This is the first part of molding a dragon paw - you build up a clay base that will form the separation line between the parts of the finished mold. You try to make the clay surface as smooth as possible, and as close to perpendicular to the sculpture as possible. You can also see keys in place so the mold will fit together properly when finished.

I'm using water-based clay so it's easy (well, easier) to remove from the sculpture after the first half of the mold is done.

(crossposted from FA - original c. 2013)