How to make large outdoor statues?

I guess we would have to teach you how to be a sculptor! Maybe your local art school could help?

The base of most DIY outdoor statues is a framework of pressure treated 2 X 4s with a wrapping of chicken wire. YOU have to figure out the wood frame dimensions. When you wrap your wire, you can sculpt (bend) it to the general shape you want. After that, you can use thin set or stucco or whatever material you like for the end result you're after. I like to do a base first, then build the features once that's dry. Don't forget to seal it. If you're planning something heavy, make sure the bottom is braced and you have some kind of handle built in to move it.

Ok thanks ladies. I'm pretty good with diy and some tools...ie jack hammer, artwork, textures & painting, sewing, drills, flooring. Was surprised that I couldn't find any type of instructions.

You could carve the figures out of layered insulation foam board. Spray paint with Rustoleum Stone Spray paint and seal with a clear coat.

We made one. I cannot say it turned out well even though my mom and I are both crafty. Anyway, we used chicken wire like the other poster said. It was a pig, so we balled up the wire for the head and torso and legs in the same fashion and covered it with concrete. I have since heard that hardware cloth is easier to use than chicken wire. Check this out.. https://www.hunker.com/13425672/how-to-make-a-concrete-garden-statue

Layered insulation is easy to carve with small saw, kitchen knives, razor box knives. Spray glue 2" insulation squares to the basic form, height, length and width. Draw in the basic statue form on all sides and carve it out. Any OOPS can be filled in with pieces of foam. Then just spray stone the statue and seal with clear coat.

Could you start out by making your form out of paper mache' using old newspaper etc . once it is set up then I have seen some sculptures made where people are laying cloth, towels, doilies over the form and smearing concrete/cement on the fabric and letting it dry. It takes shape and then you can paint it etc.

https://hydroprosales.com/create-your-own-cement-cloth-planter/

Thats a great idea. I was thinking of paper mache. Haven't did that in a long time, couldn't think of what would make it stronger without wire form. Thanks much! The link's great.

Since you want that on a pedestal, I would build the pedestal of steel with an armature to create your form out of chicken wire around it with crumpled plastic bags inside, then soak clothe in the concrete and add layers smoothing as you go to get your bird. You definitely want the base heavier than the top so it doesn't fall over.