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<!--Generated by Squarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/) on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:18:30 GMT--><feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"><title>Blog</title><subtitle>Blog</subtitle><id>http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/</id><link rel="alternate" type="application/xhtml+xml" href="http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/"/><link rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/atom.xml"/><updated>2012-01-18T19:15:00Z</updated><generator uri="http://www.squarespace.com/" version="Squarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/)">Squarespace</generator><entry><title>A "little" something different</title><id>http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2012/1/18/a-little-something-different.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2012/1/18/a-little-something-different.html"/><author><name>Alfred Paredes</name></author><published>2012-01-18T18:58:38Z</published><updated>2012-01-18T18:58:38Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>Hey guys, I wanted to share some news about a big project that I'm working on. Last night, the city of Arcadia City Council gave it's official thumbs up, for the completion of a nine foot tall monument to their first mayor. I've been commissioned by the Great, Great Grandaughter of <a href="http://socalhistory.org/biographies/e-j-lucky-baldwin.html">Lucky Baldwin</a>, to create this monument, that she will be graciously donating to the city. I started by creating a 1:4 scale maquette (seen here in progress) <span class="thumbnail-image-float-right ssNonEditable"><span><a href="javascript:showFullImage('/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2FLBM%252001.jpg%3F__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION%3D1326913588182',1700,620);"><img src="http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/storage/thumbnails/6120315-16106209-thumbnail.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1326913591051" alt="" /></a></span></span>&nbsp;of this historical character in California's history. With the approval of the city council to move forward on this project, I now get to start on the nine foot tall sculpt that will be molded and cast in bronze.</p>
<p>While this isn't the fisrt time I've sculpted a large scale figure, or the first bronze figure I've created (not by a long shot), it is the first large scale figure that will be cast in bronze. And it's my first public monument. This piece will hopefully stand at his location (across fromthe Santa Anita Race Track) for many generations to come.</p>
<p>Next up in the process of completing this figure is the enlarging itself. There are a couple ways to this, but I'll be opting for the digital scan and foam enlargement. It'll be the first time I'll be using this technology on a project, and I'm really looking forward to trying it out.</p>
<p>This project comes at a busy time for me, as I'm also getting ready for Monsterpalooza (this April). I hope to finish a couple more creature sculpts so that my table will be even better than last year. I'll keep you guys up to date on the progress of this and other projects, and I hope you continue to stop by the store and support what I do by picking up a copy of one (or more) of my resin kits for your collection.</p>
<p>Cheers for now!!!</p>
<p>Alfred</p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>New Work for sale!!</title><id>http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2011/12/12/new-work-for-sale.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2011/12/12/new-work-for-sale.html"/><author><name>Alfred Paredes</name></author><published>2011-12-12T23:10:03Z</published><updated>2011-12-12T23:10:03Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>Hey guys, I've been really busy with being a dad and trying to run my shop and believe me, it's a lot of hard work. I haven't been able to be in the studio as much as I would like, but spending time with my baby girl and helping out my wife has been great. However, I am trying to run a business here and so... There's new work for sale!!!</p>
<p>I'm getting some details taken care of in the Store section, so for now, you can send me a message if you're interested in ordering either (or both) of the new pieces. You can check them out in the Gallery. First up is the Marty Feldman bust. One of my favorite movies of all time "Young Frankenstein" has been on my to do list for a while, and what better way to get started than with the iconic role of Igor (pronounced Eye-gor). This bust is 9.5" tall, in hollow cast resin. $80 + $15 shipping (within the US).</p>
<p><span class="thumbnail-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="javascript:showFullImage('/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fpicture%2Feyegor%252001.jpg%3FpictureId%3D12482688%26asGalleryImage%3Dtrue%26__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION%3D1323732199910',1670,1070);"><img src="http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/storage/thumbnails/6120669-12482688-thumbnail.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1323732199910" alt="" /></a></span></span></p>
<p>Next up is the gruesome gal herself... "Flesh Eating for Two" is a 1:6 scale figure, fully detailed and filled with awesome textures that make her a painter's delight. She stands at 10.5" tall and is cast in 3 parts. Get your copy of this Zombie Mamma for the Holidays, or make someone's Christmas extra special by having this creepy gal waiting under the tree. $90 + $11 shipping (within the US).</p>
<p><span class="thumbnail-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><a href="javascript:showFullImage('/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fpicture%2Fpz%2520cast%252002.jpg%3FpictureId%3D12482767%26asGalleryImage%3Dtrue%26__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION%3D1323732459446',1716,858);"><img src="http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/storage/thumbnails/6120669-12482767-thumbnail.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1323732459448" alt="" /></a></span></span></p>
