Dinosaur Sculpting

Allen A. Debus is a dinosaur sculptor and author of multiple books. He writes regularly for Prehistoric Times, G-Fan, Mad Scientist and Scary Monsters, and was a contributing editor of Fossil News: Journal of Avocational Paleontology. He lives in Hanover Park, Illinois. Bob Morales holds a doctorate in history from Rutgers University and has lectured at the Baseball Hall of Fame Symposium in Cooperstown, New York, USA. He has taught at Rutgers University, Nassau Community College, and is professor of history at Bergen Community College. He lives in Rumson, New Jersey. Diane E. Debus coauthors articles with her husband Allen A. Debus. She lives in Hanover Park, Illinois.

Table of Contents


Foreword by Mike Fredericks 1

Introduction: The Circle of Life 3

1. Recipe for a Dinosaur 13

2. An Overview of Paleoimagery 24

3. Why Do It? Brainstorming Ideas and Exploring Themes in Paleosculpture 53

4. Constructing Trustworthy Armatures 58

5. Pre-baked Parts 64

6. Sculpting Bloodthirsty Theropods 69

7. Sculpting Super Sauropods 91

8. “Can-Do” Stegosaurs! 102

9. Sculpting “Sharp-Looking” Horned Dinosaurs 116

10. Sculpting Iguanodontian and Duckbill Dinosaurs 127

11. Sculpting Miscellaneous Mesozoic Creatures 137

12. Sailing On to Distinctive Projects: Finbacks and Winged Reptiles 155

13. Sculpting Prehistoric Birds and Feathered Dinosaurs “On the Fly” 172

14. Sculpting Prehistoric Mammals—“Just Do It!” 189

15. Putting It All Together, A to Z: Sculpting Liopleurodon 204

16. A Word on the World of Dino-Diorama Building (Model Bases and Painting) 220

17. Molding Prehistoric Animal Sculptures 238

18. A Painting Primer 249

19. What to Do If Your Model Cracks and Other Eventful Matters 255

Glossary 261

Chapter Notes 265

Bibliography 277

Index 279