Clay - Arcy Art Original Oil Paintings Art Dictionary

Clay is the most widely used modelling material in sculpture and has universally been available since the beginning of time. One particular charecteristic which makes clay so suitable for sculpture, is its extreme malleability. Different clay used for modelling vary from the highly refined porcelains to the coarse sandy fire clays used for large terracottas.

Colours of modelling clay vary from bright red, yellow, terracotta and cream to black. Classically, terracotta was the preferred clay material for modelling and it is still very popular today. Sculptors also prefer grey clay which dries light grey and then can easily be painted.

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