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This will be an introduction and investigation into the structure and musculature of the human torso, using the life model as reference. You will use all of this information to create your own sculpture in plaster by creating a torso armature and using plaster sculpture techniques.
What will we cover?
- We will visit the Victoria and Albert Museum's casting room and gallery. Here we will sketch from the renaissance and 20th century masters for inspiration in technique and style. - Basic anatomy of the human form. - How to make observational working drawings of the life model. - Introduction to working measurements. - Preparation and construction of a torso armature. - Introduction to plaster modelling, expressing the human form. - How to make an analytical evaluation of your own art work, alongside receiving friendly and supportive feedback. - A brief introduction into contemporary and historical figurative sculptors. - An introdcution to the safe use of materials, equipment and procedures in the sculpture studio.
The maximum dimensions you will be working to are height 30cm and width 23cm.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify and understand the major bones of the human skeleton
Demonstrate a basic understanding of key muscle groups in the human form
Create preparatory observational drawings in preparation for sculptural work
Apply a range of measuring techniques directly from the life model
Cut and construct a torso armature
Demonstrate plaster modelling skills in the creation of a finished sculpture
Work independently, making informed aesthetic decisions to develop a personally expressive artwork
Work safely and confidently with materials, tools, and equipment in line with studio procedures
Additional guidance for experienced students: More experienced learners will be encouraged to explore and experiment with materials, surface treatment, and sculptural methods to further develop technical skill and individual expression. This may include making compositional choices within the pose.
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 health and safety information. You will be invited to take part in group discussions.You should be able to use numbers and 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 pleanty of one-to-one help. There will be the opportunity for small group evaluations and discussions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Materials and Equipment
All materials required for the course are provided.
Please bring a sketchbook, pencils, and a pen for sketching and note-taking. A camera or smartphone is also useful for documenting your work throughout the course.
What to Wear
For safety reasons, please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes—no sandals or open-toed footwear. We also recommend wearing old clothes or overalls, as some materials may stain or damage fabric.
Health and Safety
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn where required. This includes items such as facemasks when working with materials that may produce dust or fine particles.
Firing and Collection of Work
At the end of the course, your clay sculpture will be fired to transform it into ceramic. As the work must be completely dry before firing, this process can take several weeks.
Near the end of the course, your tutor will let you know the dates and times for collecting your finished sculpture from the studio. Please note that fired sculptures can be quite heavy, and City Lit is unable to post or deliver completed work.
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 build your individual sculpture practice.
Please ask your tutor for advice, browse the City Lit website for inspiration, or contact our visual arts team by emailing visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or calling 0203 880 2415 Monday - Friday, 11 am - 4 pm.
The in-person information desk (at our Keeley Street campus) is open Monday - Friday from 12 pm - 1:55 pm & 3 pm - 5 pm. In-person enrolment is supported Monday - Friday from 10:30 am -12 pm & 3 pm -5 pm. General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday between 12:00 - 13:55 & 15:00 - 17:00. In-person enrolment is supported Monday - Friday between 10:30 - 12:00 & 15:00 - 17:00
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/life-figurative-sculpture2489635Life figurative sculpturehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/https://www.citylit.ac.uk/static/version1762433779/frontend/WilliamsCommerce/citylit/en_GB/Magento_Catalog/images/product/placeholder/image.jpg409409GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Ceramics & sculpture/Courses/Art & design/Ceramics & sculpture/Carving & modelling22851132143119891228511321431Create a plaster life sculpture from observing a life model. Learn basic anatomy as well a gaining armature and plaster modelling skills.002586526Life figurative sculpture409409https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/no_selectionInStockDaytimeFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-01-09T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJan 2026Art & designVU767409409Life figurative sculpture327266409Shelley Wilsonlife-figurative-sculpture/vu767-2526Create a plaster life sculpture from observing a life model. Learn basic anatomy as well a gaining armature and plaster modelling skills.0000-Available|2026-01-09 00:00:00This will be an introduction and investigation into the structure and musculature of the human torso, using the life model as reference. You will use all of this information to create your own sculpture in plaster by creating a torso armature and using plaster sculpture techniques.Create a plaster life sculpture from observing a life model. Learn basic anatomy as well a gaining armature and plaster modelling skills.