Sculpture Classes - Vancouver Sculpture Studio

Individual instruction in small classes is being offered starting in May, 2019. Please see details below.

Small Classes | Individual Instruction | Challenging Projects

Classes are open to all levels of experience – from beginner to professional. Everyone is welcome – no previous experience in sculpture is necessary. Classes are structured in the traditional atelier method, where students of all levels work together at their own pace and receive individualized instruction in a supportive atmosphere. Classes are small so you will receive extensive feedback and hands-on instruction. This is an unequalled opportunity to study with an exceptional figurative sculptor.

Develop a trained eye by sculpting through observation
Learn how to accurately translate complex shapes
Locate high and low points on a sculptural form
Benefit from a small class size and attentive instruction

Introduction to Sculpting the Face

2019 Classes start at the beginning of the month
$300 per month (1 class per week) includes materials
All levels – beginners welcome

This introductory class focuses on facial features. Each week you will model in clay a 4-5 inch facial feature: an eye, nose, mouth and ear.

Class Format:

The instructor will demonstrate the sculpting technique. You will then copy an existing sculpture. You will develop eye training by observing the three-dimensional forms. Emphasis is on developing an understanding of sculpture language, form and plane. You will familiarize yourself with working in clay and using sculpture tools.

Class Content:

This class does not cover detailed anatomical exploration or naming of musculature. The emphasis is on creating a strong sculptural shape by observing the “landmarks” of the face and understanding the structural relationship between the high and low points of the surface, where the plane changes direction and the angle of the planes.

See examples of student work at the bottom of the webpage.

Students work in a water-based ceramic clay that will be fired in a kiln. As it takes time for the sculptures to dry properly before firing, you will need to come back a few weeks after the class ends to pick up your fired sculptures.

2019 Monthly class times – Choose one:

Sundays 2:00 – 4:30 pm (May 5, 12, 19, 26)
Mondays 10:00 am – 12:30 pm (May 6, 13, 20*, 27)
Thursdays 6:00 – 8:30 pm (May 9, 16, 23, 30)

*Note that May 20 is the Victoria Day holiday. Class will be held.

Register for May 2019

Register for June 2019

Optional Paint & Finish Session

If you would like to paint your sculptures after they have been fired, sign up for the “Paint & Finish Session” below.

Introduction to Sculpting the Face – Spring Workshop 2019

This workshop will cover the same teaching as the monthly “Introduction to Sculpting the Face” except it is compacted into one week-end.

$300

Friday, May 31: 7:00 – 8:00 pm Sculpture Demonstration, Open to the Public
Saturday, June 1: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (one hour lunch break)
Sunday, June 2: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (one hour lunch break)

Optional Paint & Finish Session

If you would like to paint your sculptures after they have been fired, sign up for the “Paint & Finish Session” below.

Paint & Finish Session

After your sculpture session has ended, your sculptures will be dried and fired. You will need to come back at a later date to pick them up.

If you would like to paint a finish on the sculpture, register for the Paint & Finish Session.

Have some fun experimenting with different paints and colouring agents to add a finish to your fired sculptures. We will have available acrylic paint, oil paint, gesso, Chinese ink and different waxes and varnishes. Prepare to experiment!

$25/Saturday, June 22: 1:30 – 3:30 pm

Continuing Studies in Sculpture

$300 per month (4 or 5 classes) includes materials
Must have completed the Introduction to Sculpting the Face course

As sculpture classes are given atelier style, with each student working at their own pace, students who have completed the Introduction to Sculpting the Face course may continue their studies with a variety of projects. Typically students go on to sculpt the following pieces, advancing when they are ready:

Small heads (4-5 inches high) copied from a studio sculpture, or sculpted from your own sketches/ideas
Torso (about 8 inches high) copied from a sculpture in the studio
Skull (2/3 life size) copied from a sculpture in the studio
Portrait sculpture (2/3 life size head) copied from a sculpture in the studio
Portrait sculpture (2/3 life size head) self portrait or sculpted from your own sketches
Small bust (2/3 life size or life size head) copied from a sculpture in the studio
Old boot
Draped cloth
Individual projects

The emphasis on copying sculptures at the beginning of the training is an important part of developing your observational skills. As you progress, you will gradually begin to work on your own projects.

Class times – Choose one:

Sunday 2:00 – 4:30 pm
Monday 10 am – 12:30 pm
Thursday 6:00 – 8:30 pm

Sculpture & Drawing Classes

As strong drawing skills will aid your development as a sculptor, students are encouraged to keep a sketchbook to record their ideas in. Students may also have drawing classes incorporated into their weekly sculpture session. Part of the session will be spent on drawing and the remaining time on sculpture. Weekly drawing assignments will be given.

Drop-In

Drop-in to a regularly scheduled class:

$100/class

Flex-Pass of 5 Classes

A flex-pass valid for 5 classes is $400. The pass will expire 3 months after the first class. This offers flexibility to those students who are unable to commit to a weekly schedule.

Private Instruction

Private classes can be arranged for yourself or a small group. Private classes are ideal if you have a specific project in mind that you would like to receive guidance on from an experienced sculptor.