This portrait bust was commissioned by one of my patrons. He challenged me to reign in my more painterly sculpting style, and refine as much as I could. I switched from using my usual micro-crystalline to a wax/clay hybrid called ‘Monster Clay’. It behaved very similarly, but the finish and texture was far less sticky and raw. The material allowed me to keep great detail and a matte surface very easily. The clay was almost flesh toned, which really made the piece lifelike when I was working on it. A very fun and educational project for me. The patron always pushes the envelope and takes me down new paths.

Here are images of the finished bronze. The patron wanted a slate black patina to emulate bronze portraits from antiquity. Following those will be the pre-molded piece in Monster Clay. Such different presences.