[WIP] Trying to learn how to sculpt faces
PLEASE HELP/leave crits.
I've watched a few zbrush videos on drawing and the skull sculpting skulls.
I figure getting the skull right would be much better than trying to just scuplt a face without a good foundation.
Unfortunately, I don't have the time I'd like to commit to learning this and it's looking like a weekends only thing, but I'm starting anyway because I really want to learn.
Ordering a skull replica and the Anatomy for Sculptors book are DEFINITELY on my to do list.
2022, Sept 24
No skull was done first and it shows, so this was just bad..
Oct 5 2022
First attempt at a skull after watching more videos.
2022, Oct 8th
Done last night. I sculpted around the skull I did before on purpose, so it would be more evident what I did wrong.
In a dittion to the sharp angle of the mandible (circled) I think the jaw is too wide (when looking at the front of the face.
It may be fine ofr a man, but I'm trying for a woman.
I don't like how the face looks from the front. I think the lack of fat is making it look too much like an oval? And are the eye balls /eye spheres too large? I made them bigger compared to the Oct 5th version.
Replies
Good start!
Everyone finds their own method to improve at artistic anatomy. I've got a few suggestions for you which helped me. Photo references are fine but they dont give you 360 degree information. A free app like DAZ provides editable generic models you can use to rotate around while you work. If you dont have a screen large enough get an extra monitor to place next to your work area.
I've been meaning to download some generic base meshes to observe. Nowadays, I'm sure 3D scanned heads are a thing too, for reference.
I would suggest to start from learning basic proportions and measurements of the head (please see some images below). Also you don't have to learn anathomy like student of medicine, you need to learn it as artist. Think about the head as the structure of several small shapes or object, which you combine in order to have good result. Understanding those shapes, what they are and how are they related to each other should help you to improve your work.
You can find many reference pictures on Google. Also I would suggest to use PureRef software, if You dont have second monitor. Actually its more practical for me to use Pure Ref then second monitor because I have to rotate my head much less.
I've watched this so far (with subtitles because I don't speak spanish): https://www.domestika.org/en/courses/1368-figure-drawing-the-human-head
And I try to watch this during my lunch break at work: https://www.udemy.com/course/zbrush-2021-character-likeness-sculpting-tutorial/
I use google images, pinterest, and pureref on my second monitor.
Update.
Had to shave down a few parts of the skull because it kept poking through, eventfully deciding to just turn it off (the skull) and work on it (the face, with references).
Crits/feedback is mush appreciated.
Started as my 7th head sculpt/practice.
Would have done the whole body if I knew how to do hands, so...hands are next for me to learn.
I used female body builders are reference.
Not sure if I went overboard and she's too manly.
I like it so much though, I'm gonna try to 3D print it!
I reckon you would want to start blocking in and quick sculpting generic models as a first step. Characterizing pieces at this stage (while fun) will take longer.