Merry Christmas Everyone

100 percent better, but still a bit weak, so coming back slow but sure. Merry Christmas to all my dear YouTube and FaceBook Friends..

Mountain Man Pose Reworked

Out of my sick bed and back at the sculpting stand. I rework the design of the Mountain Man's pose, using the 24 inch TruForm Armature system.

A Bit Under the Weather Today

Suffering from a cold... going to be in bed for a few days.. Nothing really bad.. just a cold.

Sam Commission Delivered to the Foundry and a New Project Started

Got back from the foundry late afternoon after leaving the sitting version of "Sam" at the foundry to start the process of casting it into bronze. Got home and thought of starting a new project...

Sam Commission Finalized Today Foundry Tomorrow

Sam, the Commission, is done today. I worked on it a bit today.. just improving the fur, while waiting for the client, Todd Connor, to stop by my house and studio, to approve the clay. He worked on it and I worked on it for several hours till we had the clay finished. I'll be taking the clay to the foundry this week.

Sam Commission Hair Texturing today

Putting in final hair texturing on "Sam" today. Plotting out the direction of his mane around his neck.. Very complicated.

Distant War Cries Wax Works Feathers and Shield

Distant War Cries, was left at the foundry, Adnois Bronze, in Alpine Utah, be finished there by a hired artist. None of the feathers on the clay had been anything but sketches with no details. So today I made feathers for the clay out of wax and sent them out today to he foundry so they can add them to the clay. I'm very very particular about how my feathers look.

Sam Commission - Small Clay Delivered to the Foundry in Bozeman

Finally got the small clay of SAM finished to Todd's liking. So we delivered it to the foundry to begin the casting process. Probably take 8 to 10 weeks to complete the order in bronze.

Touch the Clouds Heading to Lehi Utah and Adonis Bronze

Trying to make a really fast trip to Adonis Bronze in Lehi Utah. About a 400 mile trip. Fast because Winter Storms are heading this way, and the first 100, going to, and the last 100 miles, coming back, is in an area of over 6,000 Feet Above Sea Level and when it snows there, it don't snow in inches.. it snows in Feet... I'm going down to Adonis Bronze to clean up Touch The Clouds so they can make a rubber mold of it and start the casting in bronze of this piece. Mountain Trails Gallery wants it in their Gallery before Christmas, so it's a bit of a rush trip there to fix it up. I also took with me the unfinished clay of Distant War Cries, for Adam, the owner of Mountain Trails Gallery in both Park City and Jackson Wyoming, to look at it for possibly displaying it in one of his galleries... He saw it and decided to get it cast into bronze as well.. so that one is in the process as well. Good trip.. got there and back home with just a small section of Skating Rink icy roads... Busy busy busy.

Touch the Clouds Working on his Shield

I need to get "Touch the Clouds" ready to be cast into Bronze. I'm working on his shield, that will be added to the clay.

Sam Commission Last Day on the Small Version of this commission

Just little touch ups and adjustments today... Going to be taking the small version of "SAM" to the foundry. Once that is done I'll be back on the larger one to finish it up as well.

Sam Commission - Two Part Video - A Conversation and Sculpting

Todd came over today to watch me work on the clay he commissioned me to do. While I worked, he and I just had a great conversation, about old artist friends, and his time as a Navy Seal, and me on an Aircraft Carrier in the 60s. It's in two parts, because other length of the conversation.. I hope you'll enjoy that, and of course the sculpting.

Sam Commission Re Adjusting the Small Version of Sam

Reworking the position of the form of "SAM" on it's base. The front legs will be cut off and redone because of the lack of length. It's what you have to do with any artwork you do. You have to constantly re-evaluate what you do with your creation.

Sam Commision - Still detailing

just more detailing.. endless.. detailing..

2015 30th Annual, Hunter's Feed, Ennis Montana

Hunters Feed and Wild Game Cook Off is a very popular event for locals, neighbors and visiting hunters. Started as a way to clean out the freezer of last years game before hunting season. Merchants on Main Street cook up exotic wild game dishes and serve their culinary delights in front of their shops. Dishes such as wild pheasant with dill sauce, deer fudge, moose meatballs and elk chili delight diners. Visitors vote for the best dish and judges select other category winners. A great kick-off to hunting season in the Madison Valley. This event is always held on the Friday afternoon prior to opening day of big game rifle hunting season.

Sam Commission - Todd Connor, the client, puts his two cents worth in to...

Todd Connor, the client, and artist friend, stopped by my home studio to check out the clay of "Sam". He wanted to add some features to Sam's head that he'd grown to know over the years of owning Sam. He's an accomplished artist himself, so I told him, "go ahead.. Have at it." He did a great job adding things that only an owner would remember.

Sam Commission - Final Texturing, Hopefully

Late in the evening, and I'm just putting textures into the fur. I'll be showing it to the client tomorrow.

Final Day of Coloring Somewhere A Cowboys Walkin

14 hours to color "Somewhere A Cowboys Walkin". Talk about your complicated work of art. It's finished now and is just waiting to be based... crated.... and shipped to the client. I just know he's going to be very excited when He gets this bronze.