- We will visit the Victoria and Albert Museum's casting room and gallery. Here we will sketch from the renaissance and 20th century masters for inspiration in technique and style.<br/>- Basic anatomy of the human form.<br/>- How to make observational working drawings of the life model.<br/>- Introduction to working measurements.<br/>- Preparation and construction of a torso armature.<br/>- Introduction to plaster modelling, expressing the human form.<br/>- How to make an analytical evaluation of your own art work, alongside receiving friendly and supportive feedback.<br/>- A brief introduction into contemporary and historical figurative sculptors.<br/>- An introdcution to the safe use of materials, equipment and procedures in the sculpture studio.<br/><br/>The maximum dimensions you will be working to are height 30cm and width 23cm.<ul><li><p>Identify and understand the major bones of the human skeleton</p></li><li><p>Demonstrate a basic understanding of key muscle groups in the human form</p></li><li><p>Create preparatory observational drawings in preparation for sculptural work</p></li><li><p>Apply a range of measuring techniques directly from the life model</p></li><li><p>Cut and construct a torso armature</p></li><li><p>Demonstrate plaster modelling skills in the creation of a finished sculpture</p></li><li><p>Work independently, making informed aesthetic decisions to develop a personally expressive artwork</p></li><li><p>Work safely and confidently with materials, tools, and equipment in line with studio procedures</p></li></ul><p><strong>Additional guidance for experienced students:</strong><br/>More experienced learners will be encouraged to explore and experiment with materials, surface treatment, and sculptural methods to further develop technical skill and individual expression. This may include making compositional choices within the pose.</p>All levels welcome.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be invited to take part in group discussions.You should be able to use numbers and do simple measurements and calculations.There will be group demonstrations and pleanty of one-to-one help. There will be the opportunity for small group evaluations and discussions.<p><strong>Materials and Equipment</strong></p><p>All materials required for the course are provided.</p><p>Please bring a sketchbook, pencils, and a pen for sketching and note-taking. A camera or smartphone is also useful for documenting your work throughout the course.</p><p><strong>What to Wear</strong></p><p>For safety reasons, please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes—no sandals or open-toed footwear. We also recommend wearing old clothes or overalls, as some materials may stain or damage fabric.</p><p><strong>Health and Safety</strong></p><p>Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn where required. This includes items such as facemasks when working with materials that may produce dust or fine particles.</p><p><strong>Firing and Collection of Work</strong></p><p>At the end of the course, your clay sculpture will be fired to transform it into ceramic. As the work must be completely dry before firing, this process can take several weeks.</p><p>Near the end of the course, your tutor will let you know the dates and times for collecting your finished sculpture from the studio. Please note that fired sculptures can be quite heavy, and City Lit is unable to post or deliver completed work.</p><p>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 build your individual sculpture practice.</p><p> </p><p>Please ask your tutor for advice, browse the City Lit website for inspiration, or contact our visual arts team by emailing visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or calling 0203 880 2415 Monday - Friday, 11 am - 4 pm. </p><p><br/>The in-person information desk (at our Keeley Street campus) is open Monday - Friday from 12 pm - 1:55 pm & 3 pm - 5 pm. In-person enrolment is supported Monday - Friday from 10:30 am -12 pm & 3 pm -5 pm. General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday between 12:00 - 13:55 & 15:00 - 17:00. In-person enrolment is supported Monday - Friday between 10:30 - 12:00 & 15:00 - 17:00</p>Ceramics & sculptureCarving & modellingvirtual327409266VU767NONEFri09/01/26 - 06/02/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:305 sessions (over 