
Portrait & Figurative Sculpture
With instructor
Darrel Raymundo
Sun. 10am - 1pm
Course Description
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!*
What You'll Learn
How to design and construct a figure armature
The proportional system
Considerations for a pose that will work best in three dimensions
How to build a 15 inch figure with attention to gesture, anatomical landmarks, gravity line, coherence, and structural integrity.
The use of calipers to self-correct problems and maintain proportion and proper use of tools
Understanding and controlling the nature of the medium to express the results desired
Pros and cons of different kinds of clay & modern approaches to molding and casting techniques

About
Darrel Raymundo
Darrel Raymundo is a versatile professional, proficient in 3D art, design, and sculpture, with a distinct expertise in crafting lifelike 3D characters. His creative journey is deeply rooted in his fascination with figurative sculpture, film & animation, and pop culture.
Darrel recently held a pivotal role as the Head of 3D, at an innovative fashion tech startup, which had locations in Santa Monica and Gubbio, Italy. While working in dual locations, he artfully blended character design with traditional craftsmanship required for curating collections for a luxury menswear brand.
Testimonial
Kevin Norris
Classical Drawing & Painting Student
The training I've received at Kline Academy has been invaluable in developing my skill as an artist. The academy's flexible course schedule and variety of classes allow me to dictate the pace of instruction to meet my goals, and its highly skilled staff make learning art approachable. Above all, Kline Academy's supportive environment has made it my destination for learning art over the past year.