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 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.
Firing and Collection of Work
At the end of the course your clay sculptures will be fired to transform them 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.
Luke Jones is a practising artist working in both 2D and 3D, he studied at Chelsea school of art and Norwich School of art (currently called NUA) He has always been fascinated by observational art both in 2D, drawing and painting mostly in oil paint and in sculpture, mostly working with clay modelling and simple casting processes Portraits and figures are the central subjects to most of my current output I’ve undertaken portrait commissions both in paintings and sculptures and I have also worked with theatre making sculptures for a stage play
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 Art School Offers/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Summer courses in art & design22851132143119891361413726135631228511321431165313457<p>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.</p> <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>15https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/u/vu109_life_figurative_sculpture_intensive-1080.jpg3066958Life figurative sculpture intensive409409https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/l/i/life-figurative-sculpture-intensive-1024_8.jpgInStockDaytimeMon-FriKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-07-19T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceJul 2027Art & designVU109409409Life figurative sculpture intensive327266409Luke Joneslife-figurative-sculpture-intensive/vu109-2627<p>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.</p>0000-Available|2027-07-19 00:00:00<p>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.<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.</p><p>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.</p><p>- 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.</p><p>- 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.</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 discussion. 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><strong>Firing and Collection of Work</strong></p><p>At the end of the course your clay sculptures will be fired to transform them 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>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 & modellingvirtual327409266VU109NONEMon-Fri19/07/27 - 23/07/2710:30 - 16:3010:3016:305 sessions55-10 weeksWeekdayKSKeeley StreetLuke JonesSome experienceAvailable courses2027-07-19T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeJul 2027Art & design409409Life figurative sculpture intensivelife-figurative-sculpture-intensive/vu109-2627<p>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.</p>0000-Available|2027-07-19 00:00:00<p>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.<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.</p><p>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.</p><p>- 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.</p><p>- 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.</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 discussion. 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><strong>Firing and Collection of Work</strong></p><p>At the end of the course your clay sculptures will be fired to transform them 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>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
