Turning Clay into "Bronze"
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ก.พ. 2013
- Easy process of applying various acrylic paints and polishes to a ceramic sculpture to simulate bronze.
Here's the end result of why I'm using this process to sculpt over 50 busts and give them away to Gold Star Families!
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Amazing craftsmanship 👍😷👍
Thanks Buddy!
A superb instructional video. I've been trying to find out how to do this for ages. Thank you for sharing your process.
Glad it was helpful!
Wow this is great! Thank You for sharing.
Absolutely amazing!!! I am the mother of a Marine so this truly means a lot. Thank you!!
Semper Fi - Thanks Marine Mom
Cliff- this vidio was inspirational!!!!!! Truely transforming!!!!!! I was indeed a pleasure to stand next to you last spring at Ringling, and I so appreciate you making this vidio to show all of us how you turn clayto bronze, thank you, and thank you for what you are doing for the families of Marines.
It never to late to reply - Hope all is well. My best - Cliff
Wonderful video!! Thank you very much for the information. Just what I needed!!
Thanks
Wow I cant wait to give this a try!!!
Hope it works. If not try on another piece then another ....
Wow that came out perfect
Thanks
Great finish looks just like the real deal.
Lovely to watch you working Cliff. And to hear your voice all the way across the Atlantic... I just realised as you spoke that I havent heard a male of the Leonard family speak since 1961... isnt that amazing?
Thanks Ann - Hope all is well!
Seriously interesting, realistic finishing. ❤
Thank you Ray!
That's awesome. Thanks.
Thank you!
Perfect
Dear Cliff, I just found you after watching over 20 videos . Your acknowledgment is by far the number 1 video of how to give the real bronze look . Your explanation during your precise work with a background piano music is absolutely priceless. You are incredible! I truly wish that you continue to explore this beautiful talent God gave you. I am a Brazilian/ American man living in Boca Raton Flórida who loves art . I recently purchased a 5 feet tall concrete sculpture and plan to apply your technique on it. Any advise will be appreciated. I wish you All the best in live . Bill
Thank you for those wonderful and generous comments. I do want to ask you to test this process and practice your skills before you jump feet first into putting this finish on a piece that big. Also, cement might not accept the finish the same as the clay. Cement has a lot more chemicals that can cause havoc on acrylic paints. You also might want to check online on how to prep or finish cement so it can be painted. There are cement stains you can use but I have very little knowledge on how to use them. If you have any other pieces of cement please try to create the finish you want first on these items that don't matter. I've used this process over 100 times and each one is uniquely different. So play around with it. Good luck and keep me posted. Just make sure the cement is prepped for painting. My best, C
Here's how I have used the process on over 50 busts over the past 15 years. th-cam.com/video/jWTDoTnps8g/w-d-xo.html
Hi I love your video well done. You did a beautiful painting.
Thank you!
Beautiful job
Thanks, Tracie!
Thank you Cheryl for those kind comments. If I can help drop me a note! CL
I absolutely loved watching this video. Actually have watched it a few times. I see it was done 7 years ago..oh my. I am preparing to paint my first sculpture, she is gorgeous and I do not want to mess her up, her name is Glory. I was stymied as to what I wanted to do and then I saw your video...I said that is what Glory deserves. Wish me LUCK! Thank you for the tips on where and what to purchase to achieve this. I am scared I will mess her up so will probably watch this video a few more times. Thank you!
Christina - Thank you for those wonderful comments. I do want to ask you to test this process and practice your skills before you jump feet first into giving Glory the finish she deserves. If you have any other fired pieces please trying to create the finish you want first on these items that don't matter. If you don't have any roll out several pieces of clay 12" by 12" the fire up the kiln and test your skills. I've used this process almost 100 times and each one is uniquely different. So play around with it. Good luck and keep me posted.
@@cliffleon46 what is the brown you use?
@@emjay1374 Burnt Umber
@@cliffleon46 thanks. It felt to me some kind of sienna, therefore the doubt 😃
Beautiful work
Thank you.
Amazing!! Cliff you're a very talented guy with the truest sense of the spirit of the Corps. Bless you!! I know your work is cherished by the many families you design for.
Thanks - Semper Fi - Cliff
Thanks Cuz!
Thanks Buddy
Thank you Cliff, I always wanted to learn your patina technique, you had explained it to me but it is much better to see it happening.
Amazing - your post is only eight years ago - and I'm just seeing it and responding to say thanks!
Thank you for your kind comments!
Absolutely beautiful! Your patience and detail to create such a meaningful work of art is amazing. I cannot wait to try this at home on a few smaller pieces. Do you apply a sealant or something to protect the finish? Considering how the public likes to touch such beautiful works of art even when the signs say “do not touch” is a sealant necessary? Thank you for sharing this process.
