Luke Shepherd reviews

14 Mar 24'

Sarah Hobley Sculpture reviewed: Figurative Portrait Sculpture in Clay in Devon

"Having taken a course with Luke five years ago and working as a sculptor, I am still using his techniques and reverting to his problem solving tips - it's simple when an expert who knows how shares it! Luke later mentored me through a complex commissioned portrait, I achieved it and feel I could again. He's a very experienced, straightforward and patient tutor."

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Hi Sarah So pleased to hear your sculpture commission worked out well and that it's given you confidence and tools to tackle another. All very best Luke"

28 Feb 24'

Malik reviewed: Figurative Portrait Sculpture in Clay in Devon

"I cannot recommend this course enough. The opportunity to take time, observe and develop techniques was fantastic. Most importantly, Luke’s wealth of experience, with a talent for sculpture and teaching, shone through along the journey. Learning to see, to develop your work and yourself cannot be underestimated. I will return!"

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Thanks Malik. I look forward to seeing you again."

22 Feb 24'

Deborah reviewed: Figurative Portrait Sculpture in Clay in Devon

"Luke provides a very different approach which works. It is built on observation and measurement and at the end of the one week's course, I was able to really improve. It is a relaxed and friendly course over five days. I have taken the course twice, and also Luke's courses on mould making and casting, which are also very good. 4 out of 5 stars as it can take a long time to get your work back as Luke also fires everyone's work individually. "

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Hi Deborah. Thanks for your great review. Sorry to drop a star. I know it can take a long time to get work back. This is 2 fold. It has to be fired, so has to dry first. This can take up to 2 months (depending on time of year) as the clay can be thick in places and needs to thoroughly dry out in my studio. Secondly, I only fire when the kiln is full and this can take a while to get enough work ready to fill the kiln. This makes it far more environmentally friendly and cost effective. I will add to my course details that heads may take up to 3 months to fire, so we have clarity around expectations. Hope this gives some explanation. All best Luke"

21 Feb 24'

Paul Scott reviewed: Figurative Portrait Sculpture in Clay in Devon

"I have attended Luke’s sculpture courses about half a dozen times. He is a generous and insightful teacher, and these courses have not only improved my clay work, but they have also altered the way l look at people, and their faces, and l mean really look at people ! To encourage you to see more clearly, to look at the detail in the round, is a gift which carries on beyond the end of the course, and l remain indebted to Luke for that. He is a wonderful teacher, and his own beautiful sculptures speak for themselves. They ask questions of you, their viewer, long after you have stopped gazing at them. Superb!"

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Paul, thanks for your very kind review. Coming back again and again is the best review of all. "

21 Feb 24'

Martin Staniforth reviewed: Figurative Portrait Sculpture in Clay in Devon

"Not all sculptors can teach. Not all teachers can sculpt. Luke does both in a way that reassures while also stretching confidence and ability. This course was a really useful springboard for my own sculptural practice."

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Thanks Martin. I often use an image of you with the clay sculpture you made in my publicity because it shows the passion you have for the work. "

21 Feb 24'

Per Hall reviewed: Figurative Portrait Sculpture in Clay in Devon

"Luke's teaching is inspirational. From a standing start with no previous art or sculpture experience, with his expert guidance and refined approach I was astonished at my first ever "Head"! Even the dog was impressed when unveiled at home - backing across the kitchen barking! Now some years later I am heading back to do the course again for a post Covid "tune up" so I can get back in the groove!"

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Thanks Per...you know about 40% of the people who book on my courses have been before and want the "tune up". It will be great to see you again and delve further. Could you ask your dog if he'd also write me a review? Sounds like he was impressed! "

20 Feb 24'

Dorian Hobday reviewed: Figurative Portrait Sculpture in Clay in Devon

"I've studied under Luke in a sculpture course he has run in London. The framework and content of his teaching is excellent, as is the way he communicates with learners. He has warm manner and a calm supportive energy. I would thoroughly recommend any course he is running. "

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Hi Dorian. Thanks for your 5* review. The Sculpture for Surgeons Course I teach in London is very similar in content to the Portrait Sculpture Course. The emphasis is on looking, observing and seeing clearly. The majority of plastic surgeons do not have any previous sculpture training. It's wonderful however to hear how their surgery can be enhanced because of their better understanding of facial forms. I never dreamt I would work at such a level with both junior and consultant surgeons and to be able to meet their needs through my work with sculpture. "

