Course: Introduction to Sculpting

A fun and easy course, exploring the diversity of human form, anatomy and character

Perfect for anyone wanting to have their first experience or expand their knowledge through a simple sculptural project. This course will provide foundational skills to take forward into more ambitious builds in the future. 

Suitable for: Complete beginners or those who wish to improve their sculpting skills.

Making sculpture is an enjoyable, expressive and experimental process, tuning in to our own emotions. Results may not always be visually precise, but to the observer they can radiate presence, and this is true of any successfully captured figure; from  Rodin’s The Thinker, to Nick Park’s Wallace & Gromit.

In each weekly session of the course you will follow course tutor Helen Ashton’s demonstrations to explore and develop skills to create three-dimensional figures. Ceramic construction techniques to convey characteristics and gestures will be combined with comparative measurement and observational study to capture proportion and emotion.

Throughout the course you will work towards a finished form, developing knowledge of:

  • Small-scale quick studies
  • Transforming  drawings or photos into three-dimensional forms
  • The use of props, plinths and texture
  • Understanding the importance of movement or gesture” within a study
  • Individual features, skeleton, muscle, hair
  • Explore the importance of choice of clay body, storage, finish

At the end of the course you will have completed a small reclining or seated study (macquette) plus a larger completed form around 30cm in height of either a full figure or torso.

Further details

This course is open to adults (16+). The cost includes instruction and the items you make to take home. Refreshments and drinks are included.

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