Begin creating an articulated monster mask with Patrick Magee, creature effects artist and founder of Magee FX (Primal Rage, Men in Black 3, Jurassic Park III). In Part 1, Magee takes you through his complete mask sculpting workflow — from blocking out primary forms on a life cast with WED clay, to establishing anatomical structure and facial features, to refining symmetry, secondary forms, and layered skin texture, all leading to a finished mask sculpture ready for molding.

Beginner Level

3h 52m of duration

English (auto), Spanish (auto)

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Curriculum

1. Title & Introduction - 1min

2. Tools & Materials for Sculpting a Mask - 10min

3. Building Up Primary Forms on a Life Cast with WED Clay - 11min

4. Building Out the Creature's Bone Structure - 9min

5. Refining the Bone Structure - 21min

6. Sculpting a Bat Ear - 7min

7. Adding a Second Bat Ear to the Sculpture - 7min

8. Adding the Nose, Teeth & Facial Muscles - 21min

9. Shaping the Ears Based on Bat and Human Ear Anatomy - 13min

10. Adding Nose Wrinkles and Lips - 5min

11. Refining Symmetry and Facial Forms - 17min

12. How to Smooth WED Clay - 14min

13. Perfecting the Secondary Forms of the Sculpture - 26min

14. Sculpting Forehead Veins - 5min

15. Refining the Ears - 4min

16. Adding Skin Texture to Hardening Clay - 16min

17. Fine Detailing the Wrinkles - 5min

18. Sealing the Mouth with Clay - 7min

19. Adding Rugal Folds to the Mouth - 2min

20. The Noodling Stage - 8min

21. Enhancing the Wrinkles - 7min

22. Adding Dimension to Highlight Areas - 1min

23. Softening Tool Marks on the Sculpture - 3min

24. Adding a Final Layer of Texture with the Scratching Tool - 8min

25. Student Q&A - 5min

26. Wrap Up - 29s

Materials

CLICK the links below to find the materials you need for this lesson.

Some items might be harder to find, but a little internet scouring usually finds you everything you'll need.

FOR YOUR WORK STATION

Head Form or Lifecast of a Head (Patrick Magee uses a lifecast of his own head)
Sculpting Wheel or Turntable
Art Stand for Turntable (optional)
Reference Images

CLAYS/PLASTERS

WED Clay

SCULPTING TOOLS

Ball-shaped Modeling Tools (also known as Dotting Tools or Eye Sizers) in various sizes
Clay Needle Tool
Double Wire End Tools in various shapes and sizes
EffektStudion Texture Roller & Texture Wheel in various sizes (Available at Motion Picture F/X Company)
Fleshing Sculpting Tools in various shapes and sizes
Loop Sculping Tools in various shapes and sizes
Rake Sculpting Tools in various shapes and sizes
Rubber Thimbles
Ribbon Sculpting Tools in various shapes and sizes
Sculpting Spatula in various shapes and sizes
Serrated and Smooth Kidney Tools
Serrated Rectangle Stainless Steel Scrapers
Texture Stamp (Patrick Magee uses a home-made harsh-textured stamp made from an orange or tangerine)
Wooden Modeling Tools (with Teeth) in various sizes
Wrinkle Tool (Patrick Magee uses a removable WT5 Wrinkle Tool from Motion Picture FX)

BRUSHES

Chip Brush
Hobby Paint Brush
Wire Brush for Wrinkle Tool cleaning

SPONGES

Fine Pore Black Stipple Sponge
Large Pore Black Stipple Sponge
Regular Sponge

TOOLS

Clay Extruder
Heat Gun

THINNERS/SOLVENTS

Water

SUPPLIES

Bucket for Water
Cups
Cutouts of Zip Lock Bags or Plastic Sheets
Nitrile Gloves

HEALTH/SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

When working with toxic and/or dangerous materials or tools:

ALWAYS read labels for appropriate use guidelines
ALWAYS wear a high-grade respirator
ALWAYS work in a well-ventilated area
ALWAYS protect your skin
ALWAYS wear eye protection

Artist BiographyPatrick Magee

SPFX Character Creator & Founder of Magee FX

See Full Bio

Additional Purchasing Options

Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

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