Bronze Sculpture courses London: City Lit

Bronze sculpture: modelling and casting the figure

Taking the female form as inspiration, you will make drawings and small sculptures from observation. You will make a mould from your sculpture which will then be taken to the foundry and cast in bronze using the simple sand casting method. Materials included. All abilities welcome. *Please note - the course takes place on 20th - 27th May and 24th June. There will be a 3 week break after the second session when the work is taken to the foundry.

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Key course information

Dates
20/05/12 - 24/06/12

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
3 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £266^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VU778

Availability
This date is full

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

This course is full

Occasionally places may become available. You can add yourself to the waiting list.

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Course outline

What is the course about?

Taking the female form as inspiration, we will make drawings and small sculptures from observation. Following this, you will learn how to make a simple mould from one of your modelled figures, and this will be taken to the foundry to be cast into bronze. Patinating and polishing your bronze piece will also be covered. The cost of this course is higher than our other sculpture courses due to the foundry costs of pouring the bronze. However, it works out at a fraction of the price of getting a foundry to cast your work for you.

What topics will we cover?

The course will start by exploring ‘the muse’ and how the female form has inspired many different artists. Using a live female model as inspiration, you will make a series of life drawings and will have a go at sculpting the female form in clay or plasticene.

The second evening will focus on the process for casting the modelled figure into bronze. You will learn how to make the sand mix and use this to create a simple one-piece mould. The mould will then be taken to the foundry to have the bronze poured in and will be returned to you for the third evening. The finish is not as fine as the lost wax method for bronze casting, but the method is very simple and requires only basic facilities. This makes it a useful method to learn for those who would like to do more bronze casting but do not have the facilities and space for the lost wax procedure.

The third evening will then deal with patinating and polishing your work.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- show improved drawing skills, from the female form
- show improved sculpting skills, from the female form
- appreciate the work of other artists who have used life models
- show simple casting skills for making a bronze mould
- patinate and polish your bronze sculpture.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is for all levels, beginners and those with some experience in drawing, modelling or casting.

Support is available if you think you would benefit from help with following written or verbal instructions in English or with working independently. Please contact the 'Skills for learning and life' team on 020 7492 2511 for more information.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught mainly on an individual basis, with some group discussion. The emphasis will be on practice with guidance.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

A selection of equipment and tools is provided, and materials are included in the course fee. Also included is the cost of transporting the work to and from the foundry, and the pouring of a small bronze.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

The department offers a range of specialist sculpture and drawing classes, and you will be able to get advice on these from your tutor.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

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