Ceramic Portrait Sculpting Part II: Pinch Pot Bust

In week one, Judy Fox transitions from the armature-based bust to a hand-built ceramic bust of the same model. You will learn how to capture reliable photo reference, take proportional measurements to correct for camera distortion, and use calipers to maintain consistent scale as you build.

In week two, Judy Fox builds the hand-built bust upward toward the shoulder line using measurements, cross sections, and silhouette checks. You will learn how to work in controlled lifts, then pause to let the clay firm so the next stage holds without distortion.

In week three, Judy Fox shifts from upper torso structure to the neck and the first head placement decisions. You will learn how to check symmetry, confirm neck width, and use photo references to correct the outline from multiple views.

In week four, Judy Fox completes the pinch pot build by bringing the form to full height, managing wall thickness, and timing the work to coincide with firming. You will learn how to stop at the right moment, protect the structure under plastic, then return when the clay can support adding the top of the head without distortion.

In week five, Judy Fox shifts from construction into rendering by refining the sculpture through cross-contour checks, clarifying landmarks, and understanding the viewpoint. You will learn how to use higher-angle photo reference to correct volume relationships through the shoulders, ribs, and neck boundaries, and how to match your viewing position to the camera so corrections remain accurate.

In week six, Judy Fox focuses on feature refinement by using under-view photos and deliberate angle changes to expose proportion and placement errors. You will learn how to keep the outline true to the model while refining brow structure, eye volumes and lids, cheekbone flow, lips, and chin as connected forms rather than isolated details.

In week seven, Judy Fox brings the sculpture toward a cohesive finish by unifying the surface while preserving its underlying structure. You will learn how to fill small holes, recheck symmetry and silhouette, and rotate the bust to work the back so the form reads cleanly from every angle.

In week eight, Judy Fox defines what it means to finish a portrait bust by resolving the sculpture volume by volume with clear direction and clean connections. You will learn how to work from large to small, control the outline from multiple angles, and use cross-contour checks to keep forms believable in space.