Classes

Sculpture Classes and Workshops

Several sculpting classes and workshops are offered each year at my private studio near Tumalo in Central Oregon. Classes are open to anybody with a desire to learn figurative sculpture. Classes are geared for two three-hour sessions per week to give plenty of time for learning, for developing the subject, and for preparing the clay sculpture for firing. Contact the artist for special weekend workshop format if you will be traveling from outside central Oregon.

Sculpting Topics

Students may choose from any of the following topics to suit their individual interests:

Sculpting the Head in Clay

Students can learn the proportions and features of the human head and sculpt a life size head or bust in clay. The focus will be to learn features of a human head, not to create a likeness of an actual person (ie. portraiture). Students are encouraged to collect and bring pictures showing heads from a variety of different angles (especially including side views) to use for reference. A set of handouts is also provided illustrating the features and proportions of the head and giving additional reference views.

Sculpting the Torso in Clay

Students may elect to isolate just the torso of the human figure. The torso is the trunk of the human body without head and limbs, but optionally can include the head. In essence, the torso is an unfinished figure. A maquette – a small preliminary model – will be made to explore the position and features of the torso prior to modeling. Students will learn the proportions and features of the human trunk and can sculpt a one-half life size torso in clay. Prior experience in sculpting a full size head is very helpful in modeling the reduced size head for either the figure or torso.

Sculpting the Figure in Clay

Students can sculpt a one-third life sized standing pose in order to learn the landmarks and proportions of the human figure. The standing figure is ideal for learning because proportions are so easily measured. The figure will be sculpted on a special armature stand, placed on a clay plinth for stability, and then dressed up with hair and clothing if desired. Special considerations for structural integrity of the piece and methods to create variety of textures will be demonstrated. Handouts including measurements and illustrations from anatomy and photography books and a one-half life size skeleton will be used as references for this topic.

Sculpting Elective

Students who have attended any previous class or workshop may sculpt any subject of interest. Students are responsible to research and bring their own reference pictures. Instructor will provide individual guidance for students to achieve their desired results.

Current and Upcoming Sculpture Class and Workshop Offerings:

Summer Sculpture Intensive -- new Students Only
July 12 to 23 and August 16 to 20, 2010 M-W-F two sessions each at 10am - 1 pm and from 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Private Studio near Tumalo, central Oregon
An intensive two week sculpting class, followed by three weeks for drying and firing, and one additional week for application of patinas.

This class is an introduction to figurative sculpting of the standing figure with emphasis on the features and proportions of the adult and child head. Sculpture basics will be covered, including proportions of the figure and head, texturing and smoothing, and considerations for successful firing and application of patinas. Students will complete a small and medium standing figure and one or two medium sized heads.
Class registration of $85 covers class notes, all class sessions, and firing of pieces. Sculpture mix clay must be purchased at class for $10 per 25 lb. bag. Bring sack lunch for between sessions -- may eat in studio or outdoors, weather permitting.

Additional Information

Instructor will provide individual guidance for students to achieve their desired results. Prior experience in hand building with moist clay is helpful but certainly not necessary. Students must purchase sculpture clay at class and are encouraged to bring some basic sculpting tools, available at local art stores. Cost of bisque firing (first firing) and patina materials are included in the registration fee. After students finish modeling, the sculptures are hollowed out to prepare them for firing. Completed sculptures are dried and fired by the instructor during a three-week break. Following the break, sessions resume and a layered acrylic patina or high-fired oxide stain (for additional firing cost) is applied to the ceramic sculpture as a work of art. Classes do not include fabrication of bases, but bases can be commissioned at extra cost.

Hire or Commission the Instructor

I am available for teaching sculpture workshops, sessions or demonstrations at schools or other venues and have also had short classes for middle school kids at my studio. I can also be commissioned for portraiture in clay or bronze or any sculptural subject of your desire.

Please contact the artist with any questions about upcoming sculpture classes or workshops.