.Sam Commission - Nose Job Today

As I came back to the clay late this afternoon, I could see a potential problem with the head of the clay of "Sam" a Blue Heeler/Border Collie mixed Dog I'm sculpting. The eyes looked strange and the nose looked off.. wasn't sure why till I checked against a photo of Sam's face. I found the nose ran down instead of level with the forehead of the dog.
I made an incision at the base of the dogs nose, a wedge cut out of the clay and then moving the nose up, mindful of the armature inside the clay.. I corrected the angle. Wala.. it worked. The eyes now looked better and the face change a lot.
Funny how a small change can turn the whole look. I learned that years ago from another sculptor who's no longer with us. That's what it takes, years of learning and making mistakes and then correcting them.

.Two Days of Coloring Somewhere a Cowboys Walkin and Still not Finished

Spent the last two days coloring "Somewhere a Cowboy's Walkin" and still haven't got it finished. Tanner who's coloring it is doing a great job on it. It's probably the hardest of all my bronzes to color... Hopefully it will be finished by Monday so I can photograph it, and then get it shipped to the client.

Sam Commission - Hair Texture, Yeah Exciting Stuff

I started the hair texturing on the clay of Sam. Time consuming, and tedious... Using a candle, I heat the metal tool up to get a certain effect in that texturing . Hopefully giving the impression of long hair where there is long hair and short where there's short hair. You know.... Tedious...

Sam Commission Fine Tuning his Face and Eyes

Sam's face looked like he'd been in a fight. I needed to redo his eyes and muzzle.
I started with the eyes, then noticed the structure of his muzzle was thicker near the eyes, so I reworked that area.
then onto the nose and mouth. Tomorrow, I'll start working on the hair.

Sam Commission - Working on the Front Legs

Near the end of working on this piece. I mainly worked on his front legs and his hind legs. Next the face and then the final detailing of the hair on Sam.

Somewhere a Cowboy's Walkin - Making the Base out of Foam

This video is from 2009. It was blocked in many countries because of copyright music I used. I went to my Youtube video and was able to remove the offensive music.. So Youtube reloaded this today without the music. I have no idea how they did that. It's of me creating the base for "Somewhere a Cowboy's Walkin" using Taxidermy Foam.

Sam Commission - Sam Starts to Appear

Couldn't sleep last night so I got to work on the clay of the large version of the two copies of Sam, Todd's pet. I left off yesterday, not really happy with the way it looked, and starting today, I nearly tore it up.. but I held back, and gave it a chance. It's working. I feel Sam's spirit in this clay. I have fine tuning to do on it, but all in all, it looks less like a Giraffe every day.. haha

Sam Commission Starting the Sitting Sam

My friend Todd commissioned me to do two versions of his pet, Sam. Sam passed away a while back, and he wanted me to do two bronzes of him to honor his memory. Today I started the second one of him sitting.

Sam Commission Fine Tuning the Small One of Sam

Just putting the finishing touches to the small version of the two copies of Sam, Todd's pet.

First 12 minutes of a New Instructional DVD - Creation of "Somewhere Cowboy's Walkin"

A New Instructional DVD that will show the creation, from making the armatures,. to detailing. I also show working out the design for the piece, using forming a Marquette out of wax and bailing wire,  then using a unique form of reference to create drawings to work out movement of the horses.. Yes I said horses.. 5 to be exact. That's how "Somewhere a Cowboys Walkin" came to life on April 1st 2009.
Someone asked me how I came up with the story and the design, yesterday, and got the fire burning in me. This is going to be probably the best Instructional DVD I've ever made.

                                    "Somewhere a Cowboys Walkin" in the finished Bronze

Another Day of Fine Tuning - From a Video Published July 22nd 2010

This is a clay, that never got cast. It spent 3 years in foundry waiting... It eventually just started to fall apart, and had to be cut down to just the head. I then became my bronze "The Protector"... The sad thing is, this was an amazing piece.. lost forever.

This is he picture of "The Protector". This went from the tall clay above to the bust below.

Somewhere A Cowboy's Walkin - p17 from June 9th 2009

This was from June 9th 2009
While I was creating "Somewhere a Cowboy's Walkin" I produced this video during one of my modeling sessions with a local cowboy, Harry. I was taking photos of him for a local talent agency, MMM Talent Agency. He was dressed as a late 1800s Cowboy. I took the opportunity to get some reference shots for not only the cowboy's horse but also for the cowboy.

Photo of the finished, "Somewhere a Cowboy's Walkin"

Sam Commission - I'm putting a small base under the Dog Sculpture

Back on the Commission again. I'm making a base for the dog to sit on. There's some writing on the top of the Urn it's going on, and a base on the dog will cover that. I also cut the dog in half to lengthen him.

At the Foundry Checking on the bronze of "Somewhere a Cowboys Walking"

Took the Viking bust to the foundry to get a bid on the mold and bronze production it would incur. I also was told that, "Somewhere a Cowboy's Walkin", was being welded together. So I took the opportunity to get a video of that.

Sam Commission My Client Todd and I Decide on the Pose for his Border ...

