Portrait in Wax
 

OK, I can finally post a few photos publicly of my first job for Ripleys wax museums. They are a dream client to work for and I am deep in the midsts of project #2 and #3 with more on the horizon.
Top is the finished wax (waxwork by Ripleys) bottom is a PR shot of me with the bust in progress. This is Taylor Lautner who plays Jacob Black in those Twilight movies that are popular with teens these days.
Few more photos here
http://www.heidimaiers.com/HTMGalleries/Taylor.htm

Not really the style I prefer (like to work loosly in water based clay instead of high detail like this), but forces me to really study my anatomy and will no doubt help to improve my skills in that regard.

Heidi,

This is wonderful. Your skill level is at the master level and getting better. Congratulations on the commissions. you worked so hard to get here.

This is great, Heidi! Congratulations on the commissions. I hope you will share the finished product on display - do you think you will have an "unveiling"?

Bravo, Heidi, for getting this dream client. It's good to be able to earn a living doing what you love, even if it involves some compromise in style, etc. You did such a beautiful job. They made an excellent choice when they picked you!

Great work, Heidi! I am looking forward to see more, please continue uploading them.

Many thanks you guys! Julie, no unveiling - the piece is being produced and shipped off to various ripley museums. Haven't even seen an announcement for it, so not really any big deal. The project I'm working on now for them is prince William and Kate. This is another fun one. The teeth are a bit of a challenge and have made those seperately (as a full set of dentures) out of polymer clay.

so....are those William's? :?

Hadn't thought about dentition - can see how it would be an issue.

He has such a characteristic smile (showing a lot of teeth) that must be quite a challenge to not over-emphasize it.

Heidi, I learn something new from you all the time! This is all so interesting, and I am so glad you got these commissions.

Yeah, they are both real toothy so no way to avoid having teeth showing in these busts. Giving William just a slight smile that doesn't distort his face too much - not the big goofy grin.

How fun - congratulations on these assignments!

I remember as a kid being fascinated by Madame Tussaud's in Victoria, British Columbia, especially King Henry VIII and his six wives in wax. I think that moment may have lead to becoming a portrait artist, since I proceeded to read everything written about the Tudors and European history which lead to art history and making copies of Holbein's work.

I look forward to seeing the finished product - very interesting.

I happen to be working a lot lately and that's why I haven't posted before, but Geee! that's awesome!

I wish I could see that in a Museum.

This is pretty amazing Heidi! I am speechless so far....

Is the clothing msde out of wax, too, or is it actual fabric clothing draped on the figure?

Thanks guys! Alexandra, just the head is wax. Hair is punched hair, including eyebrows and clothes are real clothes. William shipped off now and just finishing up Kate. Need a long break when done - two+ full time careers burning me out.

Oh, interesting! I thought the artists made the entire thing including clothing in wax! I don't know why I thought that--it must have been an assumption I made when I was a child.

Heidi,
Love it when I get to see new work of yours. It is always so amazing to me and what a great commission to have, congratulations!! This bust looks JUST like the actor, blows me away!

Heidi,
I've been away from painting for awhile and am just catching up on the forum now. . . Congratulations on the commissions and 'Jacob' looks absolutely wonderful --terrific likeness!! Also, Fascinating to hear how they do it with the hair, etc.

Wonderful Heidi!
I've been away for awhile,too, and am catching up on what everyone is creating. This is fantastic and huge applause on the commissions! I went to Madame Tussaud's in NY a few years ago and was shocked at the realism. There was a sculpture of a woman squatting down taking a picture, and it was so realistic that people were stopping to 'wait for her to finish taking the picture.'
You've always been very talented and I'm glad to see you're being recognized! I am looking forward to seeing your next work!