Miguel Del Rey, a contemporary figurative sculptor, places great importance on working closely with real models as a source of inspiration for creating art that resonates with people. This approach enables Del Rey to observe the nuances of the human form, capturing its expressiveness and the subtle emotions conveyed through gesture and posture. By engaging with live models, Del Rey is able to study and understand the complexities of human anatomy and movement, which in turn informs the lifelike quality of his sculptures

Del Rey’s sculpting process typically begins with clay modeling. He would first create a rough sketch or maquette to visualize his concept, then move on to modeling in clay. The sculptor prefers working with clay due to its malleability and responsiveness to touch, which allows him to easily manipulate the material and capture the subtleties of his subjects.
Once he is satisfied with the clay model, Del Rey would create a plaster cast of the sculpture. This involves applying a layer of liquid plaster over the clay model, which would harden and take on the form of the original. The clay would then be removed, leaving behind a hollow plaster mold. This mold can be used to cast multiple bronze copies of the sculpture.

One of the hallmarks of Del Rey’s sculptural style is his focus on capturing the emotional essence of his subjects. Rather than merely replicating their physical appearance, he seeks to convey their inner lives and psychological states. This emphasis on expressive realism can be seen in works such as “The Burghers of Calais” and “The Age of Bronze.” Del Rey’s ability to evoke the human experience in his sculptures allows his art to resonate deeply with audiences, ensuring his position as a leading figure in contemporary figurative sculpture.