<p>To make a purchase now (before the pieces officially go up in the Store section), you can send me a message and I'll give you the payment options.</p>
<p>Thanks for supporting my work and I look forward to seing what you guys do with these and all my other figures. Keep those pictures coming, I really do love seeing what you guys do with my work.</p>
<p>Happy Holidays!!! See you in 2012 with even more work and exciting news about a really BIG project!!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>A Crazy Project I Can't Talk About</title><id>http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2011/10/24/a-crazy-project-i-cant-talk-about.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2011/10/24/a-crazy-project-i-cant-talk-about.html"/><author><name>Alfred Paredes</name></author><published>2011-10-24T17:57:09Z</published><updated>2011-10-24T17:57:09Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>Hey guys. So, soon after returning from the Carlos Huante workshop, I started recieving requests for work. This isn't very unusual around here, it's just that most of the requests usually end up going no where. Well, I got contacted for a doosey of a project and it seemed like I was the only one that was up for the challenge. The project was for a very well known celebrity. It was going to involve making a custom chess set. That alone doesn't sound too bad, but here's where the crazy comes in. I was going to have to design, sculpt, mold and cast all the chess pieces in only 10 days. It started off pretty reasonable. There were going to be the usual 6 pieces, then repeated to complete the set. But celebrities don't tend to have simple ideas for long, and the six grew into 11 very quickly. The time frame didn't change, so this meant a whole heck of a lot more work.</p>
<p>I started in with the designs and quickly moved through the bad ideas, weeding it down to a few solid ideas. I did a lot of research on chess sets as well as on some of the characters that would be on the board. The approval process went quicly (luckily, the client understood the challenges of the tight deadline). I began sculpting and in just over a day, I had already roughed in 5 pieces - and a few of those were more than roughed in. I knew I wouldn't be able to complete this project on my own, so I reqruited some help from fellow sculptors. They came through with flying colors and really saved me a lot of time. They also spent a lot of time in my studio, helping me with some of the grunt work, while I worked on the portraits.</p>
<p>The days were long (not one of them being less than 16 hours), and there was one point where I had been working for 39 hours straight. In the end, I completed the project on time and delivered as scheduled. It was definitely the most amount of work I've done in such a small amount of time, but I'm glad I took on the challenge. I knew it was possible, and with the help of some very cool friends, we accomplished what no others were even willing to take on.</p>
<p>Sadly, because of the confidentiality agreements in place, I can't disclose who the work was for, or show any of the pieces (at least not yet). So for now, it goes down as a crazy experience that only a handful of people have actually seen.</p>
<p>Now that the project is over, I'm trying to get back to sculpting more creatures for next year's Monsterpalooza show. I really want to have a cool looking table and improve on what I showed last year. I already have several pieces under way, and I've been drawing several others. I don't know how many I'll be able to finish - having a kid takes up a lot of my time. Plus, there's actually more potential work around the corner. And if that project comes through, I'll be swamped for months!!!! At least that one I'll be able to talk about (once I actually get the job - fingers crossed). We'll see if any other projects come across my table before then, but until then... It's back to the studio to make some of the best creature sculpts I've made so far.</p>
<p>Cheers!!</p>
<p>Alfred</p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>I'm back from the Workshop</title><id>http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2011/10/7/im-back-from-the-workshop.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2011/10/7/im-back-from-the-workshop.html"/><author><name>Alfred Paredes</name></author><published>2011-10-07T16:20:32Z</published><updated>2011-10-07T16:20:32Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>Hey guys, I'm back from the Carlos Huante creature design workshop at Anatomy Tools. It was a great experience and I believe I learned a great deal of things that I will be able to apply to my work. I think you'll start seeing even more original looking creations coming from me, as well as just cooler looking sculpts. It was a tough week being away from my young family, but my wife was a real trooper and I got to see her and my baby girl on Skype each night. Now that I'm back home, I'm trying to figure out a routine for getting time in the studio. It's tough with a new baby, but I have managed to get a few hours in there and I'm making progress on several new pieces (started before the workshop). There's a creepy new Zombie Gal in the works, which I hope to have done by Holloween. She's mostly finished, it's all detail work, but this is going to be one of the most detailed pieces I've ever done, so it's gonna take some time. Keep an eye out for the anouncement. The other pieces will be ready for Monsterpalooza next year (which I already have a table reserved, and it's in an AWESOME location). I'll be posting updated pics of their progress on the Facebook Fan Page.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the support and to all those who continue to buy kits, you have my sincerest thanks. It's because of you that I'm able to keep making monsters.</p>
