Lesson 4: Armatures & Structural Support

Before you start adding clay, you need a skeleton — an armature. This framework supports your sculpture, keeps proportions correct, and prevents sagging or collapse.

What is an Armature?

• A skeleton or framework for your sculpture
• Supports clay, prevents sagging or collapse
• Helps maintain correct proportions and balance

Types of Armatures

• Wire — flexible and easy to adjust
• Aluminum rods — strong yet lightweight
• Wood — solid, ideal for large sculptures
• Foam cores — lightweight, good for bulky shapes

Tips for Strong Armatures

• Build strong but lightweight frameworks
• Adjust for balance and proportion before adding clay
• Always test stability before adding bulk clay

Next Steps

Once your armature is solid, Lesson 5 will explore **additive vs subtractive sculpting**, showing how to build up or carve away clay effectively.