Developing the mask

Since my tutorial on thursday, I have re-thought my mask making technique. It was pointed out that the 3D elements to the mask seemed to lack finish and would make unnecessary noise. I really liked the effect the paper gave to my work and the speed in which i could make them compared to making the papier mache masks. So i started to experiment with cutting into the template of the mask and building onto it by moulding the 3D elements through the back of the template. This technique made the 3D element look less messy and the mask overall started to look more simple and started to develop into the larval mask style i desired:

 Experimenting with different size shapes to fit template...

Seeing how the mask has the ability to create shadows...(probably not the best photo).

This is my first attempt at this technique. Trying it out in black card. Compared to the last mask I made, the overall shape of the mask has been more considered. I have made the face more squareish, a quality I realised when looking over my research into bears. I have also added a beard to the mask. This is something i added in the face painting experiment but I also adds to the character's change from a beautiful woman into a monstrous creature.

This mask I have added colour, with reference to my recent experiment with face paints. I think its important to always apply the colour scheme to my masks now to keep a consistency in my work. I tried adding colour card and paper to the first attempt but i found it looked scrappy and unfinished. Therefore in the second attempt I added the colour before adding the 3D aspects of the mask. This overall makes it look smoother. However, there is a big issue with the visibility of the eyes. Considering the character will not speak, her emotions will be told through her eyes and body language. I need to find a way in which to highlight the eyes. I think the positioning of the mask and use of white face paint and fake eyelashes may help draw the audiences attention to the eyes. Tomorrow I am also taking this mask into the woodland to see how it looks against the setting. This should determine the success of the mask.