<p>Cheers!!!</p>
<p>Alfred</p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>An Interesting Link</title><id>http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2011/9/6/an-interesting-link.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2011/9/6/an-interesting-link.html"/><author><name>Alfred Paredes</name></author><published>2011-09-06T16:34:49Z</published><updated>2011-09-06T16:34:49Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>Hey guys, a reader shareed this link with me. Perhaps you guys might enjoy it. For any of you looking for ways to make money in the art industry, this might open your eyes to possibilities you hadn't considered exploring. Check it out <a href="http://masterofarts.org/2011/33-unique-career-paths-you-can-take-with-a-master-of-arts-degree/">HERE</a>.</p>
<p>Cheers for now,</p>
<p>Alfred</p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>New stuff in the works.</title><id>http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2011/8/22/new-stuff-in-the-works.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2011/8/22/new-stuff-in-the-works.html"/><author><name>Alfred Paredes</name></author><published>2011-08-22T16:07:45Z</published><updated>2011-08-22T16:07:45Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>Hey guys, I've been busy with the new family and stuff, but I have managed to get into the studio for a few hours and start making some cool new stuff. I'm sure you'll all love to see it. I'll be posting some teaser pics of some of the new stuff on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/APSculptureStudio">Facebook Fan Page</a>. Head over there and click "Like" so you can keep up with the news.</p>
<p>Also, in the line of always wanting to improve and learn, I've signed up for a creature design class at <a href="http://anatomytools.com/">Anatomy Tools</a>. I'll be learning from the super awesome Carlos Huante. I've been a fan of his for a long time, and we even share a little work history. He worked at a place called Dinamation a long time ago, and many years later, I worked there as well. It'll be tough to be away from the new family for a week so soon into becoming a dad, but with the support of my awesome wife, I have the chance to grow and develop my skills as an artist. I'll be sharing thoughts and photos of the class once I'm back, so keep an eye out for that post.</p>
<p>In the mean time, I'll be preparing myself (personally and professionaly) to be among some of the best creature designers for a week and trying to hold my own. I've got loads of drawing to do as practice and warm ups, and I'm going to try and get some fast creature sculpts in as well (before the class). Wish me luck, and I'll see you guys next time.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Cheers!!</p>
<p>Alfred</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>News &amp; Happenings!!!</title><id>http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2011/7/24/news-happenings.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2011/7/24/news-happenings.html"/><author><name>Alfred Paredes</name></author><published>2011-07-24T22:55:21Z</published><updated>2011-07-24T22:55:21Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>Hey guys, thanks for hanging in there while the blog is on hiatus, I really appreciate it. There is some news I'd like to share with all of you.</p>
<p>First: I've recently been hired on over at <a href="http://www.studioadi.com/">ADI</a>&nbsp;to do some part time sculpting. They've really liked my work so far and it looks like I'll be back for more in the future.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sWfD2eBUlGA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Second: The Harry Potter Tribute Show over at Gallery Nucleus was a HUGE success. Several copies of the Dumbledore and Fenrir pieces have been sold, and there is still time to check out the show, so if you haven't been... What are you waiting for? <a href="http://www.gallerynucleus.com/">Gallery Nucleus</a></p>
<p>Third: This Weekend was San Diego Comic Con. As usual, I was down there on Friday to check out the show, but more importantly, to look for work. It was another great year of making contacts and solidifying old ones. It also looks like there is a possibility of a few new partnerships. I can't say with who at the moment, but I can tell you that they will be awesome collaborations. Fingers crossed that everything works out. It was an exhausting day (I don't know how some people can do all four days), but I feel that this was one of the most successful visits I've had to Comic-Con in the 15+ years that I've been going.</p>
<p>Fourth: There's several new pieces in the works. A complete figure Zombie (not a bust) in 1:6 scale, with alternate parts and lots of gory detail. There's also a very lovely and sexy looking demon in the works. Pictures to come later, so stay tuned.</p>
<p>Fifth: I have already purchased my table for next year's Monsterpalooza. I'll be seeing you again next April with new and bigger works.</p>
<p>...And Finally: This coming Tuesday (the 26th of July) is the day that my daughter will be born. It's an exciting time and I'm looking forward to being a dad. It's a whole new chapter in my life and my wife and I are ready for the challenge and wonder of being parents. I know that my productivity in the studio might take a hit, but I'm determined and focused on success, so be assured that you WILL see new works in the coming months.</p>
<p>So... For now, hang in there. Keep coming back for updates. Keep sending me those painted pics of my resin kits (I really do love seeing what you guys do with them). Spread the word to your friends about the store (by helping get the word out, I can keep making more of the creatures and monsters that you guys will love to collect). Go back and re-read some of the earlier articles and interviews (they really are a good read the second and third time around). And most important of all... Keep on creating and never stop learning.</p>
<p>Until next time,</p>
