Learn modelling techniques using clay to create a small figure and a portrait head. Working from a life model, you will develop skills in looking and observing, exploring form and structure, using a plumb line and negative space.
There will be discussions and demonstrations of different tools and the marks they make, as well as aspects of anatomy and modelling facial details.
On this course you will learn how to:
- Create a sculpture of the human figure
- Use tools confidently to form interesting marks on clay
- Look for the structure and proportion of the anatomy, and to establish in the sculpture where the bones and muscles show
- Confidently draw the curve of the backbone and angle of the shoulders, waist and hips on the clay
- Look for character and what you want the work to say
- Stand back from the work and assess the effect, moving clay around to try various relationships, and decide on the most meaningful
The course will start with a short demonstration of a method (one of many) to achieve a likeness of the human form.
Skills of looking and observing will be encouraged. Sketching with pencil and paper is often useful. As the course proceeds, appropriate aspects of anatomy and what to look for will be explained, as well as form and structure, use of a plumb line, negative space, use of tools and the marks they make.
Different techniques and unusual and recycled tools that create interesting marks and surface and textures will be shown.
Finishing off hollowing out the work to allow it to dry evenly for firing.
By the end of the course, you will have:
Achieved an understanding and confidence in how to begin a sculpture, what to look for, how to plan the base support and how to handle clay and its structure with various moisture contents so that it stays in position
Strengthened your observational skills and learned how to make decisions from the model so as to be able to create an interesting sculptural form from a basic slab of clay
Learned to look, see, wonder, sculpt and suggest
Included
- The course fee includes the cost of providing a life model and all clay, glazing and firing costs – large work in size and quantity may be charged extra.
What students need to bring
- An apron
- Any sculpture tools you may have (don't worry if you haven't as there will be tools available to borrow)
- Sketchbook/paper and drawing media
- It is not necessary, but would be helpful in preparing for your course, to look at illustrations of work by any sculptors, e.g. Michelangelo, Auguste Rodin, Jacob Epstein, Elisabeth Frink, etc., and examples of any sculpted human figures that interest you.
Available to buy
Available from shop:
- A good variety of art materials, including sketchbook/paper and drawing media
Additional information
Firing options:
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Leave any raw, finished pieces that you wish to keep, for biscuit firing by the College, for collection within six months.
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Take away your unfired work for firing elsewhere.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no open toes or sandals).
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
