How to Approach Creating a Clay Skunk as a True Art Project

Skunks are fascinating little creatures that deserve pieces of art created in their image. Make a clay skunk your next arts and crafts project. Explore the animal in detail by observing it, creating drawings and finally sculpting the animal in clay. This project gives aspiring artists the chance to develop visual skills as well as manual ones. Clay is a forgiving medium in which you can easily make changes and add exquisite detail to your work.

Step 1

Choose the type of clay you will use in your craft. According to the experts at Michaels Stores, your choice of a non-hardening or hardening clay depends on whether you intend to create a non-permanent or permanent piece. If you desire a hardening clay, you need to choose between ones that air dry, require oven baking or Kiln firing.

Step 2

Study photographs of actual skunks in nature. You need to observe the shape of the animal and other details of its structural anatomy. Consider each part including the head and face, body, legs and tail. Notice the texture of the fur, its colors and the shapes of the eyes, nose and mouth and the animal's unique markings.

Step 3

Make drawings of skunks from several angles. Use drawing paper and a charcoal pencil to capture the animal's likeness. Consider the skunk from the side view, the front and posterior as you will be creating a three dimensional piece with your clay. Your drawings will aid you in sharpening your visual focus and will be used as a reference when you create the piece in clay.

Step 4

Practice working with your clay by manipulating it with your hands and using tools. Work it through with your fingers to get the feel of how it responds to different pressures. Also, roll it out with a rolling pin and use a knife to cut out intricate designs in the clay.

Step 5

Create individual pieces of the animal you are creating. Make the head, body, legs and tail separately. Take your time as you work, and do not be afraid to start over or create several different versions of the same sectional piece. You need to be satisfied with each section so the complete animal will be accurately represented.

Step 6

Put together your entire animal by pressing the sections of clay together. This is more difficult than it sounds. You will probably need to make adjustments as you adhere pieces so that the scale and overall appearance works to your liking. You might have to discard entire pieces and recreate them so that the whole is a success.

Step 7

Use tools to add details to your clay skunk. Te Kete Ipurangi (TKI) suggests artists can experiment with tools to create different textures and details. For instance, you can use a sharp knife and the pointed end of a small paint brush to cut and poke indentations into the clay. The bristled end of the brush can be used to create waves or spikes for the texture of the skunk's hair.

Step 8

Allow your piece to air dry, bake it in the oven or take your sculpture to a kiln depending on the nature of your clay. Remember this step is irrevocable as once the clay has hardened no changes can be made. Following drying, you can paint your sculpture.

Tips

Make your sculpture come to life by detailing the features of the face of your skunk. For instance, make the eyes wide and expressive to attract extra attention to your piece.