Gerald Gore Studios

Rocky Patel Sun Grown Sixty Review

2010-02-20T05:42:00.000-08:00

The Rocky Patel Sun Grown Sixty was one of those cigars that didn't live up to my expectations. Don't get me wrong this is a great looking stick but the peppery spice was really just too much for my pallet to handle.

Read the full Rocky Patel Sun Grown Sixty review to see why I really did not care for this cigar.

All the best.

Victor Sinclair Vintage Select Review

2010-02-10T05:38:00.000-08:00

One of the biggest surprises that I have come across is the Victor Sinclair Vintage Cigar. I've had other Victor Sinclair cigars and so far none of them compare to the flavor of the Vintage Select. There are a lot of great properties for these little stogies which I have outlined in my review.

Read the full Victor Sinclair Vintage Select cigar review to see why I really liked this stick.

Tatiana Vanilla Cigar Review

2010-02-06T09:39:00.000-08:00

Out of all of the flavored cigars that I have tried the Tatiana's are by my favorite. They are hands down better than the competition and the classic vanilla flavoring is by far my favorite. I recently added Tatiana vanilla cigar review page covering in detail why I think this is the best flavored cigar around.

Those of you that do enjoy flavored cigars should try these tasty treats.

All the best,
Gerald

New Cigar Reviews Website

2010-01-28T12:47:00.000-08:00

I have a variety of interest outside of art and one of them being cigars over the past few years. I'm currently working putting together a cigar reviews website that list some of my favorite and not so favorite cigars. I have my own unique ratings system on what I like and do not like. Over time I'll make a post here on some of my latest reviews but you can read the latest reviews at cigarreviewdude.com.

All the best,
Gerald

African Scarification Sculpture

2009-09-14T04:35:00.000-07:00

On my sculpting tutorial website (www.polymerclayfan.com) I've been reworking one of my older projects that I started a couple of years ago. For the past year I have predominantly been sculpting with wax so picking up the Super Sculpey again has been a little bit of an adjustment.

What I do like about Super Sculpey is that I can easily manipulate the shapes of my sculpture with just my fingers. This is especially handy when smoothing out a large section of the sculpture. Wax requires a lot more work in the smoothing out area but the overall benefits of sculpting with wax (no armature, hard to mess up the details) still make it my favorite medium to sculpt with.

It's nice to switch materials from time to time and each time I do so I think I learn a little more about sculpting. For those interested in the tutorial, you can follow my African Scarification sculpture here.

Dark Fantasy Artist

2009-07-14T17:17:00.001-07:00

There is a new website in the works for dark fantasy art. Fantasy artwork always pushes the limits of the imagination and the goal for this site is to showcase the different subjects used and also show off some of the artist in that genre.

For those that have a love for the dark arts I invite you to visit Dark Fantasy Artist at http://www.darkfantasyartist.com/. The site is new and will grow over time.

All the best,
Gerald

Headhunter bodybuilding t shirt design

2009-06-04T15:18:00.001-07:00

It has been awhile since I have drawn anything so I decided to take the plunge and teach myself how to draw again (sculpting in all honesty is where I'm most comfortable). Here is a new hardcore bodybuilding t shirt design for ironbodies.com. I should have more to come in the future.

- Gerald

Atlatntis Painted

2009-01-26T12:12:00.000-08:00

This project ended up taking a lot longer than I expected but I'm happy to say that it is finally finished. The seahorse and the rider were hand painted with airbrush and acrylic paints. I also used chalk to help paint some of the skin tones on the rider.
The pictures below were taken by Bryan Thome.

You can view more pictures of the sculpture, and some work-in-progress pictures of my new project, on my website fantasy art website

All the best,
Gerald

Atlantis finished!

2008-11-25T08:09:00.001-08:00

Finally finished this peice (minus some minor cleanup work).

