Friday, February 22, 2013

A Roadrunner Is Not a Cartoon (But It Looks Like One).

Roadrunners are not pretty. They are all legs and beaks and scrawny bodies. They rarely fly, but run like track stars especially when chased by the poodle next door.

I had an opportunity to watch a roadrunner when I was walking Homer. I watched this oddball bird, his movements and habits, approaching as closely as I could, hoping Homer didn't decide to chase it. Being dragged through  a field with by a 70 lb. dog is not my idea of fun.

After several observations, I realized the roadrunner would make a great paper mache project. I studied some photos of roadrunners. I used a combination of materials for the armature: 12 gauge wire,  cardboard, newspaper, and masking tape. After finishing the armature I covered the armature with Creative Paperclay. I realized I need to lengthen the legs, which became a problem I'm still dealing with.

I'm still working on the body sculpting.  Here's what I have so far.