Life and Portrait Sculpture: 3 Sundays Course

About this course

Participants develop individual portrait or full-figure clay sculptures by observing and measuring from a life model. Teaching combines tutor demonstrations, observation methods, colouring and learning through practice, with peer learning and regular feedback. The course covers clay-working methods, different types of clay, hollowing sculptures for firing, clay preparation and studio health and safety. Learners at different levels can consolidate existing skills or develop more individual approaches to composition, materials and working methods.

What you'll learn

• Measure figures to create life-size, scaled-down or occasionally scaled-up sculptures
• Apply different clay-working methods and prepare hollow sculptures for firing
• Use observation and measuring techniques when modelling from a life pose
• Develop individual compositions and approaches to sculptural work
• Practise safe clay handling, firing preparation and sculpture studio procedures

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners at all levels, including beginners, and is taught as a mixed-level class. Participants work individually from a life model while learning through practice, peer learning and tutor feedback. The course is delivered mainly through spoken English, with a small amount of writing for forms.

• New and more experienced learners participate in the same class
• Additional help with understanding spoken English or completing written forms can be discussed with the tutor

Before you go

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