with Hazel Reeves 

Summer Term:  5 Thursdays from Oct 16 to  Nov 13

10am -4pm each day :

For Beginners/Intermediate/Advanced

About this Course:

Have you ever wanted to capture someone’s face or expression in a sculpture? Working a portrait in clay from a live model is a really rewarding experience. This course will explore how to observe heads – how to see their differences and similarities, and in turn learn how to translate this understanding into a sculpture which captures a likeness of the sitter. During the five days a life-sized clay portrait of a live sitter will be built on an armature. This concentrated modelling will be interspersed with fun exercises – with clay and without – to help train up the eye and hands. This course will be taught in a way suitable for those with experience of sculpting in clay and those new to it. 

We will cover:

• The complexity of the head in terms of form and features
• How to examine the head from all angles
• Drawing to assist the sculptural process, particularly drawing the profile of the head
• How to use an armature (or bust-peg)
• Using a basic measurement system to set up the form of the head
• Building-up a life-size portrait head in clay (for later firing) using fingers as well as tools.

Timetable:

Session times: 10am to 4pm, with one hour for lunch (1-2pm), regular model breaks and breaks for coffee/tea

Day 1: 

• Introduction to the course and fellow students
• Exercises with and without clay to introduce portraiture
• Drawing from the model in preparation for setting up the sculpture
• Preparing and using an armature/bust-peg
• Applying clay to the armature
• Taking basic measurements from the model
• Sculpting a rapid under-size portrait

Day 2: 

• Building a flat profile in clay on the armature
• Examining the skull in more detail
• Continuation of modelling, building up in three dimensions
• Learning how to look at the model and the sculpture in order to compare and plan the next steps

Day 3 and 4: 

• Continuation of modelling with one-to-one discussions of progress
• Exercises to assist progress and/or loosening up

Day 5: 

• Continuation of modelling with one-to-one discussions of progress
• Explanation of how to hollow-out the portrait
• Hollowing-out of portraits
• Final modelling before drying out begins
• Class reflection on the course

What to bring:

Clay for a life-size portrait is included in the cost of the course. Wooden armatures (sometimes called a ‘bust peg’) will be provided. These belong to the studio.

If you have any of the following, bring them – don’t worry if not as there will be some to share:

• Calipers for measuring
• Ruler or retractable metal measure
• Wooden and/or metal modeling tools (including hollowing-out tools)
• Wire cutter
• Water spray bottle
• Barbecue sticks and cocktail sticks
• Masking tape
• Bin liners (x2)
• Hand-held mirror
• Apron
• Drawing paper and drawing implement (pen, pencil or charcoal)