People say you should never go back...  I agree with this, in principle - UNLESS you can go back and improve on the past!

Well, I think I have finally achieved something I have wanted to do since I began making aretist bears nearly fifteen years ago.  Back then, my first bears had faces sculpted from polymer clay, because I was aiming for something that looked semi-realistic but cute - and gave me a perfect outlet for my sculpting skills.

Times have changed and materials - and my skills have moved on and improved.  I was never entirely pleased with the way the clay met the fur in an artificial join, but could not figure out a way to make the progression from fur to skin look more natural.  But now I have discovered a fantastic epoxy clay that is used by taxidermists and sculptors.  After some trial and error, and a bit of research, I am proud to present the first of my newest design: 
This is Otto, and he stands around 14 inches high.
     
I created this much more natural look by making the fur head first, and then sculpting a muzzle directly onto the fur - it takes nerves of steel and some skill to get the clay to go where you want it (and not everywhere else!) and you have to have a very clear vision of what you want to achievem as the poor bear looks like an alien during the construction of the face.  Once I was happy with the shape, I let the compound cure and then I painted many thin layers of acrylic paint onto the muzzle to make it look like skin.  I added a little more fur here and there, to give a downy appearance - and voila!  I am so pleased with the way Otto turned out, I plan to take him to the Hugglets show next month...

Christine