Working with a live model provides a unique challenge and opportunity for sculptors. This direct interaction fosters an immediate and organic creative process, allowing the artist to respond to the subtleties of the model’s presence. The result is a sculpture that feels vibrant, lifelike, and dynamic.
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 on a 1/3 scale work (750mm) in clay. As the artwork develops, attention shifts to refining details such as anatomy and expressive elements that breathe life into the sculpture.
In our 5-day figure sculpting workshop, we carefully guide participants through this process. Includes a detailed study of pose and focused discussions about specific parts of the body. This structured approach ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of sculpting techniques, anatomy, and the creative process involved in bringing the human figure to life.
Figurative sculpture is not merely about replicating the human form; it is an art that conveys the artist’s interpretation of the model’s presence and energy. It is a deeply rewarding practice that combines keen observation, technical skill, and artistic expression.
Working directly from live model, allows artists to explore its complexities, creating works that reflect reality while showcasing their unique artistic vision. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sculptor, working from life offers a rare opportunity to grow creatively and develop skills that can enhance your personal artistic practice.
The Clay Center
145 Marua Road, Ellerslie, Auckland 1051
BOOKED OUT
Workshop price NZ$1,750
Material not included in the price.
Aramature is supplied during the workshop.
You can buy our tools during the workshop.
We do share meal.
Refunds are subjected to Terms & conditions
In-person workshops are scheduled in different places at different times of the year. Most workshops run twice a year in different locations in New Zealand, Auckland being the most demanded of the locations. Australia and Europe are other locations planned to run workshops.
We are setting up a different challenge with a live model changing pose each time. Plenty of material, tutorials and online courses can help you on this journey and keep you connected with the community. To ensure you get this information, sign up for the newsletter.
If you are missing one day out of 2 or 3, we recommend you to wait until there is another chance as you might be missing quite a bit of information and time to do your work. If this is a 5 days workshop it might be ok.
Not really. Simplified figure is the only workshop we have designed to teach the basics of building the human figure so you have enough knowledge to make the most of a model. So, if you are thinking of joining the five days figure workshop with model, this might be good for you, although it is not mandatory.
Not really. The more experience you have the better. Javier Is an experienced sculptor and can adapt to your level whether you are just beginning or you are experienced, whether you are just looking at learning more anatomy or pursuing a more artistic challenge.
The workshops are designed for:
If you want to learn about the human figure, I would suggest you join the Online courses. Why? There is a lot more information Javier can share with you. You can find your time to invest in your learning process. Head studies online is about six weeks course, and the figure online course is about ten weeks. The more hours you put in, the more you will learn; that´s a rule. And finally, it is more personalized as the progress of your work will be reviewed every week by Javier personally.
If you are interested in doing a workshop but you don´t know which one, get in touch and let us know what is that you are looking for and we will help you. Either if you are looking for some good training, knowledge or just living the experience as a hobby, we can help you.
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