Life Sculpture Tuesday Evening

About this course

Participants develop portrait and full-figure clay sculptures from a range of life models and poses. The course covers observation, measuring, choosing an angle of view, clay preparation and hollowing work for firing. Teaching combines tutor demonstrations with practical tasks, peer learning and individually developed models. Sessions also introduce colouring, patination and other finishing techniques. Learners at different stages can consolidate existing methods or experiment with materials and approaches, while studio health and safety is addressed as part of the course.

What you'll learn

• Measure figures to create life-size, reduced-scale or occasionally enlarged clay sculptures.
• Apply an appropriate angle of view when working from a life model.
• Identify different clay types and use methods including hollowing sculptures for firing.
• Develop individual identity in clay work through pose-setting, experimentation or refinement of working methods.
• Apply colouring, patination and finishing techniques to completed sculptures.
• Practise health and safety procedures in clay and sculpture studio work.

Is this course right for you?

The course is suitable for all levels, including complete beginners, and is taught as a mixed-level class with newer and more experienced learners working alongside each other. Participation involves practical tasks, individual modelling from life models and peer learning. Teaching is in spoken English, with limited writing for forms.

• No course entry requirements are listed.
• Learners develop their own work while observing life models and poses.
• The mixed-level format includes both new and more experienced participants.
• Extra help with spoken English or form-filling can be discussed with the tutor.

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.
• Materials used beyond the allocated material course fee incur an extra charge.
• Clay sculptures can become heavy. Learners with difficulty lifting heavy loads should tell the tutor, as help is available.