Seahorse Sculpture

2008-11-01T12:46:00.001-07:00

It has been a long time coming but I'm finally getting a lot closer to completion with this piece. Hopefully in the next week or two I can have this sculpture behind me.

Still deciding on the name but as for now I'm leaning towards "Guardian of Atlantis"

Thanks for looking.

Gerald

Sculpting with Wax

2008-08-12T17:07:00.001-07:00

I've been wanting to try sculpting with wax for some time so I finally bit the bullet purchased a few pounds of wax a few months back. I'm mainly a polymer clay artist so there has been a learning curve with wax. The sculpture is still a work-in-progress but here is a sneak peak of what I have come up with so far.

I have also put together a little article that compares wax with polymer clay. You can read about it on the following link:

http://www.polymerclayfan.com/sculpting-with-wax-vs-polymer-clay.htm

All the best,
Gerald Gore

Making progress on the Centaur

2008-04-02T10:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I took some time off from sculpting but I'm back at it again full force. I'm still working on my centaur but I have made a lot of progress since my last post.

I still have a long ways to go on this piece but it is progressing along nicely. As expected the anatomy for the horse has been a challenge but I have made progress with it.

The attached picture isn't all that great so I'll try to take some better pics for the next time I make a post.

You can see a front shot of this sculpture at http://www.polymerclayfan.com/images/Centaur-front.jpg.

All the best,
Gerald

Centaur - WIP

2007-08-30T06:39:00.001-07:00

I've wanted to sculpt a centaur for some time now but have never scheduled my time to work on it. I have quite a few sculptures on my bench right now that I need to complete but I've just reached a point where I have to sculpt my centaur. This sculpture has probably been on my mind for about 7 to 8 months so that is why I really think it is time to exclusively work on it for the time being.
My approach for this piece is to complete the easiest areas first (human anatomy in my case) and then spend the rest of the time focusing on sculpting the harder parts of this particular piece (the horse anatomy). I've only sculpting one complete horse so I'm not as familiar with it as I am with sculpting people. This piece will be a good challenge for me and I expect to learn a lot in the process.

So to cut to the chase, here is a sneak peak of my centaur....

For those that are interested I usually post sneak peaks for my work-in-progress sculptures in my sculpting tutorial newsletter located at www.polymerclayfan.com.

How to sculpt a dog

2007-06-15T06:04:00.000-07:00

For the dog lovers out there I have created a step-by-step tutorial on how to sculpt a dog using polymer clay. I have already sculpted quite a few dog portraits in the past and have enjoyed each and every portrait that I have created.

The image to the left is my latest dog portrait and was created as a gift for my wife. We have a new pitbull puppy and has made her claim that this will be "her" dog (you can read the details why on the tutorial introduction page).

You can view the full Dog Portrait Sculpture tutorial on PolymerClayFan.com

Free sculpting tutorials

2007-06-14T05:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't posted much here lately since I have been focusing most of my time working on my polymer clay tutorial site. The site offers free tutorials that show step-by-step progress shots of some of my latest work. I've already made a few post about the site and want to extend an invitation for those have not had a chance to visit it yet. I've also included a gallery section that shows some of the artwork that I have created with polymer clay.

I also have a free newsletter that I send out usually twice a month. You should be able to subscribe to the newsletter on just about every page of the site. The newsletter gives additional sculpting tips (outside what is covered in the tutorials), recap of the previous tutorials and occassionally a sneak peak of future lessons.

Browse all the tutorials on the site and shoot me an email if you have any questions.

All the best,
Gerald

2007-03-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

I'm doing a sculpting series on a sculpture based off of Charlie Daniel's "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" song. I'm taking photos at each stage to show the step-by-step progress of how the sculpture is created. The name of the sculpture is The Fiddler and you can watch its progression on my polymer clay sculpting tutorial site.

Below is a current picture of the sculpture.

- Gerald

Makeover to Polymer Clay site

2007-03-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

I've done a makeover to my Polymer Clay Fan site and I'm starting to add new sculpting tutorials to it. The url has changed to www.polymerclayfan.com now but you can still get to it from the old url www.polymer-clay-fan.com.

