Buffalo Feathers Clay Banyai Now we need to shape the buffalo. The putty is still pliable and will mold to shape. Use your fingers, pear shaders,  modeling tools etc. to try and shape the muscles. I used the tip of the modeling tool to shade the edges of the feathers where they overlap the belly. Shaping the body is one of the most important steps in making you picture look good. Study photos of your subject.