Here's a quick technique I use when drawing/laying out skulls. By drawing a cross (with slightly contoured lines), I can quickly map out where I want my skulls in a composition. I find this to be especially helpful when using multiple skulls in one area.
I use the intersection of the lines to define where the nose will be. The horizontal line helps to define the lower ridge of the eye socket and cheekbone. Then it is just a matter of drawing the skull in around it. Adding horns, fangs, a heavy brow line etc. can all drastically alter the appearance - and that is all up to you.
This approach is not limited to drawing/sketching but also lends itself well to freehand airbrushing as well. By either using chalk or lightly spraying a cross directly onto your surface, you can have a quick guide for proportion and placement as you begin to spray. |
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Another method to quickly apply a skull to your surface is to transfer your own image using ‘carbon paper’ (available at any office supply store.) Using a photo I’ve taken of my reference skull, I print out the image the size I wish it to be on my panel. Then carbon paper is placed underneath and the image is traced out directly onto my masking paper. Notice that I didn’t trace the image exactly - but made alterations directly on the picture (narrowed the nose, slanted the eyes, added fangs). This way I can see how certain changes will look -while maintaining proper proportions- before cutting and spraying even begins. |
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Here you can see how the image has been transferred to the panel. A quick cut with an exacto knife and your ready to start peeling and spraying. |
There's no set rule when it comes to color, cracks, pit marks - and this is really where the personality resides. You've just got to bring it out!
At first glance, this technique may seem pretty time-consuming, but it really doesn't add much time at all. This panel went from printout to clearcoat in under two hours. |
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***** PLEASE don't view this transfer technique as simply an opportunity to steal other people's artwork.***** |