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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 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 introduction 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 plenty 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 in progress.
What to Wear Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes-no sandals or open-toed footwear. Wearing old clothes or overalls is strongly recommended, 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 release airborne particles.
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.
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/life-figurative-sculpture2489635Life figurative sculpturehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/VR728_City_Lit_Ceramics_Workshop.jpg499499GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Ceramics & sculpture/Courses/Art & design/Ceramics & sculpture/Carving & modelling22851132143119891228511321431<p>Create a plaster life sculpture from observing a life model. Learn basic anatomy as well as gaining armature and plaster modelling skills.</p>003066961Life figurative sculpture499499https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/VR728_City_Lit_Ceramics_Workshop.jpgInStockDaytimeFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-01-08T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJan 2027Art & designVU767499499Life figurative sculpture399324499life-figurative-sculpture/vu767-2627<p>Create a plaster life sculpture from observing a life model. Learn basic anatomy as well as gaining armature and plaster modelling skills.</p>0000-Available|2027-01-08 00:00:00<p>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 this information to create your own sculpture in plaster by creating a torso armature and using plaster sculpture techniques.</p><p>Create a plaster life sculpture from observing a life model. Learn basic anatomy as well as gaining armature and plaster modelling skills.</p><p>- 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 introduction to the safe use of materials, equipment and procedures in the sculpture studio.</p><p>The maximum dimensions you will be working to are height 30cm and width 23cm.</p><ul><li>Identify and understand the major bones of the human skeleton.</li><li>Demonstrate a basic understanding of key muscle groups in the human form.</li><li>Create preparatory observational drawings in preparation for sculptural work.</li><li>Apply a range of measuring techniques directly from the life model.</li><li>Cut and construct a torso armature.</li><li>Demonstrate plaster modelling skills in the creation of a finished sculpture.</li><li>Work independently, making informed aesthetic decisions to develop a personally expressive artwork.</li><li>Work safely and confidently with materials, tools, and equipment in line with studio procedures.</li></ul><p>Additional guidance for experienced students:<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><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.</p><p>There will be group demonstrations and plenty of one-to-one help. There will be the opportunity for small group evaluations and discussions.</p><p><strong>Materials and Equipment</strong><br>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 in progress.</p><p><strong>What to Wear</strong><br>Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes-no sandals or open-toed footwear. Wearing old clothes or overalls is strongly recommended, as some materials may stain or damage fabric.</p><p><strong>Health and Safety</strong><br>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 release airborne particles.</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>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>Ceramics & sculptureCarving & modellingvirtual399499324VU767NONEFri08/01/27 - 12/02/2710:30 - 16:3010:3016:306 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2027-01-08T00:00:00+00:00Jan 2027Art & design499499Life figurative sculpturelife-figurative-sculpture/vu767-2627<p>Create a plaster life sculpture from observing a life model. Learn basic anatomy as well as gaining armature and plaster modelling skills.</p>0000-Available|2027-01-08 00:00:00<p>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 this information to create your own sculpture in plaster by creating a torso armature and using plaster sculpture techniques.</p><p>Create a plaster life sculpture from observing a life model. Learn basic anatomy as well as gaining armature and plaster modelling skills.</p><p>- 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 introduction to the safe use of materials, equipment and procedures in the sculpture studio.</p><p>The maximum dimensions you will be working to are height 30cm and width 23cm.</p><ul><li>Identify and understand the major bones of the human skeleton.</li><li>Demonstrate a basic understanding of key muscle groups in the human form.</li><li>Create preparatory observational drawings in preparation for sculptural work.</li><li>Apply a range of measuring techniques directly from the life model.</li><li>Cut and construct a torso armature.</li><li>Demonstrate plaster modelling skills in the creation of a finished sculpture.</li><li>Work independently, making informed aesthetic decisions to develop a personally expressive artwork.</li><li>Work safely and confidently with materials, tools, and equipment in line with studio procedures.</li></ul><p>Additional guidance for experienced students:<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><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.</p><p>There will be group demonstrations and plenty of one-to-one help. There will be the opportunity for small group evaluations and discussions.</p><p><strong>Materials and Equipment</strong><br>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 in progress.</p><p><strong>What to Wear</strong><br>Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes-no sandals or open-toed footwear. Wearing old clothes or overalls is strongly recommended, as some materials may stain or damage fabric.</p><p><strong>Health and Safety</strong><br>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 release airborne particles.</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>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>Ceramics & sculptureCarving & modellingconfigurable
