Capturing Likeness - Celebrity Sculptures

In this lesson, Andrew steps out of his comfort zone and takes on the challenge of sculpting a portrait of Scarlett Johansson, the iconic Black Widow from the Avengers.

Andrew explains key techniques like starting with plenty of references, blocking in basic shapes, carefully developing features, and explains that even if your sculpture doesn’t turn out perfect, the important thing is to continue working on your craft.

ASSIGNMENT:

It’s time to give it a try for yourself! So go find some reference photos of your favorite celebrity and give it a shot! You can choose whoever you want to sculpt as long as you can find plenty of visual references of them.

RELATED LINKS:

#portraitsculpting #sculptingtips #traditionalsculpting

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This portrait sculpting course will dive deep into the techniques and principles that will help you master the portrait. Portrait sculpting is one of the most difficult challenges that visual artists can take on but if you follow the lessons and do the corresponding assignments you'll be surprised how fast you will improve.

ABOUT PROKO 3D:

CREDITS:

Script & editing - Andrew Joseph Keith

[sirmelanieofzundert]

Wow! I think this has been one of the best videos I've seen in years. I'm terrified of showing my mistakes. I only show my artwork once it's done and sometimes I stop when people get to close because I don't like being watched at while I'm in the process. So I have 2 lessons from this: One, it takes courage to know and recognize at what level of your skill you are at so you can be motivated to keep learning and never give up. Two, most of the time it's not about "making it" and idealize the perfect moment when we will eventually become the master at our job. It's simply about getting better and better. Like you said it: just keep on sculpting, keep on doing. Eventually you'll get it. Thank you so much because as a young artist and perfectionist I really need this kind of realistic approach to an artistic develpment. It's refreshing and so inspirational!

PS: About the sculpture, I think the proportions are correct and close to hers. Maybe it's not the technique, in fact why not adjust it through the human uniqueness. I know making Scarlett "not so pretty" must be impossible but what I'm trying to say is: Don't focus on the exact location of her eyes, nose and mouth. Focus what does she has in that area: the lines, the bumps, the curves and roundness of her features. It's about the general balance of the face. And maybe as a more practical tip: The hot toy replica of hers didn't do a very good job at her portrait either (Although I adore the company!). Even the black widow poster with her hieratic expression it's somewhat uncanny valley for me. Scarlett it's a very carismatic person. Try to do one where she is smiling because it brings out all her features in the perfect way for an instant recognition.

*Sorry for the long comment and grammar. I'm peruvian 😊 Keep up the content! It's amazing!!!

[skateboardingjesus]

For me, the profile is the most important initial guide. After blocking in the main features, I'll dial in the eyes first, because once you have their likeness, it informs the other features of the face familiar to that person almost intuitively. When you realise you're eventually getting there, move the light source around and it will show even more.

[grinsell]

Thank you brother. You always have good stuff

[qyoinqyuri]

Phew... I must admit it's a huge relief to see an expert sculptor to struggle with achieving likeness. I thought I didn't have it in me, it seems I just need to practice a few thousands of hours more.

[jaconwood]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills. Much appreciated Andrew! Wish I could afford the course. I'm in South Africa and with the flippin exchange rate, it is way out of my budget, sadly. I'm very grateful for these invaluable tips though! Love and admire you much!

[BillPark-eyih]

you said you were not satisfied, but I immediately recognized Scarlett Johansson from the thumbnail. So you are good!

[bradolfpittler]

I hope there's a similar tutorial for copying the exact likeness of full body models/pictures too.

[agudanata]

Thank you for all the videos. Regarding the image of Scarlett Johansson, this actress is known for her "baby" face, charming smile. It seems to me that the sculpture has too deep holes in the eyes, they create deep shadows and therefore give the impression of dark eyes, although the actress has blue or grey eyes. May be it would be useful to upload a photo of the sculpture to a graphic editor and change the tone of some parts (eyes, lips, chin, cheeks). The chins and lips are a little bit like men's ones.
Sculpting is my hobby
I have experience sculpting Audrey Hepburn's head. Cosmetics and accessories greatly change the image of actresses. I found a photo of middle-aged actress without makeup and a hat. I made a sculpture of Audrey's head based on this reference. As a result, the sculpture was similar to the reference, but not similar to the popular image of the actress.
Natalia, Russia

[MaVaLeoni]

Прямо разжевал и в рот положил. Не зная английского я поняла все о чем ты говорил. Супер😂❤❤❤❤

[ArtHayven]

the lips said scarlett johansson though

[bananapunks]

It would help if in the end of the day she resembled Scarlett though :)

[Ulujmf]

Obviously, the sculpture is good but far cry to be scarlette