Animal Anatomy for Artists

Checked out this book a while back from our local library and immediately fell in love. Animal Anatomy for Artists by Eliot Goldfinger is an exquisite collection of black and white skeleton and muscle illustrations that are not only informational but also inspirational.

Here is an editorial review:

“Goldfinger, author of Human Anatomy for Artists (1991), stresses that bodies have specific volumes created by anatomical structures, and he reveals how the interrelationship of muscles and bones determines shape and proportion. His straightforward guide starts with animal classification and a listing of nonmedical terminology and then explicates the "basic body plan." Detailed line drawings, black-and-white photographs, and silhouettes, as well as explanations of skeletons, emphasize the functions of various body portions such as lower leg and shoulder joint, and Goldfinger thoroughly depicts individual muscles before progressing to elaborate side views and cross sections of complete anatomies. Feathers, horns, and antlers are treated separately with both diagrams and photos before the text concludes with a brief overview of the venous system. Many will find especially useful the extensive, multimedia, annotated bibliography. This technical treasure is sure to find an audience among artists and serious animal enthusiasts alike. “

Whitney Scott
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Available at Amazon.com

Cool Works from Colorado

One of my favorite things about running www.stolloween.com is when I receive photos from people showing their papier mache props.

I appreciate the nice comments about how the information on the website helped get you started working with mache but the truth of the matter is that the website just pointed you in the right direction; your hard work made the creations a reality.

Here are some really great photos of papier mache props sent to me by Ron from Longmont, Colorado.

Great stuff Ron, thanks for sharing!

Artists Market

On July 17th, 2008 I had the opportunity to display and demonstrate papier mache techniques at our local Artist’s Market here in Midland, MI. The Artist Market takes place in downtown Midland next to the Tridge. The Tridge is a large three-way footbridge located above the joining of the Chippewa River and Tittabawassee River near downtown Midland, Michigan, in the Tri-Cities.

The Artist Market happens every Thursday during the summer months and coincides with a free outdoor concert and many food vendors. My appearance at the Artist Market was to promote my papier mache dragon making classes that are happening next weekend, July 25, 26 and 27th at SpaceStudios in Midland, MI. The owners of the studios arranged my booth and created some very nice print materials to promote my class.

The event ran for four hours during which I had the opportunity to meet many, many people and discuss the greatness of papier mache. The experience was fun and rewarding although very hot, the temperature was in the high 80’s with a heat index of 92 plus a great deal of humidity. The whole experience was a good one especially since this was the first time I had ever displayed my work anyone other than Halloween enthusiasts.

Here are a few photos that my wife and kids took during the Market.



In these photos I’m creating the basic armature to be used for my dragon sculptures.



There was quite a bit of interest in my classes and the next day several people had actually already called the studio to sign up.
The classes are a go!
Teaching papier mache for the first time should be a fun, interesting and educational experience.
-scott