Monday, May 30, 2011

One in the Works!

Here is a head I'm starting. A lot of work yet to come!

I take a lot of photo's of my figures as I sculpt them. Sometimes you can't see the mistakes you are making until you see a photo of the sculpted head!

Looks like I need to fix the right eye! It looks a little to low!

A lot of thought goes into the figures head as I sculpt it, from how the eye's will line up, what if I add winkers later, to the most important, "Will the mouth open and close smoothly and evenly".

If you see something I need to "Fix" let me know!

Best Regards,

Mike Palma

Friday, May 27, 2011

Lighting!





Here are a few photo's of a figure with two different light sources.

The first two pictures are taken with the flash on. The colors seem to come to life and appears more theatrical.














The last two photo's were taken with natural lighting.

With the natural lighting the colors seem less harsh and more realistic.






Both photo's are of the same figure, but only the lighting has changed.







When performing on stage with bright lights, the figure will appear more colorful as in the first two photo's.


In the last photo you can see how the figures paint looks compared to a real person. Other then my son having a summer tan, you can see how realistic a paint job can make your figure look! BTW, the last photo was taken while using the flash on the camera.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Al Stevens New Book

I have received and read the book, "Ventriloquism: Art, Craft and Profession", by Al Stevens. This is by far one of the best books on ventriloquism as it covers a wide variety of subject matter that you'll need to know to become a proficient ventriloquist. Even though some of the material may seem the same as other books on ventriloquism (substitute sound, lip control, etc) , Al has added his own thoughts, techniques and experiences on the subject that are invaluable. I feel this book is a wonderful text book on ventriloquism and if you sit down and study the material and follow Al's directions on performance techniques, comedy writing, promoting techniques and all the little things that go on behind the scenes, you will be a well prepared Ventriloquist! Al has done his homework on this book. The thing I really like about this book is that Al shares important information that can only be learned from performance/ experience. Al has been compiling this information over several years and now he is ready to share it with you!



So, if you thought you knew everything you needed to know on the subject of ventriloquism, then think again. This Book is a must for the beginner to the seasoned professional!



If you are wondering where you can purchase this fine book, you can find it on Lee Cornell's website: http://www.ventriloquism101.com/products/books.htm

Friday, May 6, 2011

WEDDING DAY!!


Well here I am getting married to my Beautiful wife at George M Steinbrenner field in Tampa! Yes, you can say we are BIG YANKEES FANS!! We couldn't ask for a better day. The temperature was in the mid 80's with 50% humidity, a slight breeze and my two son's as my Best Men! PERFECT!!






















So whats next for me? I hope to write on the blog more consistently, but for right now I'm heading back to the workshop to finish some orders and a custom ordered figure I have been working on!