Digital Render of one of the voluntary models.

I finally attended another Drink and Draw here in Berlin! This time I created a Goat skull mask. Below I've photo-documented my process, and I have to admit I really couldn't predict the result. I used all recycled materials, amazon boxes, masking tape, box padding... I used paint that I had around the apartment, but I decided to buy some gesso to use this time.

I'm really happy how it all came together, and it was wonderful wearing it to the Drink and Draw party.

The Event

The Drink and Draw's party theme was Secret Society. I think I leaned more towards the occult, a lot of folks leaned towards masks and cloaks, and then a smaller amount of folks wore kinky clothes. It did, however, make everyone look a bit similar so sorry to those of you who I didn't recognize at first!

I was hoping for some professional modeling at this event, but it mostly relied on the party goers to pose, which in turn made for some mixed results. Because the party was happening all around it was hard to focus on drawing. So I only had a few drawings out of the 5 hours I was there. This in no way is bad, because I did have fun chatting and meeting new people, but for those who solely came for drawing seemed to also have trouble.

At the beginning of the party, I was modeling, and boy, I forgot how hard it is to stay still! I think I managed anyway. I have a lot of respect for those pro models out there standing/sitting hours at a time.

Despite not having done a lot of drawing that night I thought these four images were somewhat successful. I really want to go weekly to some figure drawing classes again!

Until next time!

Kelsey BassMay 22, 2017figure drawing, drawing, mask, mask making, Monsters, people, party, drink and draw

Halloween Spirit Unicorn costume

I'm so pumped for Halloween this year! I have a few parties I'm going to and I want to look spooky! Ever since I moved to Germany I've been seeing, slowly but surely, more Halloween costumes and decorations for sale. I think every year more and more folks are participating in it.

Halloween is one of my favorite Holidays and a holiday that I often miss celebrating in the US. It's fun to create costumes and watch scary movies, and get into the Halloween spirit.

My favorite Halloween costume as a kid was this rad werewolf costume my mom made. The readymade was the werewolf mask. My mom had sewed me a hairy chest piece, made hairy clawed gloves and feet. I totally threw myself into the character, as most kids do. It's just magical.

Now when I'm deciding what to be for Halloween I want to make it myself. This year I wanted to be some sort of unicorn. I wasn't sure if I was going to make a mask or paint my face. Then I thought it would be cool to make a skeleton unicorn. I scoured online how-tos until I came across masks made out of cardboard.

Cardboard is light and is easy to come by. We still had some of our moving boxes that I could use.

Here's my list of the tools/ materials: Hot glue gun, hot glue, masking tape, paint (acrylic), cardboard, box cutter, scissors, and sketched out plans.

First things first this thing has got to fit my head and be comfortable. I make a sort of helmet, then adjust the pieces around my eyes. It's important to still see.

Second, is the bare bones of this mask. This step is important to make sure the shape is right and recognizable, because from here you will build up the mask. The mask will not look pretty at this point so don't worry too much about that.

Third, this is when it is important to figure out the details in the face, what parts stick out from the others. It was at this point where I could either stop (for a quick mask) or go forward. I wanted to go much further. (I sustained a few hot glue burns, and in this picture my fingers are in a glass of cold water.)

Fourthly (going beyond the point where I thought I'd stop). I used masking tape on my mask to smooth out the features to be painted. I also added the horn. I made the horn with card board and masking tape. I glued it on well with the hot glue gun. I made a cut off horn, because this unicorn was killed for the horn. The thieves managed to cut half the horn off, which in turn with the magic left in the part of the horn allowed for the unicorn spirit to come back and haunt. Also I'd imagine this will be more party friendly ;).

Fifthly, the painting stage. I wanted to make this skull look realistic and unsettling.

And this is what I ended up with. The back of the skull isn't detailed because it'll be coved, but if you'd want to make one yourself, and you'd want a back I'd suggest using masking tape and paper to cover up the back.

If you also live in Germany (or another place that doesn't celebrate Halloween) and you're uninspired by readymade costumes, or you simply can't find a costume you like. I really suggest checking out your nearest craft stores! They're virtually empty on Halloween.

I'm pretty happy with what I've made! Have a Happy Halloween! Be safe and have a lot of fun.

Arts and CraftsKelsey BassOctober 30, 2015mask making, cardboard, halloween, germany

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