This 4 session workshop (over two weeks) is designed to teach students the basic skills of creating a life-size portrait in water clay.
Over the course of the four sessions, students
will use traditional techniques to create a self-portrait using both mirrors and photographic references which we will take in class.
Session 1
-Introduction to materials -Introduction to the method
-Taking photos: front view and both profile views
-Create drawings from photos, focusing on relative angle block-ins -Sculpting basic facial features
-Students begin setting up their armatures
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Session 2
-Quick review of the block-in and how drawing translates to sculpture -Students cover armatures in the first layer of clay
-Sculpture block-in begins using profile views first
-Time permitting, turn sculptures to front view and begin reconciling any proportion and likeness issues.
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Session 3
-Continue work refining the sculpture and capturing the likeness -Add smaller details and textures
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Session 4
-Hollowing the sculpture -Preparing the sculpture for firing
Instructor James Andrews
Your tuition includes clay for your sculpture as well as the use of a variety of clay tools.
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Here are a few things you'll need to bring:
*Drawing pad- no smaller than 9”x12” and no larger than 11”x14”
*Pencil and eraser–preferably a Mechanical pencil (Pentel Twist- Erase 0.7 is recommended
*Smock or comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting clay on
*Possible additional materials: shoe polish, wood stains, metallic paints or other
colors of choice
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Sculptures will be fired when all are thoroughly dry and students can arrange a time to return to the studio afterward for applying finishes, etc.