After making the armature, using Aluminum Armature Wire from Sculpture Depot, my friend and client, Todd and I work out the pose.
It will be the, Border Collie/Blue Heeler Dog, that was his friend and pet for over 13 years. He'll be sitting on a rocky surface. Todd, an X Navy Seal, goes off into the mountains for walks, to keep in shape and Sam was always by his side. It would be a familiar pose to Todd.

Sam Commission Making the Armature for the Dog

Using Aluminum Armature Wire from Sculpture Depot, I make the armature for the Dog sculpture I'll be doing of my friend's pet, who passed away, almost 2 months ago. 

Sam was his name and he was cherished by everyone who knew him.

CHAVANT NSP soft clay Preparing it for Use - Clay From Sculpture Depot

I'm finished with my old clay and I'm now starting to work with Chavant once again. I used Chavant back in the early 70s, and got to the point when I'd order it, the gentleman in Red Bank New Jersey got to know my voice..

Creating a VIKING BUST Instructional DVD by David Lemon - Review of the DVD

I just finished my Instructional DVD on creating a Bust of a Viking.. Had a great time making it and hope you'll enjoy it as well...

Start of a New Instructional DVD Peek at the New DVD Part 4 The Viking Appears

I am retiring one of my Instructional DVDs, "Creating a Small Male Bust" video, and I'm going to replace it with this new Video. "Creating a Small Male Bust" Was the very first DVD I ever did, an it was a good video.. but I just think I can do better. Here's a Peek at part 4 of my new instructional DVD

Start of a New Instructional DVD Peek at the New DVD Part 3

I am retiring one of my Instructional DVDs, "Creating a Small Male Bust" video, and I'm going to replace it with this new Video. "Creating a Small Male Bust" Was the very first DVD I ever did, an it was a good video.. but I just think I can do better. Here's a Peek at part 3 of my new instructional DVD

Start of a New Instructional DVD - Peek at the New DVD Part 2

I am retiring one of my Instructional DVDs, "Creating a Small Male Bust" video, and I'm going to replace it with this new Video. "Creating a Small Male Bust" Was the very first DVD I ever did, an it was a good video.. but I just think I can do better. Here's part 2's Peek at the Video.

Start of a New Instructional DVD - The First Seven Minutes Un-Cut

I am retiring one of my Instructional DVDs, "Creating a Small Male Bust" video, and I'm going to replace it with this new Video.
"Creating a Small Male Bust" Was the very first DVD I ever did, and it was a good video.. but I just think I can do better.
I'll be updating little peeks at the video as I work on it.

Foundry and "Somewhere a Cowboy's Walkin" Now in Wax

Went to Northwest Art Castings in Bozeman Montana to check on the progress of the bronze I ordered hear the end of last month.
 Somewhere a Cowboy's Walkin
 It's not only in wax but they're making the ceramic mold of the waxes. It'll be in bronze this week and the first part of next week.. which means it should done and colored week after next.

Taking Someone's Memories and Putting Then Into Clay Sam

I was commissioned by my artist friend, Todd Connor, to do a portrait of his dog, Sam, who had to be put to sleep a few weeks back.
It's hard to try and capture a friends memories in clay, but alas, that's what artists have to do occasionally.

Working on the Warriors shirt then starting a new project A Commission

Spent a short time on my warrior, "Uprising", and then got a call from an artist friend. He's asked me to do a portrait of a pet.. More than a pet, a member of his family, his dog, Sam. He had to be put to sleep a couple of weeks ago, and my friend want's me to do a portrait to be cast into bronze of him. Actually two portraits.. One small and another a bit larger.
So I'm setting "Uprising" aside for a few days.

Reviewing Chavant's LE BEAU TOUCHÉ HIGH MELT CLAY

I took a video from 2013, where I reviewed Chavant's LE BEAU TOUCHÉ HIGH MELT CLAY, and repoasted it here on Youtube.
Claude Chavant was a French chemist who developed Professional Plasteline in 1892. He founded the company named Chavant at that time. The Plasteline name was trademarked in 1927. Chavant's been a leader in creating professional clays for a very long time.
You can purchase Chavant from Sculpture Depot in Loveland Colorado.

Evaluating Chavant's MONU-MELT Clays Soft, Medium, and Hard Clay

I was sent a few samples of the large supply of clays from Chavant Clay Supply. This is the first review of their clay. In this I test the MONU-MELT clay. The Soft, Medium and hard versions of this clay.

MONU-MELT brings all of the qualities of Clayette 0 a sulfur-free, non-hardening, tack-free, odor-free, and flexible clay - into a formula that can be melted and applied to a CNC foam armature by brush. By popular demand this material has been introduced in a Dark Forest Green Color.

MONU-MELT should be melted in a range from 180 to 200 degrees F. Keeping the clay above 200 degrees F will result in bubbling of the liquid clay. This bubbling is mostly aesthetic, and will not affect the characteristics of the cool clay.

Studio At Home Ready For Creativity - Opening Samples from Chavant Clay

Studio is finally set up. I'll be working in it again this coming week. I received two boxes of samples and some clothing from Chavant Clay Modeling Products. I'll be talking and giving my opinion on the samples sent to me. Chavant sent clothing as well.

Worked on Putting Character Into the Warriors Face

Reworked the face of the warrior. It was amazing to see how just adding some eyebrow, changed his whole look.

