How might one go about acquiring geometric solids?

[snacks ex machina]

You know, those smooth blocks, spheres, cones, and cylinders that are used in still lifes?

...No one I know in person knows what they are or where to find them. I can't locate them in any online art shops. I've considered this might be because I'm not sure I know the proper name for them. Are they called something different when used in the context of art?

I can find children's blocks sets that are in the shape of geometric solids...but all of these block sets are extremely expensive or made out of plush or something. I know I can make rectangles and blocks on my own with a saw or something...but those cones, spheres and cylinders are not something I can attain with my hands alone.

So yeah...I'm very confused at being unable to locate such simple objects. Please help me if you can.

[Zephyrion]

clay. they sell it at art shops.

[snacks ex machina]

I've considered clay, but it goes right back to the issue I mentioned in my OP- It's kind of difficult to construct a perfect sphere, pyramidal form, cone or cylinder by hand- especially, from my experience, in a soft medium like clay. Someone else might be able to do it, but I don't think I have the hand/eye skills necessary for a high level of precision and accuracy.

For bonus difficulty, because of the medium, the finished sculpture is likely to be exceedingly fragile- not really something that you can play around with or store easily. I don't think that's something I think I'm capable of dealing with. Or at least I don't know of any clays that dry particularly strong.

I was really hoping to be able to find something in a material like wood or plastic, like a lot of the ones that I had seen in the past, but so far, no dice.

Thank you.

[OmenSpirits]

school supply stores.

[[email protected]]

Make a cube, piramid, cilinder, cone from paper, and buy a styrofoam sphere.

[Elwell]

Make a cube, piramid, cilinder, cone from paper,

Why stop there?

[Rhubix]

Hit up the dollar store for cheap balls, blocks, glasses, boxes, toys, ornaments, kitchen utensils. buy a can of white spray paint - and you've got all kinds of stuff to draw

[JFierce]

Who needs cones and perfect cubes when you've got every day crap around the house. Need a cylinder? Grab that coffee mug! Need a cube? Grab yourself a cardboard box, old TV or something. Sphere? Ok.. that may be a bit harder to find.


Being a bit sarcastic in that I can see the benefit of the perfect shapes. Just not something I would enjoy over every day stuff.

[vineris]

You can often buy wood or styrofoam shapes at craft stores. I think my art fundamentals class just had paper shapes, though.

You can also get kids' toys for very cheap at second-hand stores and garage sales. Someone is always getting rid of toys their children have outgrown.

[Rowan Redtree]

I personally own this set. Seems to be the kinda thing you're looking for!

[Reutte]

Here's a nice natural colored set of 100 pieces. Not too expensive either. http://www.amazon.com/Maxim-Piece-Na...ds=wood+blocks

No spheres or pyramids though. The more expensive/extensive sets have them but this looks good to start with.

[bjoern3000]

If you live in Europe you can get a cube, a sphere and a cylinder at my shop for a reasonable price. Other shapes are to come.

http://cast-drawing.com/shop/main_bi...php?bigPfad=20

[nickydraws]

Search Amazon or Ebay for geometric solids. You'll get several results. I bought some cheap wooden ones. They serve its purpose although they are a bit smaller than I would like.


Or if you want to get fancy:

http://www.elementsofhome.com/produc...et?category=06

http://www.naturalpigments.com/detai..._ID=635-GES158

http://www.learntosee.com/product_p/lts-102-0.htm

[bjoern3000]

Holy sh.t - I should start shipping to the U.S. when I see these prices.

Why do they want to rip off artists? They are business people without a heart and love for art.

[dpaint]

http://shop.polydron.co.uk/cgi-bin/i...urrency=pounds

[Dysphoria]

http://aniwaichulis.com/news/?page_id=1829

Scroll to the bottom. This is pretty awesome but supper expensive for just shapes.

[Medelo]

http://www.learningresources.com/pro...=&&from=Search

I used this and spray-painted them white. $10, cheap enough for me. They are a wee bit small, but still sufficient for observation.

This is about how small they are, pen for scale

[snacks ex machina]

Okay, thank you guys so much for all your help. I felt so dumb for having to ask this question, so I really wasn't sure of what kind of response I would get. Thank you again.

Holy sh.t - I should start shipping to the U.S. when I see these prices.

Why do they want to rip off artists? They are business people without a heart and love for art.

Do it, dude.