20 Feb 24'

Jennie Regan reviewed: Figurative Portrait Sculpture in Clay in Devon

"The four day portrait course with Luke I attended was a great opportunity to learn from a talented sculptor who was actually able to communicate well and teach! I've never tried portrait sculpture before but Luke made me feel at ease. The course was well prepared with some theory as well as practical demonstrations and Luke spent plenty of time with each of us enabling us to really solidify our learning. It was a real pleasure to attend the course, I learnt so much. As for the sculptures produced by the group - I cannot believe how fantastically they turned out, every one capturing a real esssence of the model. I would certainly recommend the course to anyone considering portrait sculpture and would love to do it again. "

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Hi Jennie. Thanks for a lovely review. You're welcome on a course anytime!"

20 Feb 24'

Nicola Axe reviewed: Figurative Portrait Sculpture in Clay in Devon

"I took part in a moulding and casting course with Luke. He is an excellent teacher, making sure we had a thorough understanding of the subject, then encouraging us to stretch ourselves, and develop the skills required to work independently. "

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Thanks Nicola. I love sharing my skills with other professional sculptors. It was great to have you along and I enjoyed the challenge of helping you get a really good cast from your symmetric stone carving. I'm not running a mould and casting course at the moment, although I have been invited to run one for the stonemasons at Exeter Cathedral. "

20 Feb 24'

Paul Dunkley reviewed: Figurative Portrait Sculpture in Clay in Devon

"Luke is the sort of teacher I needed back in my school days - in four days he converted a blithering idiot into a rather accomplished sculptor which is remarkable. This is further transcended by the fact he did the same to a dozen totally different people on the courses. The resulting clays are always articulate representations of the sitter despite the pupil. You will be amazed at you own ability guided by a consummate professional. I can't give Luke enough praise. I really wish he would do a course for politicians."

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Thanks Paul. I don't think there's a category on the Craft Courses website for courses for politicians (yet)...otherwise I'd consider your challenge! Funnily you mention politicians though, because many of my bronze portrait commission over the years have been of well known politicians - both on the left and right. Some of the stories I was told while they sat I was sworn not to repeat! "

20 Feb 24'

Ann Cullum reviewed: Figurative Portrait Sculpture in Clay in Devon

"Before attending Luke’s class I’d not attempted sculpture of this kind. Luke provides a very supportive and informative class which opens your eyes into the important steps required to achieve a remarkable piece of work. The whole process was a joy to learn and with Luke’s humour as well as knowledge and guidance you’ll leave feeling confident in continuing to do more. "

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Hi Ann. Thanks for taking time to write me such a kind a review. Figurative sculpture can indeed be a challenge, especially when you're trying to get it to look like the model! And especially if you haven't attempted this kind before. It was great to see you jump right in and enthusiastically step by step develop your work. "

20 Feb 24'

Lucianne Lassalle reviewed: Figurative Portrait Sculpture in Clay in Devon

"Luke was an attentive and brilliant teacher on this amazing course, with very clear and easy to understand step by step instructions, he really helped me to get a good grasp on how to create a great likeness of the model. Totally recommend this course. "

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Thank you Lucianne. It's always a pleasure to have professional sculptors participate on my courses. The beauty is there is always something to learn from working with others, seeing how they approach and tackle the subject. Even how they hold and use their modelling tools. The learning is 2-way. Thankyou!"

20 Feb 24'

Christy Cruft reviewed: Figurative Portrait Sculpture in Clay in Devon

"Before enrolling on one of Luke's portrait sculpture courses, I've done very little clay sculpture myself. Luke's approach is very thorough and detailed. He also created a confidence building atmosphere in the group as well as giving each participant plenty of individual support and guidance. We also had a few short sessions looking at anatomical and portrait theory which I found very helpful. I now feel sufficiently competent and confident to tackle some portraiture work independently and I'm amazed at the likenesses that I'm achieving."

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Thanks Christy for your kind review. Please feel free to send me images of your work. I'd like to see what you are working on and I'm very happy to offer you feedback if you wish. All very best"