Finishing Up the Leggings and Started Back on the Face

Worked on the right leg and got the fringe finished on that one. Then I turned my attention to the face. I got frustrated with what I was doing on the face and decided to quit before I ended up tearing it all up..

Moccasins and Fringe

Used my GoPro today, but had trouble editing on my computer. My video program has a hard time handling the high quality. So probably won't be using it again for a little while. I worked mostly on the Moccasins and the left leg's leggings today. Adding fringe to the legging, using my Pasta Machine.

Two Days of Work on the Warrior

Re-Mounting my Demo Clay - Cussing and Swearing Ensues

The Demonstration clay I did in Loveland was on a very small base. I had to put it on a larger base so that I could finish it properly.. If I'd of had my druthers.. I'd of had someone in the studio helping me. But it seems to have worked out. I'll be back in the studio on Wednesday to see if it turns out or I start it over again.

In the Studio Setting up for the Coming Week

Went to the studio to go over some of the new tools I picked up at Sculpture Depot in Loveland Colorado while I was there and get things ready for me to finish up the clay I started there as a Demonstration.

Custer Battlefield One End to the Other - Crow Agency Montana

On my last day on the road back from my Demonstration Weekend at Sculpture Depot's Store in Loveland Colorado, I thought I'd make a quick tour of the Custer Battlefield on Crow Agency Montana. I had all the clays to worry about so couldn't leave them for long in the van in the sun. So it was quick.

Three Videos Today On One Of The Top Suppliers For Sculptors, Sculpture Depot in Loveland Colorado

The web address for Sculpture Depot is http://www.sculpturedepot.net/Index.asp

Part 1 of 3 Finishing the Clays At the Sculpture Depot Store In Loveland Colorado



Three parts of a one day video. Shot on the 12th of August 2015, in Loveland Colorado, at the, Sculpture Depot Store. I'm finishing up several small clays, so that I can leave them to get Latex molds made of them for pouring Resin copies. I'm planning on offering these Resins for sale at a very very affordable price. The resins will also be available to those who, as a hobby, paint such things.

Part 2 of 3 At the Sculpture Depot Store In Loveland Colorado A Sculptor's Candy Store 

Online catalogs are fine.. but nothing beats walking around in the store. This video I take you on a walk around of Sculpture Depot's Store

Part 3 of 3 Karen Richardson Demonstrates Pouring Resin At Sculpture Depot's Store In Lov



Third part of this series. Karen Richardson, founder and owner of Sculpture Depot's store and website, demonstrates the mixing as well as the pouring of Resin into Latex Molds

The Things That Formed My Art

I was asked to write a bio on myself. So here goes... My bronzes are collected around the world. I started sculpting in the 12th grade at a High School in the Salt Lake Valley (Skyline High School). I was offered three scholarships, but never thought I'd be an artist, so I joined the Navy in 1965 for 4 years.
Attended the University of Utah in the 70s. Lasted one and a half quarters when the art professor tried to get me to go more modern... Told em to ... well I quit.
Self taught mostly. I was a member of the American Indian and Cowboy Artists in the early 90s till they disbanded.
I've had one man shows all over the west. In 1991 I had a one man show in Jakarta Indonesia.. Yep they bought a lot of my work. In fact the artist to the Royal Family of Thailand bought a Bronc Buster Bronze of mine at the show.
Don't do many shows. At 69 years of age.. It's getting harder to do them.
What was the inspiration for the direction of my artwork.... a day in the Uinta Mountains with my Grandmother, Hilda Lemon. my Great Grandmother was French Canadian Indian (not sure of the Tribe's name though), and my great Grandfather was of European decent... My Grandmother, and her family, all lived in a cabin in the high Uinta Mountains. She was raised in that cabin in a beautiful mountain meadow..
Back in the 1950s I remember going with my family up to see the cabin... It was still standing but not much longer because a Freeway was to be built through that area.. sadly it's gone now..
Grandmother, in her old light blue flowered dress, with her apron on, and her hair in a tight bun on the back of her head took me to a window in the cabin.. I remember the smell of damp dirt... and old rotting logs.. The roof still had sod on it... It was cool inside... and dark but for the window... She took me to that window.. took my shoulder and I looked in the direction of her gaze... and her pointing finger.. She told me that when she was a little girl, in the late 1890s, she remembered watching the Ute Indians as they walked through the woods at the edge of the forest.. on their hunting parties.. They'd come to the cabin and ask for food, and they were never turned away without food.. It was that moment that sparked my intense desire to create Indians in my art. Never lost that moment. My Aunt's farm, in Coalville Utah had a tool shed, I remember, as a kid, seeing a pair of old dried up, flattened out, and curved up at the rear and front of the toes, Indian Moccasins, fully beaded sitting on the tool table.. probably Ute, I always wondered what the story behind them was..
Not sure how much of me is French Canadian Indian, but it's in my work.. the feeling for that life style... and beliefs. Limited as it is, in my upbringing.. I'll never ever have all the knowledge my Indigenous friends have.. and it will never be as authentic as their art is. But I can live with that.. It's my love for history that moves me.
I'm in Loveland Colorado at the moment. Packing to head back home to Ennis Montana, and the Madison Valley I'll be passing through country that was fought over 150 years ago. Crossing rivers with familiar names, like the Powder River, Passing the Custer Battle Field, or the sight of the Indian's greatest victory over the US Army, and the point at which they're freedom ended, in 1876.
Driving along the Yellowstone River and it's beautiful landscape. I'm reminded that history here for Europeans, is short but for those who they met here, it had been written for Millennia unknown.
My clays are infused with my life experiences and the knowledge I've gained from study and passion.

