Monstrous larvae

[Jona]

Here's a commission I just finished, for three monstrous larvae. They will be used as Tyranid Pyrovores for Warhammer 40k. Together with the commissioner, I tried to combine his idea of larvae with the typical Tyranid soft unbelly-hard back carapace theme, while finding a way to add the required 'cannons' in a more or less organic way. As I was asked to do a series of three, I quite liked the idea of a rather harmless looking base shape, progressively opening the mouth to reveal the acid-cannon in the other two models. As always, I'd really appreciate criticism, preferably of the harsh kind.









More images of the separate models in this album.

[Bergil]

I'd really appreciate criticism, preferably of the harsh kind.

You won't get any from me as I think they look great! Is there any chance of getting my hands on a set of these?

[Jona]

Thanks, that's not exactly the kind of criticism I'm after, but equally much appreciated.
I didn't really consider having them cast. Would other people be interested as well? It was a private commission, but if there is interest, I could discuss it with the client, I guess.
I've never had any model cast before though, so maybe a question for more experienced sculptors like yourself: I guess I'd have to cut up the ones with their mouth open, and have their mouths cast front-back, and their bodies left-right? Or would that still pose problems for the mouth part? Or is there an easier solution?
By the way, maybe it isn't particularly clear from the pictures, but they're rather large: that's a 60mm base they're on.
Thanks again for the encouraging words!

[freakinacage]

Brilliant! only criticism I have is I would make the armour slightly more raised from the soft parts

[Clayface]

maybe a tiny bit longer or lower? From the wrong angle the last one could be mistaken for a turd? Harsh enough?

I like them - inspired by the Maggots in that old Doctor Who Ep I assume?

[Jona]

freakinacage - Thanks! I aimed for a gradual shift from soft tissue to the hard carapace, with only the 'head' part having defined horizontal edges, but maybe I should have gone for a more defined split.
I understand your point though; especially on the first one, the colour shift from green to brown putty really sets them apart, and kills the idea of a smooth connection; hopefully it will come across better once painted.

Sane Max - Haha, excellent! I never looked at them like that, but now I probably always will... I'm affraid I haven't seen a single Doctor Who episode yet, so it must be coincidence.

[geronimo]

Thanks, that's not exactly the kind of criticism I'm after, but equally much appreciated.
I didn't really consider having them cast. Would other people be interested as well? It was a private commission, but if there is interest, I could discuss it with the client, I guess.
I've never had any model cast before though, so maybe a question for more experienced sculptors like yourself: I guess I'd have to cut up the ones with their mouth open, and have their mouths cast front-back, and their bodies left-right? Or would that still pose problems for the mouth part? Or is there an easier solution?
By the way, maybe it isn't particularly clear from the pictures, but they're rather large: that's a 60mm base they're on.
Thanks again for the encouraging words!

Cast in resin? They'll be fine as they are... Nice grubs 8|

[Badger Loving Fluffster]

freakinacage - Thanks! I aimed for a gradual shift from soft tissue to the hard carapace, with only the 'head' part having defined horizontal edges, but maybe I should have gone for a more defined split.

If you want it to fit with Tyranid design? Yes. There needs to be a well defined distinction between the soft(er) tissues and the carapace. The five plates is good genre knowledge

On the under belly it is unclear on the texture you are going for. It looks like you are caught between making it a hard leathery type of tube and a caterpillar like segmentation. (The shape might also better suit a soft mucous covered slug like belly, but that's another thought) Either way I think there needs to be some more definition to the segments, or slightly less definition of the non segmented creasy bits (technical term)

Having said all that, I think they are bloody lovely and if they ever go up for production then yes please

[Duff]

Ben makes some good points but I think they are good to go as is to be honest. I'd certainly like to get my grubby mitts on a set.

[Clayface]

I'm afraid I haven't seen a single Doctor Who episode yet, so it must be coincidence.

You're dead to me. Dead.