I'm going to start doing more sculpting series on the site where I build tutorials on how a sculpture is created from beginning to end. I've just started a new series called the Fiddler which is loosly based on Charlie Daniels "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" song. I also have future plans to do a series on a Centuar (half man/half horse) and whatever other ideas pop in my head.

Gerald

Sculpting With a Mirror

2007-02-15T04:50:00.000-08:00

I wrote a new article on my Polymer Clay Fan site that goes into detail on how I use a mirror to help improve the symmetry of my sculptures. Sometimes it is hard to notice flaws when looking straight at a sculpture. At other times you can look at a sculpture and tell that something is off but you are not quite sure what it is. A mirror really helps point out the symmetrical flaws and is a good tool for improving the technical aspects of a sculpture.

Anyways you can read more about this technique by clicking on the link below.

Sculpting with a mirror

At the bottom of this page is a current picture of the latest sculpture that I am working on (and the sculpture that I used in my mirror tutorial). This is an updated picture from my "New Warrior Angel" post that I made on January the 18th. I'm building out this sculpture in my limited free time so it's probably going to take awhile to finish this piece :-(.

New tutoral on making a sword

2007-01-29T08:58:00.000-08:00

I've put together a new tutorial with step-by-step instructions on how to make a sword out of polymer clay. I've had some time to document a few projects so I'm adding a few tutorials to my Polymer Clay Fan site. Click here to find out how to make a sword with polymer clay.

The tutorial is pretty easy and should give everyone a foundation for creating some cool looking swords.

- Gerald

New Warrior Angel

2007-01-18T16:03:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week I started working on a new Warrior Angel sculpture. If you haven't been to www.warrior-angels.com then go check it out for step-by-step pictures as I create this sculpture. So far I have added a few post and plan to use the blog to update the status of the sculpture.

For those of you that are interested, this is a great opportunity to get a little taste of what it is like to create a sculpture.

Take care,

Gerald

Warrior Angels Site

2007-01-11T06:36:00.000-08:00

I have created a new site for my warrior angel sculptures. The URL to website is www.warrior-angels.com

I will use the blog format for this site to keep the content fresh. I have plans to show work-in-progress pics and tutorials on my upcoming sculptures.

Seadragon finished

2007-01-09T17:20:00.000-08:00

I finally finished sculpting my seadragon. The images below show the dragon before and after it was painted. This was a fun sculpture to work and the first dragon I have sculpted to date. I have plans to sculpt a more traditional dragon in the future but I'll save that one for another post.

I have also included a tutorial on how I created the base for this sculpture on my polymer clay site. You can view the tutorial by clicking here.

Canvas on Demand

2006-11-15T14:38:00.000-08:00

Canvas on Demand is offering great deals this holiday season to transfer you family photographs to a canvas. This is a great opportunity to transfer your favorite family pictures to a work of art.

You can learn more about Canvas on Demand by click on the link below.

Canvas on Demand

Sea Dragon - WIP Pics

2006-09-15T15:43:00.000-07:00

I had an itch to sculpt a dragon but I wanted to do something different then the traditional dragon artwork that is available today. This sculpture will be of a sea dragon and I plan to add a sea landscape and some fish to the sculpture.

I still have a long ways to go on this one but here is what I have come up with so far.

- Gerald

Creating skin

2006-09-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

My latest article on my Polymer Clay Site shows you step-by-step on how to sculpt skin. As you can see in the image to the left, the creature has a detailed skin texture in the next, torso and arms.

This technique takes some time to master but it is a great way to add a new level to your sculptures. I really like this technique and will be using it on a lot more of my future artwork.

You can read the sculpting tutorial by clicking here.

