Creating Life-Like Figures in Polymer Clay: A Step-By-Step Guide [Paperback]

Katherine Dewey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2003

The sequel to Katherine Dewey's popular book "Creating Life-Like Animals in Polymer Clay", this time she pulls out all the stops to teach both novice and accomplished sculptors alike just how she creates the realistic figures she has been renowned for over her 30 year professional career. If you aspire to be a figurative sculptor or already are one, this is a book you must have. In her no-nonsense, show-how-it's-done teaching style, Katherine shows with more than 400 full color photos, detailed illustrations, and step-by-step instructions how to do it all. Her modeling methods are not complicated. Rather than relying on classical "muscle on bone" physiology, she teaches how to sculpt exquisite figurines in any scale using her simple applique approach. Her book teaches anyone how to sculpt realistic human figures, but there is much more between the covers of this 144 page resource. From selecting your clays, to making your own modeling tools, to proportioning your figures, posing, ethnic and gender subtleties, facial expressions and posing, costumes in clay, to finishing touches, Katherine teaches it all. As one early bird reviewer put it: "It's like having a master sculptor right here with me step by step".

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Elvenwork Press published "Creating Life-Like Figures in Polymer Clay" by Katherine Dewey to the very highest quality standards, employing the best production talent there is. Our world-class author deserved nothing less. We are very proud to present the work of a highly respected artist, author, and teacher in a way that clearly shows her every move and we are thankful for the high praise both author and publisher have already received. If you have a drive to create beauty and form from a lump of clay, we know you will treasure "Creating Figures" as much as we do. [produced entirely in the USA]

From the Back Cover

You hold in your hands a magical book, your guide to a realm where anyone can learn to sculpt. Katherine Dewey entered this remarkable world years ago. Her expressive and elegantly detailed sculptures enchant all who see them. With the magical medium of polymer clay and this book, you can follow in her footsteps. Easy-to-read maps of the figure illustrate the landmarks of the body. Scale diagrams indicate the simple shapes hidden within the human form. Thorough instructions describe how to model these shapes and how to combine them. Practical and intuitive steps lead the way to creating strong, realistic and expressive figures. Welcome to Katherine Dewey's world, where magic happens.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Elvenwork Pr (November 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974153001
• ISBN-13: 978-0974153001
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,065,486 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable resource for beginner or professional, April 15, 2004

By 

Sunnie (Grand Forks, ND USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Creating Life-Like Figures in Polymer Clay: A Step-By-Step Guide (Paperback)

Begining and professional doll and figure makers will find this book an excellent resource. The entire process used by this artist is diagramed and photographed in detail.

The beginner will find everything from buying, finding, and making the most useful tools, through how much clay will be used in a sculpt. Instructions are laid out in clear, clean, methodical steps that can be used as a lesson plan for learning ever more complex techniques.

The experienced artist will be grateful to have so many techniques outlined in one book. No matter how long you have been making figures, you will find something in this book that will make your work easier, more fun, or help you produce a more professional figure. An excellent book; it belongs in every dimensional artists' library.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, Worth Buying, April 14, 2005

By 

Patricia D. Dobry "Book Lover" (Norman, OK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Creating Life-Like Figures in Polymer Clay: A Step-By-Step Guide (Paperback)

I always wanted to work with clay and I searched for books that could help me with a step by step instructions, this book is it. I HIGHLY recommend this book for beginners. This book has helped me tremendously. I have both of her books. To see samples of her work she has a web page under her name.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The definitive book for modeling polymer figures., August 29, 2005

By 

Mr Sir - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creating Life-Like Figures in Polymer Clay: A Step-By-Step Guide (Paperback)

Based on her years of experience and her artistic know-how, Katherine Dewey has created an invaluable resource for beginners as well as the more experienced polymer artist, for creating realistic human figures. Artists are generally visual learners; we need visual aids rather than drab encyclopaedic instructions, and Katherine Dewey gives us the perfect balance of informative text with, most importantly, informative photos and illustrations, breaking down the human figure into individual, manageable parts. Also, she shares her methods for creating practical tools, sturdy armatures, eyeballs, hair, teeth, clothes, wrinkles, facial expressions, ethnic differences, and more. I have not seen a more useful guide.