<p>Alfred</p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>100th KIT SOLD!!!</title><id>http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2011/6/21/100th-kit-sold.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2011/6/21/100th-kit-sold.html"/><author><name>Alfred Paredes</name></author><published>2011-06-21T15:11:08Z</published><updated>2011-06-21T15:11:08Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>Congratulations to John Eubank form the Alternate Universe Modelers Club. He was the lucky purchaser of kit #100!!!! He chose a Pirate Zombie and a Vampire as his two FREE kits.</p>
<p>Thanks to all those who have helped me to reach this small but significant milestone. It's very much appreciated and I hope we can reach number 200 before next Summer. There's new sculpts in the works, but at the moment I'm in full prep mode. I've got the kid on the way in just a few weeks and Comic-Con about a month away. The Harry Potter Show will be in about two weeks, and all the pieces for that show have been cast.</p>
<p>I'm currently trying my hand at model painting. I'm trying to do a good job on the Walken Solo bust. It'll be my first time trying to paint a realistic skin tone, but so far it's going very well. A big thanks to Dave Whitford for his time and tips on painting. I'm sure I'll be picking his brain again.</p>
<p>Until Next Time, Cheers!!!</p>
<p>Alfred</p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>New stuff!!!</title><id>http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2011/6/7/new-stuff.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2011/6/7/new-stuff.html"/><author><name>Alfred Paredes</name></author><published>2011-06-07T15:34:11Z</published><updated>2011-06-07T15:34:11Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>Hey guys, here's a quick update on some happenings.</p>
<p><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><a href="javascript:showFullImage('/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2FWalken%2001.jpg%3F__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION%3D1307461633934',1766,788);"><img src="http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/storage/thumbnails/6120315-12584878-thumbnail.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1307461636207" alt="" /></a></span></span><span class="thumbnail-image-float-right ssNonEditable"><span><a href="javascript:showFullImage('/display/ShowImage?imageUrl=%2Fstorage%2FDumbledore-Bust-Full.jpg%3F__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION%3D1307461685971',1800,972);"><img src="http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/storage/thumbnails/6120315-12584888-thumbnail.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1307461688263" alt="" /></a></span></span>If you've wandered into the portrait section, you might have seen the newest portrait bust: Walken Solo. This piece was inspired by the Saturday Night Live skit where Kevin Spacey did various impressions of actors auditioning for the parts in Star Wars. One of my favorites was Spacey doing Christopher Walken auditioning for Han Solo. I've been doing that routine for years with my own Walken impression and I thought it was time that a piece honoring that skit be created. I decidd to go straight for the comedy and have Chris Walken as Han Solo (as having Kevin Spacey, playing Chris Walken, playing Han Solo would probably too much of a stretch and hard for people to get). This piece will be made available in a very limited number - Coming Soon!!</p>
<p>The other cool piece of news is that I've received the first photographs of the finished Dumbledore bust that the very talented Kat Sapene is painting for me. This bust, along with it's companion (Fenrir Greyback) were created for the upcoming show at <a href="http://www.gallerynucleus.com/blog/harrypotter">Gallery Nucleus: A Tribute to Harry Potter</a>. The painted busts will be on display at the show and unpainted copies will be for sale there, as well as here. They are strictly limited to 20 and each piece is signed and numbered. I hope you can make it out to the show and if not, you can always pick up one of these busts in the store section of this site.</p>
<p>Finally, the 100th kit has still not been sold. We're getting closer - just a few more to go. So if you're feeling like picking up a kit or two or three, now's the time to do it. You might be lucky number 100 and get 2 FREE kits to go with your purchase. So stop by the store, pick your fave and get one for yourself, or a friend.</p>
<p>Cheers!!</p>
<p>Alfred</p>]]></content></entry><entry><title>Still a few left to reach 100</title><id>http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2011/5/23/still-a-few-left-to-reach-100.html</id><link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.apsculpturestudio.com/blog/2011/5/23/still-a-few-left-to-reach-100.html"/><author><name>Alfred Paredes</name></author><published>2011-05-23T19:01:11Z</published><updated>2011-05-23T19:01:11Z</updated><content type="html" xml:lang="en-US"><![CDATA[<p>Hey guys, the promotion is still going on. I haven't reached that magic goal of the 100th kit sold. A few more to go and then the person who buys the 100th kit gets two free (not including the AvioSapien or the Harry Potter busts). Buy one, buy two, heck buy 10!!! Either way, if you're the lucky buyer of number 100, the prize is yours!!!</p>
<p>Head to the store to check out the great deals on these kits. Help support what I do and help me reach this first goal of 100 pieces sold.</p>
<p>In stuff that I'm working on news: I'll have some pictures next time of a new piece that I just completed. It's a celebrity portrait, and I think I might make some copies available for those whacky few that are interested. There's also a tall, creepy lady in the works. Keep an eye out for pictures of "The Countess" as she gets closer to be completed.</p>
<p>For now, head over to the store, pick up your very own creature bust by yours truly and see if you're the Lucky One!!</p>
<p>Cheers!!</p>]]></content></entry></feed>
