You Got a Friend in Cardboard

The life size 6 foot Woody I made for a local gallery exhibition was so successful that I got commissioned two smaller figures made out of cardboard. This time I got to make Buzz and Woody.
Materials:
Cardboard
Glue sticks
Acrylics and spray can paints
Wood glue
Some pastels sticks for texture and permanent markers for details

Step 1: Establish Size

The first step is to stablish the size and proportions. I used Butcher paper to sketch out the proportionate sizes of the two figures.
This helped me measure and cut the appropriate size of cardboard I will need for the base figure and make them proportionate.

Step 2: Assemble Basic Forms

The rolling and gluing of the pieces was not photographed because it looked messy. Anyway there was a lot of trial and error since I was eyeballing the assembly.
After each limb was attached I made sure it matched the sketches made.

Step 3: Poses

With cardboard or paper you can cut to size or manipulate the forms as you go. Cardboard can be wetted to be shaped and once it dries it will retain its form. At this point I wanted to stablished the heights and proportions of this iconic pair.

Step 4: Reinforcing the Figures

After adding a few more cutout details to the figures like the vest, the belt and other little details. I covered them both with a mixture of wood glue and water.

Step 5: Second Coat

I applied a second coat of wood glue and let it dry. At this point the cardboard feels more like plastic without loosing that cardboard look and texture.

Step 6: Base Color White

On this step I paint everything white with an acrylic base paint which will also help cover some imperfections or gaps.

Step 7: Toy Colors

This step is pretty much self explained. I used spray paint and acrylics to pretty much cover the distinguishing colors of the characters.
Since Buzz is pretty much white I use a metallic iricent overlay.

Step 8: Details

Of course detailing makes up for most of the look. I used markers, pastels and pencils.

Step 9: Clear Coat

After the detailing colors are dry, I try to always protect the finish with a clear coat spray.
View more art at www.Rene-L.Deviantart.com and on Facebook and Instagram under @Renelopezart