Latest Sculpted Clay Orchids

[rongutman]

Melody,
Thank you for the kind words on the orchids.
The clay I use comes from Thailand...it is a unique clay called DaisyClay a hybrid of Japanese Luna Clay...a polymer type clay. It dries (air dry) flexible and almost feels like real petals. Color tinting, painting and shading is accomplished with artist oil paints. The petals and leaves are supported with fine wires (they can be repositioned) also covered in the clay as is the stems which requires a heavier guage wire. Many have actually thought they were seeing a living plant. These special clays give the best results and retain all the fine sculpting details (the petals etc. can be made/shaped tissue paper thin) applied to it. Hope this gives you some insight as to the making of these orchids. I also make all varieties of flowers and just completed Roses for Valentines Day and some lovely Call Lillies.
Ron

[smartie2000]

nice job! your process of sculpting sounds interesting

[rongutman]

Smartie2000,
Thank you! It is a time consuming process that I enjoy throughly even though it does take quite a bit of concentration and focus...plus study of plant structures. In the end it is very gratifying and much joy to myself and others comes out of itl.
Ron

[RosieC]

That are just wonderful. Your careful study of the plants combined with your skill & patience, really pays off in something that looks sooo realistic.

[Sandrilene]

That is so very cool! Sorry to hear about the fire Your work is simply amazing! Is clay hard to work with? Does it take long to learn? (obviously talking about something simple not like what you do because I'm sure that takes a LONG time)

[Lorraine]

Ron, your sculptures are beautiful. Sorry to hear about losing your studio. 'Saensri Fantasy' and 'Rasberry Cattleya' Orchids look so real. I'm looking forward to more pictures of you work.

[susiep]

Ron, those are absolutely gorgeous! I wish my live orchids bloomed like that!

[rongutman]

RosieC, Sandrilene and Susiep,

Thank you all for the kind words and compliments. My intention with these sculptures is to capture all the beauty and detail inherent to Orchids. I only have Google photos to work from and am still getting familiar with all the anatomy of the plants. There are so many and lots of variations.
Before loosing my other pieces/samples I had started doing a Brassavola Nodosa which I may take up again next. That is, after I finish a Phaleanopsis for my sister in law. She wants just the stem and blossoms to insert into her pot (right now there are just the leaves as it is not in bloom)...this way she will always have her plant blooming! As I make new Orchids I will continue to post them on the site.
It is a labor intensive process and most potted plants take about 20-40 hrs. to complete. There are many stages the clay goes through in it's transformation...tinting, rolling out, cutting, fringing, frilling, shaping, sculpting, detailing, veining, wireing, drying, painting/shading, assembling and finally potting. This clay remains flexible after it has air dryed and because all the petals, sepals, throats, stems and leaves are wired, they can be re-positioned for the most attractive results. I am hopeing to put together a website soon along with tutorials as to the materials, tools, techniques and processes I utilize.
Thanks again for your comments...I appreciate it much.
Ron

[lycaonpictus]

Wow! Those are amazing! Truly beautiful, Ron!

[rongutman]

lycaonpictus,

Thanks for the "Wow" etc. Very nice hearing from all you Orchid lovers, experts etc. I am flattered.
Ron