Life and Portrait Sculpture: 2 Sundays

About this course

Working from the same life model and pose, participants develop individual portrait or full-figure clay sculptures through observation, measurement and practical modelling. Teaching combines tutor demonstrations, guided practice, peer learning and regular feedback. The course covers clay-working methods, observation techniques, colouring, clay preparation and hollowing for firing. Learners can develop their own compositions and approaches, with activities adapted to different levels of experience.

What you'll learn

• Measure the figure to create life-size, scaled-down or occasionally scaled-up sculptures.
• Explore different clay types and clay-working methods.
• Hollow clay sculptures and prepare work for firing.
• Develop individual compositions and ideas from life poses.
• Practise health and safety procedures and sculpture studio practice.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for all levels, including complete beginners, and is taught as a mixed-level class. Participants work individually from a life model while learning through demonstrations, observation, peer exchange and tutor feedback. Teaching is in spoken English, with a small amount of writing for forms.

• No previous experience is required.
• Learners at different stages may attend the same class.
• The course involves sustained observation and individual clay modelling from a life pose.
• Teaching uses spoken English, with limited written work.

Before you go

• Wear work clothes or an apron, together with hard shoes or boots. Sandals and high heels are not suitable for the workshop environment.
• A sketchbook and pencils are useful but not stated as required.
• Clay sculptures can become heavy. Learners with difficulty lifting heavy loads should tell the tutor; help is available.