Mastering Portraiture Advanced Analyses of the Face Sculpted in Clay Hardcover – September 1, 2009

There are so many subtleties when sculpting the human face. This book shows outstanding, clear photos and explanation of the structure under the skin that plays a factor in the surface of the skin. I have Faraut's videos which are a wonderful beginning study of the important basics of how to sculpt the clay for the correct mass in all of the areas of the head which is necessary for the basic foundation. However, the finest of details couldn't be addressed in the videos. This book covers those minute details and nuances that make all the difference in your finished product. EVERY feature is broken down. For example, the mouth: the concave and convex portions of the mouth, the puffiness at the corners of the mouth, the way the lip doesn't actually begin at the area where it most protrudes. The photos accompanying these concepts allow you to understand and see the differences between the incorrect and correct application of clay. It answered all of my questions about how to render the head in a much more realistic and beautiful way.

Philippe Faraut's book is without a doubt the most informative and clear book on sculpture technique I have found. It is well laid out with with beautiful pictures and fantastic insights garnered from a career of great work. If you want a great book on technique you need to get this one. This should be part of every sculptor's book collection. Every sculptor I have shown it to has been blown away by it. At present I have both of his books and they ae terrific. I have also watched most of his videos. Thy are incredibly clear and straight forward. I found myself thinking differently and working better then ever before. Every time i pick it up and reread it, I discover something new. I cannot recommend it enough!!!

I'm a sculptor, and Philippe Faraut's books are AMAZING!!!! I have the entire collection and they are worth Every penny!!! I sculpt miniature figures, approximately 1.5 inches tall by 1/4 wide and Faraut's books have helped me take my work to a whole new level!Not only does he provide crystal clear images of the anatomy but he also includes helpful tips to find body landmarks.With Faraut's books you must have a general working knowledge of the body or be willing to brush up on your anatomy 101. I cannot recommend this book, as well as all of his other books more highly! I cannot wait to take one of his classes.Sincerely,Mrs. "I"

I recommend this book to anyone interested in classical sculpture

Outstanding sculpture reference book. Excellent illustrations. Purchased as a gift for a fellow artist.(I already had a copy)

Four years ago when I started making sculptures, I didn't have a clue what to do with my clay. Today I am an accomplished sculptorOf course the work must be done but without Philippe Faraut's books I never could have accomplished any of my many sculptures. I never took any lesson outside of the 2 books and his DVDs. Philippe is a true master and a great teacher.

Just beginning to go through this book, very well illustrated, great tips and interesting approach to getting the basics formed so later your not starting over. Sculpture is a never ending learning process, developing the eye, understanding shapes, refining nuance, this book and the others of Mr. Faraut are a excellent sources to get it right.

The BEST book on facial sculpting I’ve ever seen