Look at this ugly mug!

[TIC TOC]

I Agree That Clown Mart Has Great Shoes I Just Received A Pair Thursday For The Circus Which Starts Tuesday. They Are Much Bigger Than They Look!!! I Use A Pro Nose And Find It Comfortable.

[Harpoetta]

I vote for number 3. The mouth is just too big in the first one, and a little too much blue in the second one. I don't think it would be wise to use blue on the top and bottom lip, usually one or the other is easier to see the movement of the mouth.

[Duckie]

Hello there new clown friend. I think since no one else mentioned it. . . . . that I would tell you that , if you are going to be an auguste clown, then you should not use blue in the face at all, or just as a slight accent at most.

Just stating the universal guidelines and standards which is a part of each category of clown. Everything of course is a personal choice. Normally you would only see the blue and other colors other than red, black, white and auguste on a white faced clown.

I do like the first face with the modifications you spoke of. All the best in your quest to: "find your face".

[saphireSue]

well just to be different what about using white in the #2 pic. instead of blue, shortening the muzzle. adding a red bottom lip, with the pips, and bring in the red blush more on the apple of the cheeks.

[Fitzwilly]

Okay, since I never seem to be able to make a short post, here is my 4 1/2 cents.

First. The makeup you bought. You mentioned that it is "latex mask coverup" This is a very different formulation that clowns normally wear and it is much more expensive. This type of makeup is very heavily pigmented and is designed for covering... go guessed it... Latex masks. Like the kind they use in movies. The regular makeup doesn't work as well on the latex. Once you find colors and/or shades that you like try to match them with individual pots of regular theatre makeup.

Second. If you like blue, then continue using some blue in your designs. There have been stories and rumors passed around for years about why blue "can't" be used. But the real facts of the matter are that many circus clowns have used or still use varying amounts of blue in their makeup. What you may want to do as you are refining your designs is to position a mirror somewhere that you can get farther and farther away (more than just across the room) and as you tweak your designs step farther and farther away from the mirror and make a number of facial expressions while doing so. As you watch yourself in the mirror see if you can tell what expressions you are making.

[tim]

Originally Posted by Fitzwilly

Second. If you like blue, then continue using some blue in your designs.

I'm going to have to agree with that assessment.

Now, given, I think that you have just way too much blue around the mouth in that one attempt. But, generally speaking, I don't see why blue can't fit in. Indeed, on my regular auguste face, I have chosen to use blue outlines for my muzzle and eyes. Why? For one, I just like it. It also jives well with the costuming I use, it seems (which incorporates blue tones.) But, mostly, it softens my look. I have jet black natural hair which I don't cover up with a wig. Employing black on my face just makes everything stark, it seems. For up close work, in particular (which is when I tend use this face - more for birthday parties than anything) I want to present an appearance which is inviting and even "cute." With black, it has entirely the opposite effect. The average observer seems to agree with this, in my practical experience. The only time I have ever really been criticized for using blue are by other clowns who consider it a sort of "rule" that it shouldn't be done.

Now, that said, does blue sometimes look awkward on a clown? Yes, I do think so. It doesn't fit into every face neatly. It has to be the right thing for the right person.

Further, it has been commented to me that black projects better. I was once asked to try something similar to the experience Fitz suggests by painting over one side of my face in black outlines and the other in blue. Someone then held a mirror at increasing distances so that I might see the difference in how things read to an audience. It was insight appreciated and well taken. If I were doing a gig which required me to communicate expression 50 feet away, I might use black because of it. But I still use blue for the most part, as it is what fits for me in the clowning I do.

[tim]

Just to continue the line of thought (and play devil's advocate), I typically receive comments about how unique my use of green is in the lite auguste (or do you prefer "new vaudevillian") look which is presently featured in my avatar (albeit without moustache when I actually employ it.) Generally people like the accent. But it seems so unusual that they immediately take note.

[Fitzwilly]

Would that be an "Hey, sharp!" ? A#

[Kiddy Clown]

I like #3 but you should try to get a LITTLE more on the eyes to little white.

[Lilly_A_Clown]

I really like the last Picture. It is a very good base for you to work from. Also I am an august clown but I tend to not really follow the color rules. I use just about any color that you can think of for my face. but mainly pink, orange, green, yellow, and purple. It matches my personality; colorful, soft and easy to aproch. I use only Ben Nye make up that I love its easy to put on and off.