Sculpting Resources

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A Few of My Favorite Tools, Teachers, and Tips

 

As you may have read in my bio, I’ve learned a great deal from my friend and renowned sculptor, Philippe Faraut. His teaching style, tools, and learning materials have simplified and elevated my sculpting process—and made me a better instructor for my own students.

 

There’s no better way to learn than a live, hands-on workshop, but Philippe’s books and DVDs come close. His books are clear and approachable, and the videos can be watched again and again—each time offering something new. Funny enough, I still discover insights I missed the first few times around, because of how my eye and understanding have evolved.

 

The Learning Curve Is Long—and that’s the gift!

 

The human form is one of the most fascinating and complex subjects you can study. There’s always more to learn:

• Bone structure

• Muscular anatomy

• Gender, age, and ethnicity

• Portraits, torsos, full figures

• Hands, feet, and drapery

• Planes, volumes, and visual rhythm

 

Sound like a lot? It is—but like a great wine, just take slow sips and enjoy the process. This kind of education lasts a lifetime and doesn’t require a fortune.

 

When I Got Serious About Anatomy

I started sculpting by feel—leaning on what I knew from drawing faces. Or at least what I thought I knew. Things looked close… but not quite right. When I committed to learning anatomy and bone structure, everything changed.

 

Understanding what’s under the skin helped me sculpt with purpose, from the inside out. Now I see form, emotion, and even subtle muscle movement differently—and that has changed everything.

 

Best part? Inspiration is everywhere. Every face you pass is a potential reference.

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Tools I Actually Use

You don’t need every tool on the market. Trust me—I’ve got a couple of boxes full of unused ones to prove it. Most of the time, I rely on about ten essentials. Here’s what I use in my workshops:

• Philippe Faraut’s eye tool and wooden modeling tool

• Kemper wire tools

  • Scraper

  • Clay knife

  • Clay wire

• Soft brush

• Caliper

• A short bundle of broom bristles

• Simple armature (see image below)

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Highly Recommended Resources

• Philippe Faraut – Portrait & Figure Sculpture (Books & DVDs)

• Anatomy for Sculptors – Uldis Zarins

• Classic Human Anatomy – Valerie L. Winslow

 

Apps & Online Tools

• Complete Anatomy by 3D4Medical

• Total Anatomy app

• anatomytools.com (great for calipers and reference models)

• pcfstudios.com (Philippe Faraut’s tools, books, and videos)

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Water Base Clay

Laguna Clay #EM-210

(This is what I use in my workshops)

 

Final Thought

Sculpting the human form is a lifelong pursuit—equal parts technical and intuitive. The more you understand the body’s structure, the more freedom you’ll have to express it. Whether you’re just starting or refining your craft, I encourage you to study deeply, sculpt often, and always stay curious.

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