JR,
This piece is looking pretty graceful, I like the extension of the toes and the long legs with the little tush.

You are really getting that MIG welder down. I tried playing around a little with the direct sculpture method and for me lays a little too much metal in the wrong area. I switched back over to the torch.
warren
http://www.metalrecipes.com

Warren,

First, thank you for your comments.

Regarding "too much metal in the wrong area," I started noticing the characteristics of MIG welding. For instance, when you first begin a bead, it protrudes more, and as you continue & the metal heats up, the bead will have a tendency to flatten out. I use that to my advantage. For example, the way a calf muscle will bulge out mid-fibula, then flatten out at the crease behind the knee; or a quadracep will bulge above the knee and flatten out mid-thigh. Also gravity, takes a role. Sometimes I will weld a piece with the subject vertical; I'll turn the MIG full blast, weld a heavy bead (downwards), and let it naturally teardrop.

If that doesn't work, you can always grind it down and start over.

Thanks again, J.R.

Been there, done that..... and this too shall pass.... it gets better J.R. Really.

Paula
Guthrie, MN

J.R.,
Glad you have your priorities in the correct order,"spare the rod, spoil the child". The rod is love, investment of time , and guidance.Your son is lucky to have a parent like ya'll.
Just think of the creative tsunami that will happen when you can finally get back.
Peace & Prayers Bro
Frank

Enjoy it now whether he's good or "independant"....My son Damon is gone...off to college in Chicago. I guess he had a whacky lifestyle growing up with art shows and renovations....but he managed to excel....now he's on his own and I miss him....but he's living his own life for now.
You will miss it all when he's off to college or whereever.
Janet R. Enjoy your work , it will always be there for you.

Cooper,

Are you kidding? You're the one who lives in God's country. I love to take bike (motorcycle) rides to the Hill Country.

Yes, I'm just using a little Millermatic MIG w/argon mix. I like your notion of starting with mild steel and finishing with stainless. Is it harder to sculpt and texture using stainless? I'd like to see a piece created this way!

By the way, if you want to see a finished piece, my first Dancer is at:

http://www.artmetal.com/images/sculpture_gallery/j_r_tamayo/2007/05/dancer_figurine

Thanks for the input, and maybe I'll come out and visit you some time.

J.R.