Introduction to life sculpture

What is the course about?

This will be an introduction and investigation into the structure and musculature of the human figure using the life model as reference. You will use all this information to create your own sculpture in clay using sculptural modelling techniques. Your clay sculpture will be fired after the course has finished, the department will advise dates for collection.

What will we cover?

- Basic anatomy of the human form.
- How to make observational working drawings of the life-model.
- Introduction to clay modelling expressing the human form.
- How to make an analytical evaluation of your own artwork supported by friendly and supportive feedback.
- A brief introduction to the work of contemporary and historical figurative sculptors.
- An introduction to the safe use of equipment, materials and procedures and practice in the sculpture studio.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Have an understanding of major bones in the skeleton.
- Have a basic understanding of muscle groups in the human form.
- Make preparatory observational drawings ready for sculpture.
- Demonstrate improved clay modelling skills towards finished sculpture.
- Work independently and make aesthetic judgements to develop a self-expressed finished artwork.
- Work safely with the materials, equipment and procedures of the subject.

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

All levels welcome. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

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

There will be group demonstrations and plenty of 1:1 help. There will be the opportunity for small group evaluations and discussion.

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

All basic materials are provided at no extra cost.

You should bring a sketchbook/notebook, pencil and camera.

You must wear sturdy shoes that cover the whole foot (no open toe). Please also wear old working clothes or bring overalls.

At the end of the course your clay sculpture is fired to turn it to ceramic. Because the sculpture must be fully dry before it is fired it can be several weeks before it is ready. Near the end of the course you will be given dates and times by your tutor for when your sculpture can be collected from the sculpture studio. Please note that the finished
sculpture can be quite heavy and it is not possible for them to be posted by City Lit.

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

The City Lit sculpture department offers a wide range of exciting courses that will allow you to progress from beginner to advanced and learn a range of techniques. After this course you may wish to join a similar course to develop your skills further or try something completely different. We offer courses in prop making, metal, clay, carving in stone and wood, mould making and casting, and much more! Alternatively, you may wish to progress onto the year-long City Lit Sculpture course VU841, which helps you to build your own individual sculpture practice.

We are constantly adding new courses. Please ask your tutor for advice or browse the City Lit website for inspiration. It is also possible to contact our visual arts team by emailing visualarts@citylit.ac.uk, or calling 0203 880 2415 Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm.