Hey, Guys and Gals!
Will here, ready to help you avoid some of the common pitfalls that every new sculptor faces. Sculpting is a delicate balance of precision and creativity, and sometimes, small details can make all the difference. Let’s dive into some of the classic mistakes and how you can steer clear of them.
1. Nose Too Short or Big
When it comes to noses, proportions are everything. Even if you are using a centreline, a common mistake is making the nose too short or too big. Here’s a handy tip: the nostrils should be only an eye-width wide. Measure from the inner corner of the eye to the tip of the nose—this should be one eye length. Keep it balanced!
2. Eyes Too Close or Far Apart
Eyes are windows to the soul, but they need to be placed just right. The head should be about five eyes wide, an average eyeball is about 20 to 23mm wide, and the space between the eyes should be one eye width. If the eyes are too close or too far apart, it throws off the entire facial harmony.
3. Nostrils Straight Up and Down
Nostrils should never be straight up and down. Instead, they should be slightly angled—closer together at the tip of the nose and slightly farther apart at the base. This small adjustment can add a lot of realism to your sculpture.
4. Tiny Septum
A tiny septum, the flesh that separates the nostrils, is another common error. The septum should be no less than 6mm and no more than 8mm. Anything smaller or larger can make the nose look out of proportion. Remember, it’s a nose…not a new type of power outlet.
5. Eyes Too Bulged Out
Bulging eyes are a rookie mistake. To check the eye placement, try this: put a pencil on the bridge of the nose. The front of the eyes should not touch the pencil. This ensures the eyes are set properly in the skull.
6. Forehead Too Short
A short forehead can throw off the entire face. The forehead should be roughly two-thirds of the distance from the eyes to the topmost part of the skull. This helps maintain the natural balance of the face.
7. Ears Too Low
Ears that are too low can make the face look odd. The ears should align with the tip of the nose and the centre of the eyebrows. Get this right, and your sculptures will have that lifelike quality.
8. Eyebrows Too High
Eyebrows are another detail that often gets misplaced. They should be on the lower part of the brow ridge. High eyebrows can make your sculpture look perpetually surprised!
9. Pouty Lips
Unless you creating a Kardashian, or an Angelina Jolie, resist the urge to push those lips out! When viewed in profile, the back of the mouthline should be in line with the front of the eyes. The width of the mouth should match the distance between the centers of the irises. This helps keep the lips looking natural and proportional.
For more on these and more measurements, do a Google search for the Canon of Beauty. You will find more knowledge than you ever thought you needed!
In the meantime, keep these tips in mind, take your time, and watch your sculptures come to life with precision and beauty. Remember, practice makes perfect, and every mistake is a learning opportunity.
Keep sculpting and stay inspired!
