Abstract Form with an Elongated Silhouette: Step-by-Step Tutorial

An elongated, asymmetrical silhouette, with no detail at all, finished in matte white. The ideal project if you want an editorial-finish result using a single main tool.

This piece can be carved in high-density rigid polyurethane foam (to practice the form without fear of mistakes) or directly in wood, for the final piece. Recommended wood: basswood — its discreet grain doesn't matter here, because the piece ends up painted matte white.

From the Shop: carving knife, fine sandpaper, gesso, and white acrylic paint. See tools →

What you'll need

Elongated foam blockEnough for a silhouette about 25–30 cm long.
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Carving knifeYour only cutting tool in this project.
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Fine-grit sandpaperTo get the surface ready to paint.
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Gesso and white acrylic paintThe finish that turns the foam into a ceramic-looking object.
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Step by step

Initial block with the outline of the abstract form with an elongated silhouettephoto coming soon

Initial block

Start with a rectangular block of wood or high-density foam. Draw the front outline of the abstract form with an elongated silhouette on all four faces of the block, and mark a center line on each.

Cutting the finished front profilephoto coming soon

Cutting the front profile

Remove the excess material following the outline you drew. The piece is still flat, like a cut-out silhouette, but you can already recognize the overall shape.

Stages 3 through 10 are in the Habanaescultura book — currently in the works, with tracing patterns, renders of each piece, and the technical sheet for all 21 projects in the route. In the meantime, this preview shows you how the process starts.

What you'll need

A knife, fine sandpaper, and gesso with white paint — the fastest finishing project in the series.

See in the Shop

Want to keep going? The complete process for this piece — and the other 13 — will be in the book. While it's finished, pick another tutorial from the route, or write to us to be notified as soon as it's out.