Portrait Sculpture & Busts

Andrian Melka has over thirty years experience as a figurative portrait sculptor undertaking commissions worldwide. His portrait sculpture draws on his classical training but reflects his own unique style that combines naturalistic details with an impressionistic finish. He is a member of the Society of Portrait Sculptors, a representative body of professional sculptors, and regularly exhibits work in the FACE exhibition in London, the only forum for contemporary portrait sculpture in the UK.

Modelling in clay on a wire armature before casting or firing in a kiln, the sculptures are created entirely by hand. Andrian's work can be cast in bronze, using the lost wax method, in plaster or jesmonite.

To learn how to create your own portrait sculpture, take a look at our courses which run several times a year.

Creating a portrait

The armature

I start by making a wire armature to create the basic shape of the head and hold the clay. The clay used is water-based ceramic clay. It's easy to work with but needs to be kept moist.

Building the shape

Working quickly using wet clay, I try to get the correct proportions of the face and features to capture the likeness of the sitter.

Adding the details

As the clay portrait progresses and you begin to add more deails, it's important to keep the freshness of the modelling so it doesn't look over-worked.

Finished portrait

The finished portrait on this occasion was cast in plaster, painted and toned to give a bronze effect. Portraits are usually cast in bronze.

Portrait Sculpture & Busts

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