Note: Live Models booked for 8 weeks starting at the beginning of the month, students are encouraged to enroll at the start of the model booking, please call (310)-837-7194 if you have any questions!

Students will learn a systematic proportional approach to constructing a figure in three dimensions.

After constructing an armature, students will establish the pose and build up a figure based on anatomical principles and observation using professional grade, non-drying plasticine.

At the end of the course, the students will be able to take their sculpture home and it will be possible to continue to make adjustments (as clay that remains workable) if they so choose. 

All levels are welcome.
This is also an excellent course for draughts people and painters who would like to challenge themselves by putting what they know into three dimensions or for those who would like to understand how to put together a figure sculpture in order to work on their own ideas in the future.

Techniques like the following will be applied:
- Learning how to draw in space
- take notes on the sculpture itself
- and get comfortable with the medium on a basic level in order to form a strong foundation from which to build upon.
Materials & Supplies
This class will be using oil-based clay — Chavant Le Beau Touche (brown, high melt).
You may purchase it yourself or directly from the instructor.
Armatures and sculpture bases will also be available for purchase.

Weekly Breakdown
Weeks 1–4: Portrait Building & Major Features
Week 1 – Introduction & Head Proportions
Welcome, materials overview, tools demo

Using calipers to measure and scale to 2/3rd head size

Blocking in the head using basic proportions, focus on the profile

360° photos of the model will be taken today (Reference set available for purchase: $20)
Students can take their sculpture home and work using the photos

Week 2 – Eyes & Nose
Sculpting eye sockets, eyeballs, eyelids

Structure and shaping of the nose

Emphasizing planes and symmetry

Week 3 – Mouth, Ears & Likeness
Sculpting the lips, mouth forms, and subtle mouth expressions

Building ear structure: rhythm and placement

Refining planes to begin capturing the model’s likeness

Week 4 – Neck, Hair & Blocking Final Forms
Sculpting the neck, shoulders, and collarbones

Blocking in hair volume (stylized vs realistic approach)

Finalizing major forms and silhouette

In-class critique and preparation for refinement phase

Weeks 5–8: Refinement, Likeness & Surface Finishing
Week 5 – Deepening Likeness & Facial Rhythm
Refining facial rhythm and major planes

Enhancing asymmetry and natural expression

Focus on transitions between forms (eyes, mouth, ears)

Week 6 – Hair Structure & Expression
Developing hair texture and volume more deeply

Sculpting hair strands, locks, and flow for a realistic or stylized look

Refining expression and character of the head

Week 7 – Surface, Texture & Fine Details
Working on skin textures (optional: smoothing or texturing)

Detailed work around eyes, lips, and nose

Sculpting finer elements like wrinkles, pores, and subtle shifts in surface plane

Week 8 – Final Cleanup & Presentation
Surface refinement and final polishing

Posing or final adjustments to tilt, gesture

In-class critique and professional photos of completed work

Final discussion on next steps: molding, casting, or display options


*Note: any sculpture supplies left over 30 days will be disposed of, please make sure to pick up your clay and supplies at the end of your enrollment!*