True-Form Midna Sculpture WIP

See 4/3/10 update text below...



Active Work-in-Progress, WIP Z13

Reference pictures: I am most grateful for the fantastic support from both
~Fumbles-McStupid and
*DarklordIIID.
Both provided me with high-resolution reference pictures from their digital models of TF Midna.

Midna is a character from the Legend of Zelda, Twilight Princess Nintendo Wii game.



2/11/2010 Update, Foil Armature and Rough Body Form
Well, I've decided to make TF Midna in 1/7-scale. I really would have liked to do 1/8-scale, but after studying the complicated patterns on her cape and body, I opted to go with a slightly larger size as a consideration to make the painting steps easier. To give a sense of how big 1/7-scale is, the reference pictures were printed on A-size paper, which is 11 inches tall.
I use crumbled/balled up heavy-gauge aluminum foil for armature. The copper pins are made from clothes hanger. The third pic dated 2/11/10 shows the basic pose I would like to proceed with - those with vested interest please feel free to provide feedback. At this point, the pose is easiest to change.

2/12/2010 Update, Revise Pose
Left and right arms revised per feedback.

2/21/2010 Update, Refine Pose + More Definition
Revised the leg pose to add a bit more motion per feedback. Layered on more form definition on the torso and legs. Pinned to base so that the figure is now free-standing.

2/22/2010 Update, Fix Joints
Putty at the following joints to temporarily anchor the pose: hip joints, arm joints, and neck joint. Once past this point, no more major changes to the pose. Will take into consideration comments on the pose till end of Feb. Then will move on...

3/10/2010 Update, Rough-Form Body Shapes
Was quite sick last several weeks, thus no sculpting work...
Rough-formed face. Trimmed, shaved and layered-on putty to refine the overall body shape and curves. Her hands & feet are obviously still in 'blob' stage; they will be detailed later. Major work to re-tool all five joints (head, shoulders, hips).

3/28/2010 Update, Skirt + Cape
- The head/hands are still just 'blobs' (haven't started detail definitions), so no further comments on the head and the hands are necessary.
- For some reason, had a lot of trouble with joints (shoulders, neck, hip), which are finally done after many re-do's.
- Enlarged her breasts by +1 size to better match the ref pics.
- Deliberately left her right thigh fuller; can be trimmed down later.
- Started the skirt work by sizing up the area using aluminum foil. The putty was rolled and stretched to match the relative size, then trimmed to shape.
- Back view shown as requested.
- Cape is a huge piece. Started the main part of it to get a general shape definition, and as foundation for extension.

4/3/2010 Update, Rough-Form Cape
- Some projects flow smoothly and I can feel sculpting mojo at my fingertips. Unfortunately this project isn't one of them... Virtually every step is fraught with off-lines, re-do's and slow progress...
- The cape, being huge in size, is turning out to be a huge challenge. It was impossible for me to do it in one-shot, one-piece (as I generally like to do when sculpting fabric pieces). Doing it by adding sections is painfully unnatural and incurring lots of rework. At this point, I'm not even sure that I can cast the cape piece...
- Anyway, the progress to-date:
- Tried to size the overall flattened pattern of the cape using aluminum foil.
- Back view showed extension seamlines.
- Then, added rough-form of hood.
- Then, extended the cape some more. The cape on her left side is still unfinished.
- Then, extended the sleeve covers.
- Lots of trimming and patching work next.