Working on a test piece at the moment at the request of Gamesworkshop (It's a test way of finding out if an artist can replicate their style and detail).

Well seeing as basics and armour were all combined I thought I would upload a basic tutorial to give you an idea of how I go about sculpting a piece, each new photograph represents a drying stage (stage where I shove the putty work under a hot lamp to speed the drying time up to just 20-30 minutes).

If this ends up being helpful and people like it then I might have a go at a few others (heads and faces on my list).

The series of shots goes from top left to right and then down to the next series of photos.

Top left
I've mentioned Aves apoxy sculpt before, this is what I use for any kind of shield or weapon work (that or milliput depending on the finish I want). I get a basic shape (in this case the shield) and once dry I file it down using both hand files and a hand held dremmel to make smaller holes.

Top right
Once the shape and length match what I need I can begin to add green stuff to the piece. I make sure I use a flat tipped clay shaper (can always upload a tool piccie if needed) to push the putty into the same style as the cast piece. The advantage of the flat tip is that you can turn it sideways to get a sharper edge and add damaged affects, such as slash marks.

Middle left
Begin to add small rings of green stuff to the holes I drilled into the sides. I also begin to add the symbol on the shield, adding separate bits of putty to create each protrusion. At this stage I use a needle to push in two small holes, one on the symbol and one on the upper left hand side of the piece (to represent missing rivets).

Middle center
Now I move on and add the nuts that stick out on the rim and symbol. I use a click pencil with the lead removed to press each on from small bits of putty. I add slightly large bits of putty just below the symbol and push on each on from four different directions, teasing it up into a point.
I also add the two spikes in the top central part and ease them into points.

Middle right
I now add the opposing spikes in the top central area as their opposites are now dry. I also add the hair that's been tied to the ring. In order to make the effect I have to first add the putty parts (three separate parts) the main flowing end, the loop around the end of the hanging hair and finally the part which wraps around the ring. once the shapes have been made I then use the edge of the flat tipped clay shaper again to add the strand details to it.

Bottom
The finished piece (from the front at any rate). At this stage I can see there's a few areas I need to go over, the skull is too big and features too soft (BIN!) the spikes supporting it likewise do not match up. I also need to put more work into the slash marks on the shield.

This mini is going to both bug me for ages until it's finished and really try my patience.