How to Make a Portrait Face Jug

Here is a step by step Guide to creating a functional piece of art.

If you have the capability to throw a Jug Shape, Then your well on your way. If you have a friend who can throw one for you - you could ask them....but you have to start with a good Jug that fits the proportion of your working reference photo. By holding your photo up to the Jug, you can begin laying out reference points with a needle tool. Just poke through the paper right onto the surface of the clay.

This technique is what I like to call "The Wet Finger-Brush Sculpting Method". Start by using very wet clay then with your fingers - Very basically start smearing on the details according to your reference marks. Be sure to keep the working surface moist and not to wet by periodically spritzing with water.

Keep checking your photo and begin adding more detail as you see fit. At this stage, your still just roughing it in. Keep your sculpture moist on all sides as you work - You want it to be consistently moist at all times. If you need to step away for any length of time......Mist it well and place a bucket over it. This will act as a humidor and your piece will equillibrate in consistency. (Even Overnight)

You can begin using your brushes by smoothing and compressing the details and even shaping. You can also gently push in the eye sockets with your thumbs and begin working on the eyes. Be sure to have some thick watery slip. The slip will be a glue as well as a smoothing agent. Avoid trapping air pockets and keep spritzing with water.

At this point, I decided to emphasize a spout. (That's Optional). Keep checking your photo and work in small areas....but be sure to move all over. Don't stay in one spot too long. This helps with continuity and a progressive workflow.

As much as you mist with water, It will start firming up as you are working - so you should start considering putting a handle on the back before it's too late. Handles come in all shapes. I chose a simple handpulled design. Use your brushes and fingers to add and smooth - and keep checking your reference photo. You should now be at a point where you can decide whether or not to smash it with your fist......or......Keep going. I think he's looking pretty good, so I'll continue.

By using the Photo in the same proportion as the Jug, It is easy to get the correct size when adding details. Be sure to stay moving around the piece....not staying in one area to long. This is all a process of adding bits and pieces a little at a time. Just stay moving.

At this point, you should have the Primary anatomy mostly done. The Secondary anatomy would be things like Facial Hair, Hair, Moles, Glasses, or anything not to be considered the basic structure of the face. Work with your brushes (both ends) and keep the slip handy. Use a bowl of water to help keep things clean. Clean your brushes as you go along.

Once you have your Secondary details dialed in, you can further sharpen with a hair dryer. Don't go nuts with it....Just hit the spots you want to work on in order to firm the clay just enough to take a little "light" carving. Soften details ever so slightly with your brush and re-mist with water.

Okay....Jerry-Curl is very elusive for me. Sculpting Hair is tedious for anybody and is the most time consuming part. Let the Pictures lend some guidance because this process is a real chore. Save the eyes for last.

Hair won't look very natural if you don't follow the rules. Work in layers.

Like I said....This can be a long and almost boring process. Just keep at it. It's just a Jug and the hair is more representational than anything else since this still has to be a Functional piece.

This is where you can start tightening up and bring it all together. Add a couple sculptural attributes - and you are ready to start the eyes.

I save the eyes for last because they require more detail. The clay should be stiff leather hard when attempting to carve out the eyes. It's pretty simple......Just carve out the iris, add a highlight, and hopefully you nailed it. Good Luck - I know you can do it. LOL! (lot's of love)