanced for beginners, even though you follow the instructions they do not turn out as well as they should. Needs better instructions. But interesting to read.

I think this is an excellent book, but I have not found it easy to use in Kindle form. My own error - I like a flat,open book for practical projects.

A really excellent book - step by step including how to measure clay. Can't go wrong. Clear photos and instructions. Read it cover to cover before you start working though so you understand what you need.

This is an excellent book very skilled author/artist. Step by step instructions, wonderful indepth life drawing/sculpting techs this will help with any project you want to try yourself. This is not just a book of set projects, the indepth instruction will be really useful to artists of all levels from the beginner to the advanced. I would highly recommend this book, would also be helpful for doll artists although the figures are adult.