The sculpture process - from drawing to bronze sculpture. The jumping horse.

The finished jumping horse bronze sculpture with multi-tonal patina which highlights this intricately detailed bronze sculpture of a leaping horse as she leaves the ground to clear a tall jump. 

The double reins and martingale of this bronze horse were added after the sculpture is cast in bronze.

See more bronze horse sculptures at www.corpany.com 

The finished clay sculpture is photographed and the photos are sent to the client for approval. Upon approval of the clay model, the bronze horse sculpture is ready to go to the foundry for the mold and lost wax bronze casting.

Hand drawn sketch for the jumping horse bronze sculpture, "Liftoff!"

This original sketch was done as a composite of a number of good photos supplied by the client. None of the photos captured the horse and rider in exactly the position I wanted, but I was able to get enough information from the measurements and photos to create this sketch. Once it was approved by the client, I went to work on the clay model. 

The clay model is formed by first building a metal armature, and then adding wire to the armature to support the legs, head and neck, and the tail of the horse. Then clay is added to the armature, shaped by hand and using various sculpting tools to create the form and detail of the bronze.

The difference an amazing patina makes on a bronze sculpture

I find the different patinas that are possible in bronze sculpture to be amazing. The appropriate application of heat and chemicals to the surface of a bronze sculpture cause chemical reactions in the metal which can bring out a myriad of gorgeous colors. The patina helps to bring a bronze horse sculpture to life. It also serves to seal and protect the surface of the metal.

Above is a Silver Nitrate patina on an Arabian horse bust. Patinas on this page are created by patina artist Laurie Tidwell.

It may well surprise you to learn that the patina on this pinto Arabian bust is not paint, but layers of different chemical reactions which change the color of the actual metal itself.

Patination is the process of applying layers of color to the surface of a bronze sculpture. The patina artist creates this color by applying chemicals on the sculpture with heat. Patina is also the natural reaction of bronze to atmospheric conditions, such as chemicals and humidity and even man made environmental conditions such as water from sprinklers. The artist or the foundry will protect the patina with coats of wax or a lacquer to deter change in the patina. Because atmospheric elements constantly work on bronze surfaces after leaving the foundry, certain steps can be taken by the art collector to help preserve the original patina of the bronze sculpture. 

Bronze is a very durable metal. Your bronze sculpture can last for centuries! The patina is the most delicate part of your bronze. Regular application of a wax coating to a bronze sculpture will help to keep the elements sealed out and prevent color changes in the patina.

Many bronze collectors prefer to let the wax coating wear thin and enjoy the natural reaction and aging process of the patina especially on outdoor bronze sculptures. 

Wise collectors consult with a patina artist, foundry, or art conservator regarding any major changes in your bronze sculpture's patina.