Rob,

Regarding the human anatomy, buy "Anatomy For The Artist," by Sarah Simblet... I highly recommend it.

A sense of movement is really important to me... thanks for the observation.

Thanks again,

J.R.

Hi Jr,
It looks like you've been busy. Love your figures. I love the texture you achieved on this one...looks like lava stone.
And I love the physique on your headless man...amazing. Congratulations on two great pieces. Janet R.

Janet... coming from you, what a compliment! I'm honored.

Can't wait to see your warrior munk... please include in process pix

Thanks, J.R.

Nelson,

Started with a sheet of 14g steel, cut, heated and banged it to shape. Using 18g, shaped the breasts on a shot sack, then welded them on. Then with MIG weld beads, welded details such as rib cage, belly button, nipples, etc.; next, more weld beads for texture, followed by brazing bronze into the nooks and crannies, then finally sanded the whole thing down. The base is hollow, fabricated using 1/4" flatbar.

I really like your "Baculus!" How in the world did you make that?

Thanks, J.R.

Hi JR Tamayo,I will go take some nice close up pics once a get a break, your gonna like them, because to me those details are even better than the whole so to speak. I love textures and this guy combines about 5 different techniques that I`ll explain along with the pics. I realize the importance of taking a quality photo, it makes a big difference. I was just thinking how awesome that headless guy of yours would look live scale. I know! welding on and on.... Thanks for your kindness.

Michelle and Andy,

Your hammered copper female torso is what gave me the impetus for this piece. As I commented on your masterpiece, in my humble opinion, it is absolutely exquisite. "In my humble opinion," because I still consider myself a beginner, perhaps a novice at this point. At any rate, I'm always looking for a subject to work on... I have a lot of down time trying to think of what to make next. I'm grateful to you for the inspiration!

Thank you, J.R.

Paula,

Thank you so very much! Comments from this site, such as yours, really help motivate me to continue creating metal art. It's not always play... sometimes it does feel like work. Today I put in 10 hours making the base and armature for my new "Dancer II" (I procrastinated this long because I've been afraid that I couldn't make another one again... stupid, I know).

Thanks again... I really appreciate you and your comments!

J.R.

Hey J.R.
You just keep doing what your doing, regardless of the comments that are made.. when you're good, you're good!! and J.R. U R GOOD!
Paula
Guthrie, MN

Jr,
It is impressive how you keep turing out some great pieces of art. This torso is so much of a change compared to some of your earlier torsos. I really like the way this one flows, it has a lady type movement to it. Very nice. Just curious how did you finish off the back, just paint the inside flat black and let it or go or what?
warren
http://www.metalrecipes.com

Warren,

To answer your question, I'm posting the back side of the torso.

Thank you for your comments!

J.R.

Really like the texture; the brazing effect/skin tone and smooth/crater combo is great. Don't want to niggle, but, if representational is what you're after, based on the akimbo pose, the left breast should be slightly higher than the right. Right now they appear unnaturally symmetrical. of course it could be a boob job in which case I recant. Nice piece and the base is understated.

Sequoia,

Thank you for your comments and astute observation! Funny thing, my father (he's the real artist in the family) pointed out the very same flaw to me (it's good to have honest constructive criticism). I'm still a student/hobbyist at all of this, and that's how I learn.

Again, thank you!

J.R.

Big Bob,

I certainly do appreciate the female body, however, I did also make a man:

www.artmetal.com/images/sculpture_gallery/j_r_tamayo/2007/12/headless_man_completed"Headless Man

...the man was more surreal and interpretational.

I had a hard time with my female torso above the breasts with the metal warping from the heat of the MIG welding. Next time I'll weld some temporary flat bar behind, or a jig to hold'er down. Like you, I also have a high appreciation for the sternum. Believe it or not, I used a model for this piece, and she didn't have a noticeably pronounced sternum (some girls are like that, I know, I've seen many many of them [heeheehee]). But I sure do appreciate your observation and comments. Like I said, I'm still a novice.

Thanks, J.R.

J.R.-

I really like you work and your use of the body. .And by the way, your not a novice any more, so get that out of your mind; it's time!

Hi Don, thanks for the encouraging comments.

When I used to race motorcycles, the classes were: Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Expert, & Pro.
After a year doing metal art, and if you're right, I guess I can advance from Novice to Intermediate.

You reminded me of the thrill of advancing (in your craft) and the satisfaction of achievement.

Thanks again, J.R.

Hi J.R.,
I watched my son ice race on motorcycles today and he took first in the sportsman(novice) class both races. Some of the racers that he beat are also his teachers and they're as proud of him as I am.A good community just like this one right here.

Frank

Hey Frank,

Motorcycles have been my life-long passion, but are taking a back seat to metal art this time of the year. You should be very proud of your son... all of his competitor's tires, with their ice spikes, are like chain saws coming after him! Too chilling for me...

J.R.

I've really been looking for a bike to transform into an art bopper. have you attempted doing an art-bike?

don t.

For me, first and foremost, form has to follow function. I can't get myself to sacrifice functionality for the sake of art... I'll leave that to the boys at OCC

I have a nice trike that could use some sculpture work done on it Do you live near harrisburg Pa.??The whole back needs done.. Interested? Oh well maybe I'll get to it this spring............................................bigbob