Self-Paced: Sculpting the Portrait in Clay

Create a life-like portrait from start to finish.

  Enroll in Course

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)


Student Comments

Impress Your Friends and Yourself!
"It was like being in the classroom as Melanie has such a relaxed manner in front of the camera and I felt that I benefited from being able to go over the modules a few times.
After taking the course I feel more confident and a friend's comment said it all, "This sculpture is so much better than your first one!" — Jannice

Improve Your Drawing by Sculpting
"I learned a lot from you. Your teaching on the shape of things under the skin (the skull exercise) profoundly shaped my ability to draw portraits. I draw now “following” the shape of the skull behind the face. It helps especially when adding tone. -Keith Gardener

Improve Your Future Sculpture Projects

"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


How to start!



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!


Get started now!



Your Instructor


Melanie Furtado
Melanie Furtado

Melanie Furtado is a contemporary realist Canadian sculptor and educator. She works with clay to create life-like figures and portraits that celebrate the unique beauty of individuals.

She loves to share her passion for sculpture with students of all ages and abilities. Online classes are the new frontier in art education- you can learn traditional sculpture techniques from the comfort of your own home or studio.


Course Curriculum


  Final Checkpoint
Available in days
days after you enroll

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts as soon as you purchase it, and you work through the modules at your own pace. You can spend several intensive weeks, or spread it out over several months - it is up to you!
How long do I have access to the course?
After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as it remains available- across any and all devices you own.
What materials do I need?
All the supplies and materials are covered in the first Module of the course in detail! You will be able to find the items you need at an art/pottery store and the hardware store.
What if I am not great with computers?
If you can do email, you can do this course! Once you've made an account, the course itself is very simply laid out so you can understand it with ease. (It has been tested by several self proclaimed "non-computer people" already.) The best part is that I will have instructional videos showing you exactly how to login and navigate through the course. I'm here to help :)
What model will we be sculpting?
We will be all be working from photo reference of the female model shown above. