Sculpture #1

Here's the first "sculpture of the week" for 2010. A portrait sketch in clay, about 5 inches tall. Decided to leave this one loose & sketchy, rather than try to refine it. This was the first time I sculpted without reference or intentions, just to see what would develop when working spontaneously from imagination. When it came time to do his hair, I was at a loss for a hairstyle so I referenced a photo of French sculptor Carpeaux's portrait of Jean-Leon Gerome. Though not nearly as masterfully as Carpeaux, for certain. Ended up with this slightly snobbish Courtier-looking fellow. I may finish him with a period style costume at some point. -E