Sculpting Fire - Feedback Needed

[CreganTur]

I need to sculpt some fire for a new commission, so I've done a few test pieces using slightly different techniques. The GS is still rough in a few places because I didn't want to spend a lot of time perfecting test pieces. I'd appreciate some feedback so I can know if I'm on the right track with this.

For this first piece I used a thin bladed sculpting tool to stretch and pull the putty up into a flame shape.

On this piece I used the blade to get in some rough shapes but mostly used tweezers to stretch the putty until it snapped, leaving behind flame tips.

On this one I used the same technique as #2, but I built it up with a couple of layers. First I did the center area and stretched it out. Once that cured I bulked on some more putty to each side and sculpted and stretched it into place.

 

[Telvin_3d]

Personally, I think #1 is the most effective of the three here. You get a better flow from the bottom to the top, with curves of flame. Of course it's hard to say more without knowing more about the project. No matter what method you decide to go for the paint job is going to sell it.

Depending on the specifics of the project I've gotten very interesting results from the transparent Vallejo Water Effects in the past. It isn't really suitable for big free-standing walls of fire, but for flames on surfaces or associated with other objects it can work very, very well. You can tint or colour it before applying and leave a partially transparent effect that can be touched up and highlighted. The way it dries back into sharp tips does a good flame. There is a article showing a wave here. Just image it in orange and yellow.

 

[BPI]

I think I'd try painting the three trial pieces Cregan & see which you find easiest to get a satisfying result from. Or at least give you more insight into how to approach a 4th trial at least

What kind of fire is it that you need? As in a large flame of a bonfire or a teensy torch and what is the fuel source, coals, wood, a jet of gas or an explosion?

I keep seeing all sorts of interesting faces in the shots of the first one, so I'll plump for that as the most appealing of the three

Cheers, B.

 

[CreganTur]

Well I'm actually lucky with this commission as I'm just doing conversion work- I won't be painting them. I'm converting some armored horses into Nightmares by replacing their manes, tails, and fetlocks with flames.