Portrait Sculpture
Adult Summer Class | Registration opens Monday, May 4, 2026 8:00 AM EDT
This class will focus on creating a life-size clay portrait sculpture head from life. We will work with a female and a male model respectively for a period of five sessions each. Students will gain an understanding of proportions, anatomy, and modeling techniques based on observation. The class will offer demonstrations to illustrate sculpture methodology, as well as individual critiques to assist students in meeting their personal goals. Finished works can either be molded (not provided by Fleisher) or removed from the armature and fired at Fleisher. These options will be explained in more depth during the first class. This is a great opportunity to sculpt from the live model and walk away with a unique piece of portraiture. Everyone is welcome and beginners are encouraged!
What You Will Learn:
- Techniques of observation and modeling in clay
- Methods and materials for additive and reductive sculpting with clay
- Anatomy, structure, and proportions
- Options for finalizing and formalizing figurative sculptures
Firing Schedule: Sculpture students are welcome to fire finished work in our Ceramics Studio. Finished work may not be on an armature and must be bone dry before firing. Therefore, sculpture students are encouraged to bring finished work home at the end of the term and bring it back to campus the following term for firing. Additional questions about firing sculpture works can be directed to Scott Cooper, Studio Technician at scooper@fleisher.org.
• 25lbs of earthenware clay is included in your registration - no outside clay is permitted (prolific students may purchase additional clay from Fleisher).
• Modeling tools - including at least one flat tool and one rake tool if possible
• A plastic trash bag
• Rags for wrapping
• Portrait armature - this can be purchased at Blick Art Materials or The Compleat Sculptor.
If you would prefer to build your own, the instructor will provide instructions on how to do so using the following:
- Wood base 14”x14”
- 14” 3/4 BLK Pipe
- 3/4" Floor flange
- Various screws/adjustable hose clamps
Optional supplies:
• Calipers
• 6” long wooden block, i.e. a 2x4 (a persuader)
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