All the best,

Gerald Gore

Sculpting Hands

2006-08-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

Some of the hardest things that I have come found to sculpt are hands and eyes. I don't know why, they are just shapes like anything else but for some reason they always present themselves as a challenge. I have a little technique that I will share with you that I use for most of the hands that I sculpt but keep in mind that this is not the only method that you can use to sculpt hands.

The technique that I use does not require an armature which has its advantages and disadvantages. I've have used and armature in the past but the problem I found is when I decided later on in the sculpting to move the fingers. The fingers can still be moved when using an armature but the detail work can sometimes get damaged in the process. The disadvantage sculpting hands without an armature is that you do not get the additional support that an armature provides. If the hand you are sculpting is just hanging by the side it really is not an issue, however if your character is holding something like a sword it can then be a problem.

Read More (photo images included)

How can Google make you a better sculptor?

2006-08-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

Every time I approach a new idea for a sculpture I always look at it as a learning experience. My personal goal is to challenge myself with each new piece. The more I push myself the more my skills grow over time. If you want to grow as an artist then you should always challenge yourself with something new; always try to push yourself to the limits with each piece. No matter how difficult a subject matter may be for you today, if you keep practicing then over time you will master it.

Read More

Baking polymer clay sculptures in the oven

2006-08-07T04:08:00.000-07:00

One of the best properties for polymer clay is that a kiln is not necessary to cure the clay. Polymer clay can be baked at low temperatures and the household oven or toaster oven is all that you need.I predominately use Super Sculpey so the instructions below will use Super Sculpey for the example. However, no matter what clay you use, you should be able to see baking instructions for it on the box or container that the clay came in.Super Sculpey’s instructions recommend baking your sculpture at 275 degrees for 15 minutes for every ¼ of an inch in thickness. If you have a sculpture that is over ¼ an inch thick then I would recommend either backing the sculpture in stages or lowering the temperature and baking the sculpture for a longer period of time.

Read More

Using Dental Tools for sculpting

2006-08-07T04:02:00.000-07:00

When I first started sculpting with Super Sculpey I went out and purchased a little $5 set of plastic sculpting tools at my local Hobby Lobby. These tools were great for the time and I used them consistently for about a year and half to two years. However, as my skills improved I started to realize the limitations of my starter set of sculpting tools.

Read more

Using Q-tips for sculpting

2006-07-09T17:15:00.000-07:00

One of the best tools that I personally use for sculpting is a Q-tip. A Q-tip, when soaked in 90% alcholol, is a great tool to smooth out and detail a sculpture. It is inexpensive, easy to use, and an all around neat tool for creating amazing looking detail. You can read more here.

2006-06-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to work on more projects for my site www.polymer-clay-fan.com which I believe will add some great tips and tricks for those interested in sculpting. Down the road I will include articles on the different tools that I personally use and some step by step tutorials on some of my latest sculpting projects.

I just posted an article on pasta machines and how they are a great tool to shortcut the conditioning and mixing clay process. You can learn more about this great tool by clicking here.

Check back frequently since I plan to add new articles on other tools and techniques that I use to creat my artwork.

All the best,

Gerald

Polymer Clay Fan

2006-06-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

I have a new site out that is dedicated to my favorite sculpting medium. Polymer clay has a lot of great benefits and anyone interested in sculpting, jewelry making or crafts. The name of the website is Polymer Clay Fan and it will be growing over time. As of right now I have articles on the following:

Polymer Clay Art - this is an overview for polymer clay art. In the article I give a few examples of some of my in-progress and completed artwork.
Polymer Clay Projects - looking for a fun project to do with the kids? Learn how to create Christmas ornaments with polymer clay.
Polymer Clay Jewelry - Jewelry and polymer clay go together like peanut butter and jelly. Polymer clay is the perfect medium for creating unique and amazing wearable art.
Polymer Clay Books - there are a lot of great resources out there that will help but the novice and experienced become better artist. I list a few books that I recommend if you are interested in polymer clay art.

I'll add more articles to the website in the future but this is a good start for those interested in learning more about polymer clay.

