Figure Sculpture Practice vs. Rendered Work: Which One Actually Makes You Better?
Quick sculpting exercises vs. finished, rendered sculptures — what each one teaches you, and why
26 August 2026 Sculpting Tips
Skip to the content There’s nothing quite like working from a live model — the immediate, organic exchange between artist and subject that no photograph or reference can replicate. In this workshop, you’ll learn to respond to the subtleties of a real presence in real time, capturing the full complexity of the human form as it actually is.
Whether you’re picking up a sculpting tool for the first time or you’ve been practicing for years, working from life offers a rare opportunity to grow — building skills and instincts that carry through into everything else you create.
This 5-day workshop is open to all levels, from complete beginners to experienced sculptors. Led by Javier Murcia, a figurative sculptor with nearly 30 years of experience — including five years at the renowned Weta Workshop — the course offers rare, hands-on guidance for anyone looking to grow their craft.
Day 1. First volumes sketched.
The figurative sculpting process typically begins with an in-depth study of the model’s proportions, pose, and overall form. Sculptors start by creating a basic armature to support the structure, gradually adding clay to shape the figure.
Day 4. Rendering the figure.
As the artwork develops, attention shifts to refining details such as anatomy and expressive elements that breathe life into the sculpture. The result is work that feels vibrant, lifelike, and dynamic — reflecting reality while still showcasing the artist’s own vision.
Locations
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WELLINGTON
November from 23rd to 27th 2026
WELLINGTON
November from 23rd to 27th 2026
Click Here!
WELLINGTON
November from 23rd to 27th 2026
WELLINGTON
November from 23rd to 27th 2026
The workshop will be held at Javier Murcia Studio
41 Percy Cameron St, Lower Hutt, Wellington.
BOOKED OUT
WELLINGTON
November from 23rd to 27th 2026
WELLINGTON
November from 23rd to 27th 2026
Get a 20% Early Bird Discount over the price until the 15th of September
Avalon Studios, Lower Hutt.
If you’re coming to town for the workshop we recommend you to stay in the closest area to the studio during the workshop, Boulcott area. It has plenty of accommodation options, along with restaurants and supermarkets all within walking distance. From the airport it takes 35 min approx to get there by car. Buses from the airport to the train station run every 30min.
Getting to Avalon Studios:
Bus 110 (see schedules here) runs every 15 minutes on weekdays and drops you right at the studio’s door.
Bus 120 (see schedules here) also services the area and stops just a 5-minute walk from the studio.
Visiting Wellington city centre:
From Boulcott, you can either take a bus (approx. 45 minutes) or a train (approx. 25 minutes).
The closest train station is Epuni, only a 5-minute walk from Boulcott.
Material is included in the price.
Armature is supplied during the workshop.
You can buy our tools during the workshop if you like.
Tea, Coffee & snacks will be available.
We do share meals during the workshop.
Refunds are subjected to Terms & conditions
7 Sydney St, Marrickville NSW 2204, Australia
SYDNEY
February from 8th to 12th 2027
SYDNEY
February from 8th to 12th 2027
Get a 20% Early Bird Discount
The workshop takes place at Monster Mouse Studios, 7 Sydney St, Marrickville NSW 2204 — in Sydney’s Inner West, one of the city’s most vibrant creative neighbourhoods.
From the airport: Marrickville is just a quick hop from Sydney Airport — around 10 minutes by train (via Sydenham Station) or 6–8 minutes by taxi/rideshare.
From the city centre: Sydney Metro connects the CBD directly to Sydenham Station in under 10 minutes, with Marrickville just a short trip or walk beyond — making it an easy, central base for the workshop.
Where to stay: Marrickville and neighbouring Newtown and Dulwich Hill offer a great mix of boutique guesthouses and budget-friendly stays within easy reach of the studio, while Sydney CBD hotels are only a short train ride away if you’d prefer to be closer to the city’s main attractions.
Material is included in the price.
Armature is supplied during the workshop.
You can buy our tools during the workshop if you like.
Tea, Coffee & snacks will be available.
We do share meals during the workshop.
Refunds are subjected to Terms & conditions
Javier Murcia Studio
41 Percy Cameron St, Lower Hutt, Wellington. (Avalon Studios)
BOOKED OUT
WELLINGTON
November from 23rd to 27th 2026
WELLINGTON
November from 23rd to 27th 2026
Get a 20% Early Bird Discount over the price until the 15th of September
Avalon Studios, Lower Hutt.
If you’re coming to town for the workshop we recommend you to stay in the closest area to the studio during the workshop, Boulcott area. It has plenty of accommodation options, along with restaurants and supermarkets all within walking distance. From the airport it takes 35 min approx to get there by car. Buses from the airport to the train station run every 30min.
Getting to Avalon Studios:
Bus 110 (see schedules here) runs every 15 minutes on weekdays and drops you right at the studio’s door.
Bus 120 (see schedules here) also services the area and stops just a 5-minute walk from the studio.
Visiting Wellington city centre:
From Boulcott, you can either take a bus (approx. 45 minutes) or a train (approx. 25 minutes).
The closest train station is Epuni, only a 5-minute walk from Boulcott.
Material is included in the price.
Armature is supplied during the workshop.
You can buy our tools during the workshop if you like.
Tea, Coffee & snacks will be available.
We do share meals during the workshop.
Refunds are subjected to Terms & conditions
7 Sydney St, Marrickville NSW 2204, Australia
SYDNEY
February from 8th to 12th 2027
SYDNEY
February from 8th to 12th 2027
Get a 20% Early Bird Discount over the price until the 15th of Sept
Monster Mouse Studios, Sydney.
The workshop takes place at Monster Mouse Studios, 7 Sydney St, Marrickville NSW 2204 — in Sydney’s Inner West, one of the city’s most vibrant creative neighbourhoods.
From the airport: Marrickville is just a quick hop from Sydney Airport — around 10 minutes by train (via Sydenham Station) or 6–8 minutes by taxi/rideshare.
From the city centre: Sydney Metro connects the CBD directly to Sydenham Station in under 10 minutes, with Marrickville just a short trip or walk beyond — making it an easy, central base for the workshop.
Where to stay: Marrickville and neighbouring Newtown and Dulwich Hill offer a great mix of boutique guesthouses and budget-friendly stays within easy reach of the studio, while Sydney CBD hotels are only a short train ride away if you’d prefer to be closer to the city’s main attractions.
Material is included in the price.
Armature is supplied during the workshop.
You can buy our tools during the workshop if you like.
Tea, Coffee & snacks will be available.
We do share meals during the workshop.
Refunds are subjected to Terms & conditions
Quick sculpting exercises vs. finished, rendered sculptures — what each one teaches you, and why
In 2023, I was invited to join the team at Weta Workshop to help build
If you don’t have much experience, you might be tempted to mix materials. Before you
