How do artists achieve realism in the proportions of stone animal sculptures?
Achieving realism in stone animal sculptures requires a deep understanding of anatomy, proportion, and meticulous craftsmanship. Artists begin by studying the animal’s skeletal and muscular structure, often using reference images or live models to capture accurate details. They then sketch or create small clay maquettes to plan the sculpture’s proportions before carving the stone.
Key techniques include measuring ratios (e.g., head-to-body size) and using tools like calipers to ensure symmetry. Layers of stone are gradually removed to reveal the form, with attention to textures like fur or feathers. Shadows and contours are refined to enhance depth, while polishing adds lifelike sheen. Mastery of these methods allows sculptors to transform rigid stone into dynamic, realistic animal figures.
