Self-Paced: Sculpting the Portrait in Clay

Learn how to create a portrait in clay from start to finish with this self-paced video course!

Sculptor Melanie Furtado will guide you step-by-step through the entire process, with in-depth video instruction that you will get instant and unlimited access to work through at your own pace!

What you will learn:

TOOLS AND MATERIALS
- how to create a good working environment at home, even if you don't have alot of space
- what tools and supplies you need and where to buy them
- how to construct an armature support easily and with basic household tools
- how to work with the clay for a strong and stable form
- how to set up your references photos for good working methods

ANATOMY AND FORM
- how the basic shapes of the skull impact the portrait
- how to create an accurate profile likeness of your model
- what to look for in each view of the model, including above and below
- in-depth anatomy for each elements of the face (hair, nose, eyes, mouth, neck etc)

HOW TO SEE
- special chapter on techniques to train your eye to see more accurately and effectively

FINISHING
- what to think about for your final surface texture
- how light and shadow effect the form
- how to prepare your sculpture for kiln firing
- how to do a faux finish on your piece to resemble a bronze

How you will learn it:

VIDEOS
- each module is broken down into bite-sized video lectures (3-15 mins in length) showing both how to look at and see your model, and then how to shape it in clay.

Example: Ear Lesson


PHOTO REFERENCE
- you will be provided with professional photo reference imagery (over 40 angles, including above and below) as well as measurements of the model

Example Reference Image:

PDFS
- downloadable PDF's of key information will give you valuable references to print out and keep in your workspace to refer to

Example PDF:

STUDENT WORK
- video lessons on how to fix common student problems using real student examples are included along the course for a deeper learning experience

Example Before and After (all edits shown on video)
before
after

Benefits of Online Learning

There are many benefits that online learning provides over in-person learning:

-Work at your own pace to suit your schedule
-Ability to pause, repeat, and review any of the lessons
-Visual diagrams can be drawn over the model for precise explanations
-Experience the clay demonstration from the instructors exact viewpoint (not from the back of the class)

"I am finishing a wall plaque of my 8 year old niece in her ballet costume. She is looking almost straight into the camera. Was I ever glad I had taken your online sculpture portrait course!...Your directions enabled me to work my way through and I could not have done it without your course." - Vivian, online student

1) Enroll using the buttons below.
You will be taken to a checkout page where you make your account with Teachable (the online learning platform that is hosting the course).

2) Select your payment option
You will be given the option of a one-time payment, or a monthly payment plan. Tax is included in all prices.

3) Start sculpting!
After purchase, you will have immediate access to all the course content to work through at your own pace. You can spend several intensive weeks, or spread it out over several months - it is up to you!