THE PATINA:

Below are a few pictures of the Oehmcke Commission – “Candice & Jackie” getting a traditional patina (consisting of blacks & browns). A patina takes the bronze piece which is a gold color, and changes the color by use of chemicals that are applied when the piece is cold or hot. If the piece does not get a patina it will change colors by exposure to the outdoors and air similar to copper. For “hot patinas”, a propane torch is used to heat the metal surface to the appropriate temperature to achieve the desired effect. Different chemicals (e.g. nitrates of copper, silver, iron, etc.) and application techniques (e.g. brushing, squirting, spraying, etc.) can be used to achieve a broad range of colors and effects.

The sculpture is hosed down with water and then the Liver Sulfur (base patina) is sprayed on which makes it a dark black and seeps into the crevices. (more…)

Jackie (Left) & Candice (Right)

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I’ve been working on the hand today, and tomorrow I will start working on their portraits again as I slowly bring everything to the same level of completion. I’ve been playing with the gathering at the sleeves since it is those details that make the piece! I can’t wait to see what is next.

I finally have the arm and hand in there. I’m just sketching it in for now even though I know I will be moving likely the hand and arm.

Is that arm in the right place? What dimensions do I have?
…I guess we will see what is going on when they come model since now I need to be sculpting from life.

I’ve moved the hand…and now it is time to start sculpting those subtle changes.

It is important to remain loose and gestural when starting a piece that has two figures interacting. Once you discover something that isn’t working you have to be willing to move things around because if one figure has to move than likely the other is affected as well.

Further details…

I haven’t put Jackie’s arm in (at right) because I’m still unsure I have the proper head locations.

Sculpture Study of “sisters”
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