Portrait Sculpture - Creating a Likeness in Clay

Description

4-day portrait sculpture courses. Other dates in 2026: - 26th -29th March 2026 Devon. - 25th - 28th April 2026 Liverpool This course is for: • Beginners to get a very clear method and gain confidence. • Intermediate to advanced modellers to hone their art. Discover a unique way to sculpt heads. With the points-in-space method Luke uses to train plastic surgeons. Achieve a breakthrough using the points-in-space method. I have developed the Points-in-Space Method for modelling sculpture over 40 years. Through observation, study, research and uncovering quotes from masters of sculpture, I have distilled a unique approach that gets accurate results, quickly. In 4 days, you will be able to achieve results you never dreamt possible. You can learn how to sculpt confidently with unbelievable accuracy and ease using my Points-in-Space Method. Until I developed the Points-in-Space Method my sculpture was straightforward and mediocre. I was gaining commissions, but at the back of my mind I was worried my results were as much by chance, than by knowing how to apply a confident skill set. It took me years of observation and study to work out the key aspects and develop a systematic method I could fully rely on. The problem is, for sculpture to work well, each point has to relate to all others. This wasn’t happening in my work until I figured out how to ensure this occurred. So now, when starting a work, I determine a matrix of inter-relational points and use a precise method of measuring to bring these to the clay. I have found this to be far more accurate than the common approach of starting off with a large egg-like shape of clay. This is my essential foundation enabling the work to develop accurately. I call this the Points-in-Space Method. The Points-in-Space Method gave me the discipline to tackle any complex modelling by breaking it down into its key elements. I can relax now with a secure approach that works every time. I run these courses to share this with you, so you can create your own exciting and accurate works of art, quickly and accurately, and save many hundred hours of trial and error. The portrait sculpture course is practical. Working directly from a model you will learn perception and anatomy based skills. The points in space method is designed to get you further towards modelling what you see. You will be learning the whole time and enjoying confidence in modelling a likeness, which differs from simply copying. The method will heighten your perception to help you capture the essential geometry of your subject. Many people will glance at the model and add clay. The points-in-space method ensures every addition of clay small or large, loose or smooth, has meaning, purpose and function. You will come away with: • A clear order of how to start, develop and complete your work step by step - so you progress with clarity • When to measure and when to rely on your eye - so you're never confused • The key aspects that create a likeness and how to apply them to gain accuracy • How to bring the clay to life and portray expression - enabling you to make exciting work • How to rescue a disaster which can happen to the best of us at times! • Knowing when to stop - so you don't overwork your sculpture • How to avoid guesswork - to remove anxiety and make systematic progress • A faster approach that speeds up your modelling Each studio session is designed to help you uncover and learn sculpture techniques and sculpture skills. What to work on next, when to measure and when to use your eye? Beginners will gain a systematic approach they can trust, standing them in good stead for the future. Those who sculpt already will see a shift in their understanding and a development in their work and style. The group is small and tuition will be both group orientated, and also tailored to your individual needs. Be prepared for a deep dive into this traditional art form. Previous students comments: "I've seen the work of two friends who had zero knowledge of sculpting and did Luke's course - I couldn't believe the quality of the sculptured heads they produced! Amazing!" - Steve Banks

What's included in the price?

This is not a course where you are left alone to discover your creativity. You will be guided and shown exactly how to apply techniques to get results. What you learn in 4-days will save you years of self-learning and going through the hundreds of hours and mistakes it took me to develop. These methods can be applied to all modelling and so be useful for whole figures or animals. Learn 5 measuring methods: • How to identifying points in space. • Starting correctly with 2 accurate points. • The Bar-Code method for accurate measuring. • The Cross-Calliper method for pin pointing relationships of points in space. • The Right-Angle Method for detailed accuracy. • The correct use of viewing contour and volume. You will learn how to use each measuring method and when to apply them. You will also learn when to use your eye and how to double check it's accurate. The 7-Stages of modelling. The most common question I get asked is how do I know which bit to model next? Most beginners are hampered by not knowing which stage to work on. In 7 studio sessions over 4 days, we cover the 7-stages of modelling a portrait. Just like building a house from the foundation upwards, each studio session will give you one key focus. These are designed to build upon the previous like the chapters in a book. This gives clarity to the process and answers the questions of when to tackle the structure and how to know when to move on to the detail. You will be shown how to clearly work on one stage at a time. This ensures you will not have to back-track, and in so doing overwork the clay. I subtitle this course "the secrets learned over 40 years in just 4 days!" Included are: • All materials. • The firing of the clay. • Handouts and course notes. Please note that meals and refreshments are not included.

Cancellation policy

Non-refundable - Refunds are not available

Maker

Luke Shepherd

with Craft Courses since 2024

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