Learn how to sculpt a dinosaur bust! In Part 1 of his 2-part dino-sculpting course series, award-winning fine artist and paleo-sculptor Chris Darga shares the first steps in his process for bringing dinosaurs back to life through clay sculpture. Using paleontological reference as his guide, Darga works from the inside out, starting with armature building and finally blocking out the primary forms of the skull, jaw, and neck.

Intermediate Level

2h 58m of duration

Sculpture

English (auto), Spanish (auto)

Discuss on our Forums

Curriculum

1. Title & Introduction - 5min

2. Using References - 2min

3. Deciding Which Clay to Use - 4min

4. Building an Armature - 23min

5. Blocking out the Head - 19min

6. Sculpting Skull Features - 6min

7. Workshop Student Introductions - 3min

8. Building the Lower Jaw - 5min

9. Overview of Sculpting Tools - 4min

10. Refining the Right Side - 38min

11. Refining the Lower Jaw - 18min

12. Refining the Upper Skull - 20min

13. Building Out the Neck - 25min

14. Filling in the Eye Socket - 4min

15. Evaluating the Day's Progress - 4min

16. Wrap Up - 31s

Materials

CLICK on 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.

Naimie's Beauty Center

Reynolds Advanced Materials

Smooth-On Inc.

FOR YOUR WORK STATION

1/8" Armature wire

22 gauge armature wire

Aluminum foil

Lazy susan

1/4" galvanized pipe lengths of 5-6 inches

1/4" Floor flange

1/4" coupling fitting

Plywood piece 12"x12"x3/4"

4- 5/8" screws

1 - tube of fast setting epoxy putty

CLAYS/PLASTERS

Sculpey Clay

Oil based (Chavant medium or Monster Clay)

SCULPTING TOOLS

Rake tool (small and medium)

Round loop tool (small and medium)

Angled loop tool (small and medium)

Flat loop tool (small and medium)

Round ribbon tool (small and medium)

Angled ribbon tool (small and medium)

Flat ribbon tool (small and medium)

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 BiographyChristopher Darga

World Renowned Paleo-Sculptor, Fine Artist and Actor

See Full Bio

Additional Purchasing Options

Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

Get FREE Popular Course Content!

Free lessons from 16 of our most popular courses, taught by Hollywood's leading FX artists. Plus our newsletter with new courses, artist stories and special offers.