5 weeks)55-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetShelley WilsonBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2026-01-09T00:00:00+00:00Jan 2026Art & design409409Life figurative sculpturelife-figurative-sculpture/vu767-2526Create a plaster life sculpture from observing a life model. Learn basic anatomy as well a gaining armature and plaster modelling skills.0000-Available|2026-01-09 00:00:00This will be an introduction and investigation into the structure and musculature of the human torso, using the life model as reference. You will use all of this information to create your own sculpture in plaster by creating a torso armature and using plaster sculpture techniques.Create a plaster life sculpture from observing a life model. Learn basic anatomy as well a gaining armature and plaster modelling skills.- We will visit the Victoria and Albert Museum's casting room and gallery. Here we will sketch from the renaissance and 20th century masters for inspiration in technique and style.<br/>- Basic anatomy of the human form.<br/>- How to make observational working drawings of the life model.<br/>- Introduction to working measurements.<br/>- Preparation and construction of a torso armature.<br/>- Introduction to plaster modelling, expressing the human form.<br/>- How to make an analytical evaluation of your own art work, alongside receiving friendly and supportive feedback.<br/>- A brief introduction into contemporary and historical figurative sculptors.<br/>- An introdcution to the safe use of materials, equipment and procedures in the sculpture studio.<br/><br/>The maximum dimensions you will be working to are height 30cm and width 23cm.<ul><li><p>Identify and understand the major bones of the human skeleton</p></li><li><p>Demonstrate a basic understanding of key muscle groups in the human form</p></li><li><p>Create preparatory observational drawings in preparation for sculptural work</p></li><li><p>Apply a range of measuring techniques directly from the life model</p></li><li><p>Cut and construct a torso armature</p></li><li><p>Demonstrate plaster modelling skills in the creation of a finished sculpture</p></li><li><p>Work independently, making informed aesthetic decisions to develop a personally expressive artwork</p></li><li><p>Work safely and confidently with materials, tools, and equipment in line with studio procedures</p></li></ul><p><strong>Additional guidance for experienced students:</strong><br/>More experienced learners will be encouraged to explore and experiment with materials, surface treatment, and sculptural methods to further develop technical skill and individual expression. This may include making compositional choices within the pose.</p>All levels welcome.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be invited to take part in group discussions.You should be able to use numbers and do simple measurements and calculations.There will be group demonstrations and pleanty of one-to-one help. There will be the opportunity for small group evaluations and discussions.<p><strong>Materials and Equipment</strong></p><p>All materials required for the course are provided.</p><p>Please bring a sketchbook, pencils, and a pen for sketching and note-taking. A camera or smartphone is also useful for documenting your work throughout the course.</p><p><strong>What to Wear</strong></p><p>For safety reasons, please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes—no sandals or open-toed footwear. We also recommend wearing old clothes or overalls, as some materials may stain or damage fabric.</p><p><strong>Health and Safety</strong></p><p>Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn where required. This includes items such as facemasks when working with materials that may produce dust or fine particles.</p><p><strong>Firing and Collection of Work</strong></p><p>At the end of the course, your clay sculpture will be fired to transform it into ceramic. As the work must be completely dry before firing, this process can take several weeks.</p><p>Near the end of the course, your tutor will let you know the dates and times for collecting your finished sculpture from the studio. Please note that fired sculptures can be quite heavy, and City Lit is unable to post or deliver completed work.</p><p>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 build your individual sculpture practice.</p><p> </p><p>Please ask your tutor for advice, browse the City Lit website for inspiration, or contact our visual arts team by emailing visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or calling 0203 880 2415 Monday - Friday, 11 am - 4 pm. </p><p><br/>The in-person information desk (at our Keeley Street campus) is open Monday - Friday from 12 pm - 1:55 pm &amp; 3 pm - 5 pm. In-person enrolment is supported Monday - Friday from 10:30 am -12 pm &amp; 3 pm -5 pm. General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday between 12:00 - 13:55 &amp; 15:00 - 17:00. In-person enrolment is supported Monday - Friday between 10:30 - 12:00 &amp; 15:00 - 17:00</p>Ceramics & sculptureCarving & modellingconfigurable