Photographs of Ute Indians

Demonstrating Sculpting at Sculpture Depot's Store in Loveland Colorado Today

Next to my last day doing a sculpting demo at the Sculpture Depot's store in Loveland Colorado. Monday the 10th of August is going to be my last day. I started this figure on Friday, using a 24 inch http://www.truformarmatures.com/ armature. The beauty of these armatures were made clear to those who came and watched me start by working out the pose, with the armature, then attaching the armature to the support.

On My Way to Loveland Colorado

I was asked if I'd do a Demonstration on Sculpting at the Sculpture Depot's store in Loveland Colorado. I'll be there from the 7th of August to the 10th. That's Friday to Monday from 10am to 5pm. I'm traveling east through Montana then south from Billings, past the Custer Battlefield on the Crow Indian Reservation. South through Cheyenne Wyoming then into Colorado to Loveland.

Preparing for my Trip to Sculpture Depot . Net's Store in Loveland Co

Spent today packing and even ran to Bozeman to get some ink so I could print out some cards to had out in Loveland Colorado. I'm Doing a Demo there from the 7th, 8th, and 9th of August at a store owned by sculpturedepot.net

Sculpture Depot
418 8th Street SE Unit B5
Loveland, CO 80537

 Monday - Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm MTZ (-7 GMT)
 800-260-4690 - 970-663-5190

Would love to see any of you that can make to the store.

Headgear on the Mountain Man and Developing the Buffalo Robe

Re doing the head gear on the Mountain Man. I wasn't happy with the knit cap, so decided to add a cloth Bandanna to cover his head. Fur caps were way to hot, a cloth Bandanna was both light and cool, and would protect his head from the sun. Also started to add fur texture to the Buffalo Robe.

Revisiting Older clays to get them Ready for my Demo in Loveland Colorado

I've decided to clean up the older clays. Some have been sitting for years and collecting dust. I also have some of them that have sat for so long.. I need to check them for any damage. Today I started on "Worth More than Gold", a mountain man and his Indian wife with their baby. The mountain man, looking at his woman and their baby, that nothing is more valuable than family. I change the Mountain Man's hat from the fur to a knit cap. I am not happy with that so next time I work on it, I'll probably change that again.

Taking the small clays to the foundry Driving at 360 Miles an Hour kinda

A view of my drive, speeded up, to Bozeman Montana, and to the foundry. I'm delivering my 4 small clays I've been working on for the past two weeks. When I show them in Loveland Colorado at the Sculpture Depot Store there during my Demonstration, I need to know what to price a bronze of each will be. So I left them off there to get a bid on them by the foundry.

The Female Bust - Creating a mid 1800s Hair Style - Finished Today

I completely changed the Pioneer Woman's hair today. I was doing research on the web and found a young lady who had a video for Civil War Reenacters on how to put up a woman's hair in a mid 1800s style of hair popular back then. Her video can be seen through a link in the video commentary, on YouTube. I then added the dress and a Sun Bonnet hanging off her head and on her back.. I'm really pleased at how well this worked out.

The Female Bust Turned Into a Female Pioneer Woman

Today, I put detail into this pioneer woman's face. I'm really happy how she's turning out... The next session will have me adding the sun bonnet which will be hanging on her neck. then she'll be done.. She matches well with the old Frontiersman.

Starting a New Bust Sketch for Loveland Colorado

Started another small bust. This one will be of a pioneer woman wearing a sun bonnet. Well at least that's the plan right now.

Working on Two Monumental Clays from 2008 to 2010

Thought I'd share videos from 2008 to 2010 of the creation of the Monumental Clay of Iron Horn, then in 2010 of finishing up two monumental clays at Adonis Bronze in Utah, getting them both ready to be cast into bronze.

Sketch of a Frontiersman Adding a Shirt and Scarf

Finished up the Frontiersman bust. This is just a small sketch of for my appearance in Loveland Colorado in the first part of August.

Sketch of a Frontiersman Plasticine Clay Bust Today

Another small sketch in clay today.. Sketch of a Frontiersman Plasticine Clay Bust.

Sketch of a Horse - Took Rider Off - Worked on the Horses Mane

First thing today, I started to work on the human figure, then decided not to add one. I then turned my attention to the horse, adding the horses Mane, Ears, and started the Tail. I then decided to stop working on this sketch, because that's exactly what it is, a sketch. I'll use this to work on a larger size in Loveland Colorado at the store owned by http://www.sculpturedepot.net/ the beginning of August.

Sketch of a Horse Working on the Head and Adding a Rider

I refined the horses head, then as an afterthought I added a rider to the back of the horse. Just trying a different approach.

