Learn how to build a half life-size figure in plaster. The key skill here is building a stable armature using aluminium armature wire, no welding will be required. You will learn about bulking the figure out with lightweight materials in preparation for a final layer of plaster. You will also learn how to mix plaster, use scrim and develop both modelling and textural finishes.
Starting with making small models using armature wire and black modelling wax to give you the opportunity to practice armature building before approaching the main project of a half life-size figure. You will experience using wax, which is an exptremely useful studio ‘tool’ for maquettes and life studies.
The course will stress observational skills, taking maximum advantage of the presence of an experienced female life model throughout the course. Towards the end of the course, there will be an opportunity to deviate away from strict observation towards expressive ideas, for those who wish to do so.
By the end of the course, you will have gained many skills including observational skills, armature building with wire, working with wax, plaster, scrim and finishes. You will have produced a couple of small figures, most proably one in wax and one in plaster, in addition to your main figure.
Summer School highlights:
The Summer School week is an immersive learning experience with more time to develop your creativity and embrace opportunities for creative development beyond your chosen course. A detailed timetable for your Summer School week will be given to you on arrival. This will include:
- Short inspirational talks by tutors and displays of their work
- A short creative experience session in another discipline/media or course
- An optional evening at the Chichester Festival Theatre (if pre-booked)
- An optional lunchtime tour of West Dean Gardens, the historic rooms at West Dean College, or West Dean Tapestry Studio
- A celebration dinner on the last evening themed on ‘going green’. Feel free to respond to the theme if you wish
- Informal end-of-course group reviews and displays of students' work in studios
As evening events are planned as part of the Summer School week, dinner is included in the course fee to enable all students, including non-residents, to participate fully.
Included
On this course the College will supply all of the materials including aluminium armature wire in three thicknesses, plaster, mod roc plaster bandage, new clay, modelling wax, ply bases, Tesa masking tape, studio safe solvent and spray paint.
The course fee includes a model for the duration of the course.
What students need to bring
A sketch book for notes etc
Additional information
Wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear i.e. no open-toes or sandals. Safety boots, if specified. There may be restrictions on equipment available to students in tutor’s absence.
Timetable for Summer Schools
Several evening events are planned throughout the week, a detailed timetable for the summer schools will be given to you on arrival.
Arrival Day
Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.
Daily timetable
Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.
From 6.30pm: Dinner (included).
Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Last day
Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.
Residential students should vacate their rooms by 10am please.
