Thursday, July 28, 2011

Ulthane: sculpting update

With the completion of my Twi'lek smuggler, I can again focus on what is fast becoming my favourite project to date: Ulthane. I received some hints and tips from Sithfire on using Fixit, most notably on working with it during various stages of the curing process.

That knowledge allowed me to start on Ulthane's cowl. I have just finished the backside of this. In the pictures you can also see some additional details (stubs) on his right shoulder armour.

In the picture below I have applied a patch of Fixit (50 minutes after mixing it) in a rough shape over Ulthane's back. I wrapped his left arm in a piece of plastic foil to prevent the Fixit from adhering to it. In this stage, the Fixit is still sticky, but easier to work with than it is right after mixing it.


In the picture below it is approximately one hour further into the curing process. The clay is not that sticky at all anymore and is starting to retain its shape. At this stage I started adding folds and pulling and jabbing away little pieces to form the ragged edge of the cowl.


In this last picture you can see two shields. The small shield will be placed on Ulthane's lower back. The large shield will become an actual shield, with which he can defend himself. As if an Ancient One needs defending himself..... :)


The small shield was fun to make. First I let a mixed ball of Fixit cure for an hour. Then I flattened it to an even flat disc. After another hour I took a cap from a milk carton (I have dozens of those) and pressed down in the clay, cutting out a nice disc, nearly an inch in diameter. Half an hour later I placed that disc on a large marble, pressing it down and letting it cure. I will sand it down later on and apply additional details.

For the large shield, I applied a patch of Fixit on World War Hulk's sanded down shield, wrapped in plastic foil. And then I just let that cure to add details afterwards.

As a reminder, the reference picture I am mostly working from:


That is it for now, I hope you enjoyed this update. You can also view my work on Facebook. Take a look and if you like what you see, become a fan! :D More coming soon, of course!


Sunday, July 24, 2011

Time to shred.... bub

Over at Procustomizers.com, Speedleescustoms made one helluva Wolverine. Do check it out over here!
It inspired me to make my own, based on that exact custom. It's all good, people, credits due where credits are due :)

Here's an early WIP shot of Wolvie, fitted with some serious hardware:

Stay tuned for more updates on him!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Female Twi'lek smuggler (SW:TOR era)

Like I mentiond in my previous post, I only needed to touch up a few details. Here's a series of pictures of the final custom.








This figure was made of the following parts:
- Head (modified): Legacy Cesi "Doc" Eirris
- Upper arms, upper body, lower body, upper legs: G.I. Joe ROC Scarlett
- Lower arms, lower legs, feet: G.I. Joe ROC Baroness
- Belt (modified, added holsters from the fodder bin): G.I. Joe 25th. Scarlett
- Double barreled blaster, made from these three blasters
- Single barreled blaster from the fodder bin

Again, this figure turned out into something really personal, as it will be auctioned off in sole benefit of Michael Martinez' fiancé Hollie and their daughter.

R.I.P. Mike and may the Force be with you. Always.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Twi'lek smuggler WIP

Here's a series of work in progress pictures of a Twi'lek smuggler I'm currently working on. She's nearly done, only need to touch up a few details and seal her in matte and gloss finishes. This is one of my most personal customs, as it will be put up for auction in benefit of Michael Martinez' girlfriend and daughter.

This is the drawing I based this custom on. It is a beautiful artpiece by DeviantArtist greyfoxx082.



Painting of the head is nearly done now. I used a Cesi "Doc" Eirris head and sanded off the balaclava. Sculpted the braces on her lekku and added a pair of goggles from the fodder bin.

Expect final pics sometime this weekend!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Tragic loss


On July 2 the customizing community lost a great member. In a tragic traffic accident, Michael Martinez, known as Mercury Art Studios, was killed in a head on collision with a drunk driver. Mike was only 27 years of age. My deepest condolances go out to his fiancé Hollie and his daughter. As a father of two little girls myself, I am heartstruck at the thought of how to cope with such a tragic loss.

Michael was a passionate customizer, really cranking out one fantastic custom after the other. His work, his enthusiasm, his skills, but most of all Mike himself will be sorely missed.

His loss deeply affected the customizing community, which is ever growing, yet remains tight-knit. Various forums have already started honourable causes and auctions in Mike's rememberance and in aid of his family. While I did not know Mike in person, it feels like a friend has been lost to me. I immediately decided to take part in the various causes in his honour.

Please take a minute to view Mike's work and do take a look at the various causes that already have been set up by members of the community:



Mercury Art Studios - customs showcases:


Last, but not least, take a look at this fitting tribute by The Kessel Run Review: