Creating Scales With Clay

Before trying to create my scales I began to research and look at images of them. I did this so I could get an idea of the look that I wanted to achieve as well as how to make my pieces as realistic as possible. Fish scales are small disks of bone that lay flat on the fish's body. They usually overlap each other in order to create a protective shield for the fish's softer tissue behind. The amount of overlap depends on the type of fish and the type of lives that they lead. For example faster swimming fish have overlapping thin scales whereas slower swimming fish have coarser non overlapping scales. I would like my hybrid explorer to be a fast swimmer to make them stronger and allow then to move around the sea bed faster. Their speed will also help them to be protected from potential predators. Therefore the scales that I create will be overlapping to make them as realistic to a natural fish as possible. Some of the scales are smooth whereas others have more texture. Initially whilst working with the clay I think that I would like the surface texture of my scales to be smooth. I think that this will make a more aesthetically pleasing look compared to if they are rough. It was really beneficial to research and look up scales of fish. It will allow me to create realistic looking scales that fit better in with the character of my creature as well as nature.

Fish Scales
http://www.123rf.com/photo_19968857_real-roach-fish-scales-background.html

Fish Scales
https://www.flickr.com/photos/joekuby/439393002

After looking up real scales I also looked up images of prosthetic scales already used in fish creations. I was previously unsure of where to apply the scales on the body and face so looking at previous work was of great help. The image that inspired me the most was  that of scales that had been applied to the forehead in a oval shape pattern. This prosthetic piece also continued over the eyebrows and included a border to give it more shape. I like the idea of covering the brows as it will give me a smoother surface area to work to as well as adding to the realistic smoothness of a fish. I however am unsure of how to do this so will need to research this further.

When creating the scales I began by sculpting small circles of clay, placing them on to a flat surface in a layered effect as I went. I tried to keep them in a similar formation as that of the image below, starting more narrow and getting wider. I also tried to create the same edging and boarder effect, by using a sausage of clay around the edge, to look as though they are underneath the skin and showing through. I was concerned about being able to create a nice effect with them but think that creating individual ones first was good.

https://www.pinterest.com/ashclarissa/prosthetics-and-makeup-fx/