Portrait Sculpture: Principles (tuition-free, five sessions)

Adult Tuition-Free Class | Registration opens Monday, October 20, 2025 8:00 AM EDT

All levels welcome.
1/9/2026-2/6/2026
5:00 PM-8:00 PM EDT on Th
$25.00
$62.00
$30.00

Portrait Sculpture: Principles (tuition-free, five sessions)

Adult Tuition-Free Class | Registration opens Monday, October 20, 2025 8:00 AM EDT

This condensed, tuition-free workshop offers an accessible entry point into the art of portrait sculpture. Rather than completing a full life-size portrait, students will explore foundational principles of sculpting in clay from a live model, with focused exercises on proportion, anatomy, and sculpting key facial features. Through a mix of demonstration and practical tips, the course emphasizes observation and technique over finished results.

Designed for beginners and open to all levels, this workshop is also a great opportunity for experienced makers to refresh essential skills, reconnect with the fundamentals of portraiture, or explore new perspectives with a new instructor. It’s a supportive, skill-building environment ideal for anyone looking to sharpen their eye and hand in a short, focused format.

Please note: this is not a full portrait project course, and no membership is required to enroll.

What you will learn:
1.Understand and apply the basic proportions and structures of the human head in sculpture.
2.Learn techniques for sculpting key facial features (eyes, nose, mouth, ears) with clarity and accuracy.
3.Develop observational skills to identify key forms and rhythms in the face.
4.Gain confidence using clay and sculpting tools in a portraiture context. 

  • • Your first bag of clay is included in your registration - no outside clay is permitted. Additional clay can be purchased at the front desk.
    • Spray Bottle (provided by Fleisher)
    • Armature (bring your own or I will offer a design to make)
    • Your favorite clay tools that include at least one flat tool and one rake tool
    • Calipers
    • 6” long wooden block, i.e. a 2x4 (a persuader)
    • Plastic trash bag to wrap your clay head

Miranda Blas