Carved Plaster
Reclining Figure
with Negative Space Assignment
Name ______________________
Date _______________________
Period _____________________
In this assignment you will create a sculpture of an abstract reclining
figure using the subtractive process of carving plaster.
Study the works of sculptor Henry Moore. Notice how he has
condensed the figure down into its essential components. While the
sculptures do not look like “real” people we still recognize them as
people.
1. Begin by making sketches of a person in a minimum of 4 different
reclining/sitting poses. Don't worry about the details (face, fingers,
buttons, etc.). Concentrate on getting the proportions correct and
capturing the movement or gesture of the pose. Your aim is to create
a figure that successfully uses both positive and negative space. The
figure must incorporate a hole or other negative space to draw the
viewer’s attention around the sculpture.
2. Select your best pose and draw this one from 5 views (front, back,
left, right, and top). This step is VERY IMPORTANT because you
must see and understand how each view looks before you can sculpt
it. Keep in mind that you will be carving away the unneeded plaster
and if you carve too much off you can’t put it back on.
3. Mix and pour a volume of plaster according to the
“Intro to Plaster” directions. Allow the plaster to
harden for a day or two before beginning to carve.
4. Using a pencil, block out the main mass of the
sculpture. Using loop tools and chisels begin to
carve away the unneeded plaster. CAUTION!! DO
NOT hammer or try to chip away at the plaster, large
areas could easily break off!
5. Once the figure has been “block in” begin refining
the form smoothing the surface and proportions.
6. Finally, paint the sculpture in a “faux finish” that
resembles marble, granite, or bronze.
7. Critique your completed work.
Intro to Plaster
Name ____________________________________
Period ___________________________________
Date _____________________________________
Where does plaster come from?
Gypsum rock is a mineral found in large deposits throughout the world. This is quarried and the rock is
crushed. The rock is and heated to dehydrate it and drive off the chemically combined water. It is then
ground into a fine powder that we call PLASTER.
Two types of plaster are:
Hard plaster is also called gypsum cement. It is denser; its particles are smooth and regularly shaped, like a
grain of un-popped corn.
Soft plaster, also called Plaster of Paris or mold plaster. It is less dense; its particles are fluffy and
irregularly shaped like a kernel of popped popcorn. This is the type of plaster we use.
How plaster is made useable?
Hydration: Adding water. Mix plaster with water and it recombines chemically, turning to a state very much
like the original gypsum mineral rock from which it came. Hydration causes the formation of needle-like
crystals that interlock to form a solid. The unneeded water will evaporate.
Controlling the setting time (working period)
More water = crystals will be farther apart, the solid will be weaker, the plaster will take longer to set up.
Less water = crystals that are closer together, the solid is stronger; the plaster will set up faster.
Warmer water = the plaster will set up faster.
Cooler water = the plaster will set up more slowly.
Stir longer = the plaster will set up faster.
Stir less = the plaster will set up more slowly.
Setting Stages of Plaster
1. The plaster is set into a soft, but rigid mass.
2. The surface loses its wet, shiny appearance.
3. The mass increases in temperature and slightly expands (the larger the mass, the greater the heat.)
Adding wet plaster to dry plaster
If you try to add wet plaster onto dry plaster the dry plaster will absorb too much water from the wet plaster,
and the fresh plaster will not set properly. Always wet the original piece of plaster very thoroughly before
adding fresh to it.
Never wash plaster down the sink, as it will permanently clog the drain.
Working with Plaster Worksheet
Name _______________
Period ______________
Date ________________
Fill in the blanks with the correct response.
1. The rock the Plaster of Paris comes from is called ________________________________________.
2. Soft plaster particles are shaped like ______________________________ kernels’ of popcorn.
3. To lengthen the working time of plaster, use _________________________ water.
4. List two way to make plaster setup faster
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5. When plaster is dehydrated, the __________________________
_______________________
______________________ has be driven off.
6. Plaster of Paris is made usable by mixing it with ________________________________________.
7. If you need to add fresh plaster to old plaster, you must first
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_________________________________________________________________________________.
8. Write the most important rule to remember when working with plaster.
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