Create a figurative clay sculpture from observing a life model. Learn basic anatomy as well as gaining clay modelling techniques. Beginners are welcome on this intensive course.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
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 need time to dry before it is fired. Therefore it will be fired after the course has finished. During the course your tutor will give you the dates of when your sculpture will be ready to collect.
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, procedures and practice in the sculpture studio.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Have a basic understanding of major bones in the skeleton and muscle groups in the human form. - Make preparatory observational drawings ready for the sculpture. - Demonstrate different measuring techniques straight from the life model. - 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.
In addition, the more experienced student, will be encouraged to experiment with the material: surface and working methods to further advance skills and individual expression, including a choice of composition within 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 discussion. 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 General tools and equipment will be provided. The course fee covers most of the cost of materials for sampling and experimentation.
A sketchbook and drawing materials are recommended, and you are welcome to incorporate found ferrous metal objects into your work.
What to Wear Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes—no sandals or open-toed footwear. Old work clothes or overalls are also advised.
Health and Safety Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as facemasks for use when working with materials that may release airborne particles, will be provided and must be worn as required.
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-sculpture-intensive176492Life figurative sculpture intensivehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/l/i/life-figurative-sculpture-intensive-1024.jpg409409GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Ceramics & sculpture/Courses/Art & design/Ceramics & sculpture/Carving & modelling/Courses/vm/Summer offers/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Summer courses in art & design/Courses/vm/Summer Art School Offers2285113214311989136141345713563137261228511321431165313457Create a figurative clay sculpture from observing a life model. Learn basic anatomy as well as gaining clay modelling techniques. Beginners are welcome on this intensive course. <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">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.</div>152540578Life figurative sculpture intensive409409https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/l/i/life-figurative-sculpture-intensive-1024_7.jpgInStockDaytimeMon-FriKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-07-20T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJul 2026Art & designVU109409409Life figurative sculpture intensive327266409Shelley Wilsonlife-figurative-sculpture-intensive/vu109-2526Create a figurative clay sculpture from observing a life model. Learn basic anatomy as well as gaining clay modelling techniques. Beginners are welcome on this intensive course.0000-Available|2026-07-20 00:00:00This 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.<br/><br/>Your clay sculpture will need time to dry before it is fired. Therefore it will be fired after the course has finished. During the course your tutor will give you the dates of when your sculpture will be ready to collect.Create a figurative clay sculpture from observing a life model. Learn basic anatomy as well as gaining clay modelling techniques. Beginners are welcome on this intensive course.- Basic anatomy of the human form.<br/>- How to make observational working drawings of the life-model.<br/>- Introduction to clay modelling expressing the human form.<br/>- How to make an analytical evaluation of your own artwork supported by friendly and supportive feedback.<br/>- A brief introduction to the work of contemporary and historical figurative sculptors.<br/>- An introduction to the safe use of equipment, materials, procedures and practice in the sculpture studio.- Have a basic understanding of major bones in the skeleton and muscle groups in the human form.<br/>- Make preparatory observational drawings ready for the sculpture.<br/>- Demonstrate different measuring techniques straight from the life model.<br/>- Demonstrate improved clay modelling skills towards finished sculpture.<br/>- Work independently and make aesthetic judgements to develop a self-expressed finished artwork.<br/>- Work safely with the materials, equipment and procedures of the subject.<br/><br/>In addition, the more experienced student, will be encouraged to experiment with the material: surface and working methods to further advance skills and individual expression, including a choice of composition within pose.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 discussion. You should be able to use numbers and do simple measurements and calculations.There will be group demonstrations and plenty of one-to-one help. There will be the opportunity for small group evaluations and discussions.<p><strong>Materials and Equipment</strong><br/>General tools and equipment will be provided. The course fee covers most of the cost of materials for sampling and experimentation.</p><p>A sketchbook and drawing materials are recommended, and you are welcome to incorporate found ferrous metal objects into your work.</p><p><strong>What to Wear</strong><br/>Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes—no sandals or open-toed footwear. Old work clothes or overalls are also advised.</p><p><strong>Health and Safety</strong><br/>Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as facemasks for use when working with materials that may release airborne particles, will be provided and must be worn as required.</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 & modellingvirtual327409266VU109NONEMon-Fri20/07/26 - 24/07/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:305 sessions55-10 weeksWeekdayKSKeeley StreetShelley WilsonBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2026-07-20T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeJul 2026Art & design409409Life figurative sculpture intensivelife-figurative-sculpture-intensive/vu109-2526Create a figurative clay sculpture from observing a life model. Learn basic anatomy as well as gaining clay modelling techniques. Beginners are welcome on this intensive course.0000-Available|2026-07-20 00:00:00This 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.<br/><br/>Your clay sculpture will need time to dry before it is fired. Therefore it will be fired after the course has finished. During the course your tutor will give you the dates of when your sculpture will be ready to collect.Create a figurative clay sculpture from observing a life model. Learn basic anatomy as well as gaining clay modelling techniques. Beginners are welcome on this intensive course.- Basic anatomy of the human form.<br/>- How to make observational working drawings of the life-model.<br/>- Introduction to clay modelling expressing the human form.<br/>- How to make an analytical evaluation of your own artwork supported by friendly and supportive feedback.<br/>- A brief introduction to the work of contemporary and historical figurative sculptors.<br/>- An introduction to the safe use of equipment, materials, procedures and practice in the sculpture studio.- Have a basic understanding of major bones in the skeleton and muscle groups in the human form.<br/>- Make preparatory observational drawings ready for the sculpture.<br/>- Demonstrate different measuring techniques straight from the life model.<br/>- Demonstrate improved clay modelling skills towards finished sculpture.<br/>- Work independently and make aesthetic judgements to develop a self-expressed finished artwork.<br/>- Work safely with the materials, equipment and procedures of the subject.<br/><br/>In addition, the more experienced student, will be encouraged to experiment with the material: surface and working methods to further advance skills and individual expression, including a choice of composition within pose.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 discussion. You should be able to use numbers and do simple measurements and calculations.There will be group demonstrations and plenty of one-to-one help. There will be the opportunity for small group evaluations and discussions.<p><strong>Materials and Equipment</strong><br/>General tools and equipment will be provided. The course fee covers most of the cost of materials for sampling and experimentation.</p><p>A sketchbook and drawing materials are recommended, and you are welcome to incorporate found ferrous metal objects into your work.</p><p><strong>What to Wear</strong><br/>Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes—no sandals or open-toed footwear. Old work clothes or overalls are also advised.</p><p><strong>Health and Safety</strong><br/>Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as facemasks for use when working with materials that may release airborne particles, will be provided and must be worn as required.</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