Sketch of a Horse Running in Clay Today

Armature to sketching in a full horse in clay. This is another clay sketch for my demo in Colorado...

Survivance - Creating Another Face

I explain the word Survivance, and then I start to work in the head of the second warrior.

"Survivance" - Yes Survivance is the Title - The Two Become One

SURVIVANCE
When a language dies, a possible world dies with it. There is no survival of the fittest. Even where it is spoken by a handful, by the harried remnants of destroyed communities, a language contains with itself the boundless potential of discovery, or re-compositions of reality, of articulated dreams, which are known to us as myths, as poetry, as metaphysical conjecture and the discourse of law.
                                                                                                             George Steiner, After Babel 

The theories of survivance are elusive, obscure, and imprecise by definition, translation, comparison, and catchword. The nature of survivance is unmistakable in native stories, natural reason, remembrance, traditions and customs and is clearly observable in narrative resistance and personal attributes, such as the native humanistic tease, vital irony, spirit, cast of mind, and moral courage. The character of survivance creates a sense of native presence over absence, and victimry.

Shot Pouch, Powder Horn, and Creating a Full Figure in Clay

Continued working on the figure. I found that the Resin reference figure from Anatomytools.com was perfect proportions to the figure I was working on. I showed a Mountain Man pouch and Black Powder Horn I used as a re-enactor, back in the late 80s and early 90s. at the beginning of the video. I show a photo of my mom, Genvieve. as well. It's always in the background and I get asked all the time.. who is she.

Starting another clay sketch today Creating the Armature and First Clay

Finished with one idea, now starting another one.. this one will be a standing figure... who knows what it might turnout to be... LOL

Finished the Clay Sketch Showed how to use the Pasta Machine

Teresa, in Texas asked me why the clay she ran through her Pasta Machine would bubble and separate when she ran it through the rollers. I took a moment to explain how to properly put the clay through the machine. Then I finished up the Sketch of the Warrior. Then a short trip to a clients house to return a bronze I borrowed to photograph.

The Sketch, A Face then Hair

I started out today working on the head of the warrior, by detaching it from his body, and placing it in a jig so I could work on the face more comfortably

The sketch is Fleshing Out

Only had a couple of hours today to do anything on this sketch.. Once I started it.. It flowed from my fingers pretty dang good... I'm very happy with this small piece... very happy. This is where 50 years of sculpting... comes in very handy..

Making an Armature for the Sketch

I show how to make an armature today. Then I place it on the base and start to add wax. I had to stop though, and clean my tools of all clay. Clay and wax don't mix. It took several hours to clean all my tools... Which killed the rest of the day.

Starting the a Sketch in Wax Creating the foundation for the Piece

Started the sketch for the piece I will do in Loveland Colorado, Sculpture Depot at their store there. I'll be doing a sculpting demo... I'm thinking of doing a sitting figure.

Announcing an Appearance and Demo to be Held in Loveland Colorado

In my studio just setting up to work on some wax sketches for an appearance I'll be making in Colorado at Sculpture Depot's Store there In Loveland.

Producing my 9th Instructional DVD - Plains Warrior

At home this week, working on an additional Instructional DVD.. My 8th DVD that you to can own, eventually.

Left the Cameras Home - But Made Due

Forgot my cameras at home, and I was waiting for a friend to come by my studio, couldn't run home to get the cameras.. I started by using my Samsung Cell Phone for the video, then I found a camera I'd not used in 5 or six years to video myself detailing the clay.

Old Time Radio Beard and Fringe

Worked on the beard and the fringe of the leather shirt. I then began the leather sheath for the rifle.

Short Day Plus a Peak at my Instructional DVDs

Cleaning up the medallion with lighter fluid... and waiting for the clay to be picked up by Jim Dolan, who asked me to create it. He'll be delivering it to the foundry... to be combined with the plaque that he's creating for the monument.
I added a review of all 8 of my Instructional DVDs at the end of today's video..

Finishing touches to the Medallion today

Just ran in to finish up the Medallion. Fine tuning the details. Once finished I took high quality photos to pass onto the client for approval.

Van is fixed Picking it up Metal Sculptures of Jim Dolan visited

My Van's Transmission decided to take a vacation last Thursday. Just picked it up today.. Jim Dolan took me from Ennis, where I live to Bozeman where the van was being worked on. Jim dolan is a metal sculptor.

Prepairing my clay for next week, and discussing clays and tools

Dropped into my studio to pre-pair for next week's sculpting. I had to re-supply my clay in my dish pan container. I talk a bit about the type of clay I use, as well as show how to prep it. Then I discuss briefly where to purchase clay and about my tools.

Starting a new Figure Today Not sure of What or Whom

Set aside the Medallion, and started a new story. Not sure what that story is yet.. It will come as I work on it.

Re-doing the Bull's face - Final Approval on the Clay

Waited for Jim Dolan to come by my studio to look over the clay medallion for a final review of it. While waiting for him I re-did the bull's face. Now a picture will be sent to the client of the medallion for a go or no...

Back Filling and Smoothing The Medallion

Back filling undercuts and holes, as well as finishing the sides of the medallion. Using lighter fluid to smooth the rough areas.

