The dog bronze is complete and ready for shipping

Here is the finished bronze after the wax sealer was applied.

Highlights are added to the surface of the bronze dog sculpture

I took a scotch-brite pad and rubbed most of the surface of the bronze in order to remove the liver of sulfur patina from the highest points. The next step is to apply wax sealer to the entire bronze. The wax will protect the bronze and allow the patina to show it's true colors. The wax sealer is an on going maintenance that must be applied a few times per year if you wish to keep the bronze looking new. In door displays do not need the constant maintenance.

Application of the liver of sulfur patina on the dog sculpture

This video shows what the bronze looks like after the application of the "liver of sulfur" patina. Water was applied to the bronze to show what the finish will look like after the wax sealer is applied. Same idea when one wets a piece of wood to see how it will look after an oil rub.

Liver of Sulfur patina base applied to the dog sculpture

The patina of choice was liver of sulfur, it is a temporary patina until the client directs me. I believe the client will be adding a brownish patina to the bronze. Personally I like the current look. The last image is closer to the final look if the client goes with a liver of sulfur.

Dog bronze casting inspection prior to patina application

First inspection of the metal phase: I used a sharpie to mark the areas of the bronze that needed revisiting. The metal chaser will take use an assortment of tools to clean up the areas I noted. Once the metal detailing is up to my standard the patina phase will begin. The client has chosen a traditional brownish patina.

Wax positive pulled from the mold

Today I visited the foundry for the wax inspection. I found several minor areas that needed revisiting. There where several cavities I marked with the felt marker that needed filling. Overall it looks very good. The next inspection will be the metal inspection. After they pour the bronze and get it close to finish, I will revisit the foundry for a detail inspection. They estimate 3-4 weeks to complete the wax chasing, ceramic shell; pour.  

The dog sculpture made it safely to the foundry. The process should take about 8 weeks to produce the bronze casting.

Chavant NSP hard clay used for sculpting a life size dog model sculpture

This video will show you a better view of the completed dog clay model.

Life size dog sculpture ready for foundry

The dog sculpture is finally ready for the foundry. Applying the fur texture too quite a while to complete. Nevertheless, I am very pleased with the results.

Though most people viewing the sculpture will never look underneath to peak at the belly area, it was important to me, not to cut corners.

Dog fur texture created with a hot wax tool

The image shows the results of using Gile's Precision Waxer. The tool was designed for wax carving; however, it works great on oil based clays. Chavant NSP hard is my clay of choice and since the NSP clay is composed of a higher percentage of wax components it leaves me with cleaner textures.

Click on image for a detailed view

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier bust is ready for molding

Well the head/bust section of the wheaten terrier has been detailed. I was not happy with the results I was obtaining with the dental tool; therefore, I modified one of my hot-wax tips in order to created the dog's coat texture. 

I will commence on the remaining sections tomorrow. Mike & Barb, please review the completed sections and send me instructions if we still need tweaking.

As you can see the coat is very detailed. Thousands of individual hair lines are being created one at a time.

This bust would make a beautiful stand alone piece for displaying on a table. Similar to my English Bulldog bronze bust.

To view detailed images, Please click on any of the images

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier detailed head

This video shows the detailed clay head before reattaching to the body. A terpenoid wash will be applied in order to help blend some of the hard tool marks.