This class will focus on creating a life-size clay portrait sculpture from life. We will work with a female and a male model respectively for a period of five sessions each. It is an opportunity for working artists as well as for new students to immerse themselves in a traditional study of a portrait head from a sustained pose held by a model. There will be an emphasis on observation and basic anatomy as they relate to portrait modeling from life, understanding and blocking in abstract shapes in order to ultimately create a life-size likeness in clay. Students will be able to take these skills with them to their studios, whether it’s sculpture, painting or drawing, and apply them methodically any time they would like to render a portrait head in their medium of choice. The class will offer demonstrations by Julia to illustrate her methodology, as well as individual critiques to assist students in meeting their personal goals.

Finished portraits can be molded (we will talk about a mold-making workshop option) or taken off the armature and fired at Fleisher.

• A Fleisher membership is required to take this class.