Finishing Touches on the Medallion

Just finishing up the small commissioned medallion today. It's not fine tuned yet. I need approval before I do the cleaning up of the clay's roughness. I was not feeling to good for the past 5 days... Spring Cold...

Google Drive and so far a failure for sharing my Instructional Videos Safely

Been experimenting with uploading a digital version of my Instructional DVDs to the web for instant access once the video is purchased. I need to make the videos un-downloadable or to be copied.. but just viewed.. I have to protect my copy right on them.. Well It didn't work. So this has been a wasted two days.. I'm very sorry it didn't work out. DVDs can be reviewed here 

A Bull - Then a Bulldog - Then back to a Bull - You Need to Watch The Video

Worked on the Short Horn Steer and the Son of the man I did yesterday. Still have, I believe, another day of work on this commission.

Start a Special Commission - 2 Days of Video - Creating a Medallion for a Historic Marker

Today I start a special commission for a historical bronze marker.
In the early part of the 1900s, two brothers started a huge ranch near where I live in Southwest Montana. The started with $4.58, and a lot of vision.. and very hard work, these two brothers started a ranch where they raised prize Short Horn Cattle.



Started the meat and potatoes of the medallion today

3 Days of Video - Working on the Mountain Man

This video covers three days of spurts of working on the Mountain Man... I was very busy trying to get my studio clean.. as well as getting DVDs out to clients.. Really selling a lot of DVDs over the past several days.

Working out the Clothing for the Mountain Man

Today I started the clothing by adding leather pants, suspenders, and then starting of a coat

David Lemons Instructional DVDs on Sculpting

I updated my review of my 8 Instructional DVDs on sculpting, with two additional DVDs. If you don't want to view all of them but just ones you might be interested in, click on the time it's begining is located at
1. 0:33 The first DVD reviewed CREATING A LIFE SIZE BUST
2. 2:20 The second DVD reviewed CREATING A HORSE HEAD IN CLAY
3. 4:47 The third DVD reviewed CREATION OF SUNSHINE
4. 8:30 The forth DVD reviewed CREATING A FEMALE FIGURE HOLDING A BABY
5. 10:57 The fifth DVD reviewed CREATION OF A FULL FIGURE OF A MOUNTAIN MAN
6. 15:34 The sixth DVD reviewed CREATING A MALE BUST IN CLAY 7.
7 7:04 The seventh DVD reviewed CREATING A FULL HORSE AND RIDER
8. 20:10 The eighth DVD reviewed CLAY TO BRONZE, tour of a foundry
9. 22:11 HOW TO PURCHASE MY DVDs

A Day Making DVDs

Had a gentleman in California order all 8 of my DVDs yesterday. So today, I'm getting them all ready to be mailed out to him. At the end of the first part of this video I show small glimpses of my Instructional DVDs as well as explaining how to purchase one or more of them.

Major Change in the Mountain Mans Face

Decided to scrap the Jim Bridger Idea..and go with a generic Mountainman. I made eyeballs out of Superskulpty... However that's spell't, for the eyes.., worked out great.

Trying to Work Out the Design of the Mountain Man

Still don't know if I'm going to do a portrait of Jim Bridger.... Today, just worked on the neck and started his clothing..

Starting a New Project Talking About Chance Phelps and the Chance Phelps Foundation

I talk about the new sculpture, as well as Chance Phelps, who was the subject of an HBO movie staring Kevin Bacon, called "Taking Chance". John Phelps is the father of Chance and he created a foundation to help Families of United States Soldiers. You can make donations at chancephelps.org

Nearly 30 Years of Bronzes and Clays by David Lemon

I've gathered as many Photos as I have on pieces I've done since the late 80s to 2015. I have many more pieces I just can't find photos of. But here is my labor of love for you to see. Hope you enjoy.

Creating a Feather Fan

I decided to put a Eagle Feather Fan in her hand. Still have no name for this clay.

Re-Working The Ladies Face Settling on the Hair

The nose didn't work for me on her face. I had to cut it off and start it again.. much better later. I then worked out her hair. Much happier with that. Next the dress gets worked on and then this piece will be done.. Fingers crossed.

Re-Working The Ladies Face

Some days are good.. and some ain't.. today ain't.. I reworked the face and that's as far as I got.. Still going to work on the face. I just couldn't get all 8 creative cylinders working today..

Changes to the Figures Positioning

Part 1 of 2 - Using my Canon 60D and Working on Arms


Trying out my larger camera to video at the first of this video.. This is Part one of Two parts. In this video I cut the figure off the board and move it up a bit..

A Dress is Begun Personality Taking Shape

Started on the dress..

The Relief Changes

After a few days away from the clay, I decided to change the design completely.

Spark is lite Starting a Relief

Started an Indian Girl in a Elk Tooth Dress today.... The face at the end of the day ain't ideal.... yet!!!!

Sparking a New Idea and re setting up my studio

Been just non-inspired for about a month and a half.. Only way for me to get out of this slump is to try and just push myself out of it.. So pre-pairing to start a new project.

From the past The Coloring of CHEYENNE COURTSHIP - A bronze by David Lemon

I apologize for the poor quality of the video.. but you get the idea

Visiting Todd Connor's Studio, and delivering the Protector to the Foundry

I stopped by my artist friend's studio, Todd Connor, on the way to Bozeman and dropping off the bust of the warrior, The Protector, for shipping to Paris France.

