Michael Welch Original Sculptures

In the early 1970's I began modeling clay figures. I have always been interested in anything military especially the American Civil War, the Native American Indians, the Old West and the Second World War particularly the Waffen SS. I have always been inspired by the paintings of Frank McCarthy, Howard Turpin, James Bama and Mort Kunstler and also the sculptures of Ron Tunison. I own a sizeable library which is invaluable for researching historical content and pictures of my subjects.

I like to start my models with a pose. I build an armature using paper clips or for larger figures thin copper rods and then cover with plasticene until I get the basic shape. When I am happy with this I then add an air drying clay (das pronto) which adds strength to the model. I can build this up as needed and it can be sculptured, cut, filed or more das added if necessary.

The tools I use when modeling are different shaped needle files, various craft knives (scalpels) and a few wooden spatulas which I have altered to meet my needs. My painting technique is to use acrylic paint as a base coat then I use poster paints which I find I can shade and highlight more easily to give the desired result.

My sculptures are one of a kind, and can not be reproduced in a mould, or cast in bronze etc. They are all totally original. For a basic single figure standing about 12 inches high, the cost would be approximately £250.00 ($375.00). Again, this would depend on how much research I need to do.

I demand the highest expectations from myself and invariably arrive at the finish of each model with the determination to achieve greater results with the next one. I have been commissioned to model several figures locally and feel the time is right for me to branch further afield onto the internet.