Shirley - Thank you for your positive comments. No sealant is necessary. The wax in the shoe polish will act as a sealant. Over time you can always apply a light clear shoe polish then rebuff to keep it looking like "new". Thanks again. c
Thank you!
That was amazing, My question is : can you leave this sculpture out side under the rain? Does it need any maintenance ?
Thank you for sharing
Nope, like any paint it will fade. Even inside it should be kept out of direct sunlight. It has to be treated as a painting.
This was very interesting. I was honored to be part of the group at the dedication for the bust of Robert Jenkens a few years ago. I was impressed with your work back then and now I'm even more in awe of your talent and dedication.
Thank you for your kind words!
I like your tutorial very much! Thank you!
Please let me know what clay you used - water based or other? and if water based, was your sculpture fired before you painted?
I use white low-fire water-based clay. Yes, the piece was fired before I put the finish on. I recommend firing several 6X6 inch pieces so you can practice. It's a bit of a guessing game the first few times you try this process. Once you have the acrylics applied, the big difference is once you have buffed the shoe polish. It only takes a few minutes of polishing/buffing to really make it shine.
Beautiful work, and I realize I'm quite late in viewing this but if you happen to get it, may I ask please why you chose to fire the hat and the statue separately? Ie, why not attach the two and fire them both with the hat on his head? Is that due to increased chance of cracking/warping? Thank you in advance.
"Is that due to increased chance of cracking/warping?" In addition to these reasons, I would have to almost stand on my head to put the finish up under his cover (hat). Plus when I have to lift up the piece and place it down inside the kiln there is one less clay piece that could be bumped, touched, or scratched. If it was a small brim or rimmed cover I would attach before firing. Thanks for your compliment.
Great Video! Would you be kind enough to share what type of low fired clay you are using? I have never found a white clay. Can you keep it from drying and hardening for a few days with water spray and a cover? Also do you sand it after its fired? Thanks
Thank you.
It's low-fire water-based clay. This type of clay can be kept soft by keeping it spritz with water and kept tightly covered with plastic. Yes, it can be sanded but it not advised unless you're using sandpaper that can be used with water. Ceramic dust is harmful to your lungs.
Thanks for the info Cliff
Parabéns pelo seu trabalho
Thank you Everaldo
Hi Cliff,
The video you created is amazing. I appreciate your taking your time to show the class (and the world) your technique of turning clay into Bronze~ Meeting you was definitely one of the highlights of Philip Faraut's class last March. Your sculpture is perfectly executed and the finish adds the crowning touch!
Best wishes,
Cheryl Dolby-fellow classmate
No idea why I didn't reply 7 years ago - but thanks for those kind words and comments! Cliff
What would you do if this was to be for outside ? Have you ever tried sealing over shoe polish ? Your input would be hugely appreciated
Not for outside. You would need a completely different process. Show polish has wax in it so no sealer would stick properly. Contact Peggy at townsendatelier.com and ask her about their exterior Patinas and Finishes.
Cliff Leonard think I will try once bronze is applied , sealing with a clear and then a shoe polish over that one can only try these things thanks for vid. Great work
Very Nice Work. How did you get the hat on ...? Did you have to glue it to keep the hat stable?
Thank you. I fired it with the hat on but not attached. Then, I glued it on with epoxy and black dye so it was harder to see.
I was looking to buy your supplies and cannot find Daniel Smith Luminescent acrylics antique bronze?? Where do you buy yours???
Different brand but all are about the same. Iridescent is probably a better search word. Smith just wanted to sound more "professional"? Just stay away from the shiny brassy ones.
smile.amazon.com/Liquitex-Professional-Acrylic-Iridescent-Bronze/dp/B0009RP7YS/ref=sr_1_8?crid=2W8KR3Y36NI34&keywords=acrylic+bronze+paint&qid=1570313219&sprefix=acrylic+bronze%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-8
where did you find the original sculpture?
In my studio in a bag of clay. I create the pieces I "bronze".
Do you think this technique would work on concrete?
To the best of my knowledge cement has various chemicals that don't accept regular paint. You might want to check to see if it needs a specific basecoat/primer before you us acrylic paints. The process is for interior pieces. Good luck!
What is the name of the bronze paint please?
Liquitex and if you can find it I prefer antique bronze - that's not quite shiny/brassy. A lot of products are not being made just from a few years ago. Any name brand acrylic will work - just make sure you get the iridescent one!
@@cliffleon46 great. Thank you.
Btw, there are plenty of examples of faux bronze on TH-cam, but yours is by far, the best example 👍
@@troylumpkin Thanks!
is it clay or plaster of paris? which type of clay this
Fired water-based clay low fired to 1900 F
The music is annoying and can't hear you talk.
I agree - I'll speak up next time and turn down the music!
turn on the captions it might help you