The Protector Coloring the first copy of this bronze today

Went to Northwest Art Castings in Bozeman Montana today to oversee the coloring of the first copy of the Protector. This bronze was sold to a client in Paris France and will be sent to him in the next few days, after I have a chance to photograph it.

My First Workshop Gapevine Foundry Grapvine Texas

This past week I spent in Grapevine Texas, where I put on a Sculpting Workshop, for some professionals as well as some wonderful beginners. Had a wonderful time and met some new friends. Linda Lewis-Roark, the owner of Grapevine Foundry, located in Grapevine Texas, set up this workshop. She did an amazing job making sure everyone, including your's truly, were totally taken care of and left the workshop happy. Grapevine Texas is an amazing community with some wonderful places to eat. Chills had the best hamburger I've ever eaten. Called the Magnum, it had to be 6 inches tall loaded with flavor.
Below and featured in the video thumbnail above was the most amazing artist model ever. Her name is Aubree B. and what a total professional she was.

Distant War Cries The Protector in Bronze and Clay of Distant War Cries left at foundry

I made a quick run to Northwest Artcasting in Bozeman Montana to drop off the clay of the Crow Indian and the Dog, to get a bid on the cost of producing the piece.. I leave for Texas tomorrow Afternoon so when I get back in about a week, I'll pick up the clay. I also had my first look at the raw bronze of "The Protector" in pieces. I'll see to it's coloring in February.

Distant War Cries - The Dog Gets Fixed

Had changes that I found out had to be made.. and I couldn't wait till I get back from Texas. So I spent a couple of hours in the studio modifying the dog a bit and changing his position on the piece.

Distant War Cries The Dog Grows Hair Last Day in Studio for a Couple of Weeks

Adding fur to the dog today.. It's really starting to breath.... This is my last day in the studio till the first part of February. I'll be heading to Texas to put on a 3 day workshop on the 30th, 31st, and the 1st. So I'll be back home the first week of February, but probably won't actually start back in the studio till second week of February. I will be videoing my workshop.. but probably won't put videos up of that till February..

Distant War Cries - Working on the head of the dog Visitors to my Studio

A Fire in our small town this morning. Working on the head of the dog. Trying to fix the head with detailing to the structure of the dogs face and ears. Had two wonderful Mormon Missionaries visit my studio. I love these guys for the sacrifice they make out of two years of their life for the purpose of passing on the teachings of our Father in Heaven. You just have to respect that.

Distant War Cries - Dog is Fleshed in Using my GoPro Hero 4 Silver

A Fire in our small town this morning. Working on the head of the dog. Trying to fix the head with detailing to the structure of the dogs face and ears. Had two wonderful Mormon Missionaries visit my studio. I love these guys for the sacrifice they make out of two years of their life for the purpose of passing on the teachings of our Father in Heaven. You just have to respect that.

Distant War Cries - First Clay on the Carolina Dogs Armature

Started the clay to the new armature today.

Distant War Cries - Re-doing the Dog Armature

I realized the dog I did yesterday wasn't the right scale, so I improved my scaling and came up with a better guide. So I re-made the armature, almost an inch taller and longer. I believe I've got it nailed now..

Distant War Cries - Sculpting the Dog Starts Today

Today I started the Dog.
I've changed my mind on doing a Border Collie. They were very limited in their introduction to North America... They were introduced in Canada around 1860. In the US not until about 1880s and 1900 I found out. This is an 1870s period piece. I found out the true west dog was the Carolina Dog.. the Dingo as it's called today. It came with the migration over the land bridge from Siberia.. and was even drawn on rocks by Native Americans. So I've decided to do that breed.. They ranged in height from 17 to 24 inches in height.. So I'm fine with this one.. In the movie Old Yeller.. that was a Carolina Dog. 

Distant War Cries - InstaMorph, and Sculpture Depot tools review Prepping the base

I received two product in the mail today. In this video I discuss both. I had to increase the size of the base to accommodate the clay of "Distant War Cries" and the dog. So I basically just prep'd the wood for the new base. I'll let the glue set up overnight and add the clay to it and then figure out the removable base for the dog so I can work on him separate.

Distant War Cries - Making a change in the clay and start the dog

I just bought some tools online.. so I open the video showing those. I then make the armature for the dog. Adjust the design of the main figure next. Then try to figure the best placement for my dog.

Distant War Cries Researching Dog Anatomy

Just doing research today... Before one does a historical piece, you have to do your hours of research.. I share just a few minutes of that here today. Tomorrow, I hope to be putting this all into a clay of a dog to go with my clay "Distant War Cries".

New DVD Cases and Getting Ready to do a Dog

I received several orders for my instructional DVDs over the weekend. I didn't have any cases left for the DVDs, so I had to drive to Bozeman Montana .. about 120 miles round trip, but buy some. I didn't find the ones I've been using.. so had to settle for smaller ones. As it turned out they worked out amazing I'll be adding a dog to the "Distant War Cries" clay. I stopped into my studio to figure out the size for the dog so I can get ready to create him..