3D Fundamentals 2 - Part 2

My second term/semester at Art Center has come to a close. While the first term pushed our limits in raw volume of work and number of projects, our second term was a more focused effort, which nonetheless ended intensely.

During the first half of 3D Fundamentals 2 we continued to learn different tools and techniques in the workshop, following the work we had done in 3D Fundamentals 1. The second half of this term was closer to Study Models in its approach.

The basic premise of the course is to learn the clay modeling techniques used in automotive design and in the process understand the development of industrial lines and surfaces by creating a so-called “speed form”.

We began with several pages of sketches delineating concepts for an abstracted form inspired by air, land or sea.

Once the direction was selected orthographic views were created.

From these, a basic armature was constructed from MDF and masonite.

Using Chavant Y2 Klay, we packed the basic form.

The templates allow us to roughly determine the section views of our model.

A variety of tools allows us to shave the clay.

Crossing the strokes creates a far more even surface.

Design adjustments were made, such as the addition of this outer ridge.

Using splines to check the quality of our lines.

Finding section lines allows us to balance the design over to the other side.

Using a height gauge to check the symmetry.

Tape lines allow a better read of the surfaces and where they need to be balanced.

Using blue steel scrapers we shaved a final thin layer of clay to make the surfaces perfectly sharp.

The final steeled model.

Spray shellac was applied to protect the clay and provide a surface for the primer to bond.

First coat of catalyzed primer.

The primer was sanded down in order to further smooth the high and low spots in the clay.

Metal Glaze was used to fill in low spots and other imperfections.

Yours truly, spraying a second coat of primer.

A guide coat of Krylon was applied to better differentiate the high and low spots.

One last coat of primer was applied and wet sanded smooth.

Applying the automotive paint.

Once the color was dry, a glossy clear coat was applied.

I was quite happy with the final result!

11:00 AM | 3 Comments | Tags: 3d fundamentals, term 2, study models, clay modeling, model building