For the zebra, the key stripe on his face was the white under each of the eyes. For the cheetah it is the black "tear line" from the eye to the muzzle.
I make a new pattern piece with waxed paper for the nose and forehead.
Every section gets a new pattern to fit this sculpture.
It took more than an hour to get the chin and cheeks the right size and shape.
I will be going back and trimming the white fur overlapping the black tear line.
After getting the ears in place, there was only one more piece on each side to do!
The cheetah is missing something, and he doesn't look to happy about it.
I draw his spots on with a black Sharpie pen. I will be doing a few more here and there over the next few days. I will also be brushing out the spots with a toothbrush and making them a little bit darker so they look more like part of his fur.
He will also get whiskers made out of fishing line and glued into place with super glue.
His ears are adjustable, and I will play with them a bit to make him look somewhat happier.
Post 7 will include more about antlers, horns, and tusks.
I'm still here Merikay! Been without internet for a few days so just getting caught up. Your work continues to fascinate and amaze. You are very talented and I think your animal heads are truly a work of art.
ReplyDeleteI finally got internet again and I, too, had to go back and catch up with you. These head are just amazing and the work you put into them is incredible. Such talent. I am so enjoying reading along with your making them.
ReplyDeleteNice looking cheetah!
ReplyDeleteHi Merikay,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing so much with us.. about your personal life, your dreams, and even your trade secrets!
I started reading your blog because I'm interested in full time RVing - but I have to say I am LOVING the work in progress posts.. do you name all your furry lil babies? It's amazing to watch them come to life.. so to speak. :)
Thanks so much,
Raella
We didn't have internet while in Nashville so I too have to get caught up.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at the time and detail it takes to complete each animal head. They are just an amazing example of talent.