Gerald

Pet Sculptures

2006-02-22T15:36:00.000-08:00

One thing that I love when it comes to sculptures is anything depicting animals, domestic or wildlife. I've loved animals all my life any really enjoy sculpting them. Years before I discovered sculpting I was already collecting wildlife figurines from Mill Creek Studios (I still love their art today).

I recently got an opportunity to create a pet sculpture for a client. I've created sculptures of pets in the past and they really are a great way to remember a loving friend. As a matter of fact, I have even created sculptures of my own pets.

Anyways, the picture to the left of the screen is my latest pet sculpture.

Gerald
www.geraldgore.com

Of One Soul

2005-12-03T11:29:00.000-08:00

I have a lot of different sculptures on the bench right now and I have decided to put them aside and work on a new one for Christmas. My new sculpture, which is a work-in-progress, is called 'Of One Soul'. I am a big fan of wildlife art so the sculpture gives me an opportunity to sculpt a variety of animals that can be found in North America.

A little about the sculpture
'Of One Soul' symbolizes the unity of the American Indian and the environment around them. The sculpture is a collage of an Indian, wolf, eagle and a bear. The collage will be attached to a rocky base with hidden images of paw prints, arrows and other neat items that pop into my head to add. I used an elderly Indian in my sculpture because I see our aging population as those with experience and wisdom. I also purposely designed the stare and facial expressions for all of the images to be the same. In essence the actions of one reflects on the lives of the other.

My goals are to have a limited run of the sculpture available for Christmas gifts to my extended family and then release it to the public sometime first quarter next year. If you would like to be notified when the sculpture becomes available, you can send an email to info@geraldgore.com. Be sure to indicate that you are interested in the availability of this sculpture.

Thanks for looking,
Gerald Gore

The Hunt - Work in Progress photo

2005-11-10T19:58:00.000-08:00

Still working on "The Hunt". Here is a pic where I have begun to build out one of the wings. I still have a ways to go so stay posted for more details.

- Gerald

Angel Warriors

2005-11-07T10:56:00.000-08:00

I am starting a new site that is dedicated to my angel artwork. The url for the site is www.warrior-angels.com. I plan to include production and up and coming pieces on this site.

My Angels

2005-10-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

When you close your eyes and picture an angel in your mind, what do you see? Do you see a very elegant being in a robe or a mighty warrior ready to remove any harm that may come your way? In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with either visual but I myself prefer the latter of the two. You see, I view angels as very powerful beings, I personally view them as warriors ready for battle!

To say that my angles are very unique is an understatement. I have searched all over the web ,and brick and mortar stores, and have never found another artist create anything like this.

I have been working on a sculpture of a new angel in my spare time and thought I would post some pics of where I am planning to take this sculpture. The attached picture is a mock-up of what my angel may look like once it is complete. My current sculpture does not have wings yet and is not painted. I have painted a picture of the sculpture and given him wings to give you a feel for the direction that I am taking this piece.

If you want to see more of my artwork you can view them at http://www.geraldgore.com/Thanks for viewing,Gerald

2005-10-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

Halloween is almost here and I have been busy, busy, busy carving pumpkins this year. If you learn the right techniques you can carve some amazing designs with pumpkins. For example, you can take a photograph and create a pumpkin carving that looks just like it. Check out my pumpkin carving site for some great tips and tricks to making some amazing pumpkins. My pumpkin carving site is located at http://www.cool-pumpkins.geraldgore.com

Or you can get my Pumpkin Carving e-book with over 100 pages of instructions on how to create the most amazing pumpkins you have ever seen by clicking HERE.

Introduction

2005-10-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hello,

First of all I would like to welcome you to my blog. My name is Gerald Gore and I am a self-taught artist. The goal of this blog is to keep you informed with my latest works. You can also view some of my artwork by visiting my site at http://www.geraldgore.com.

Take care,
Gerald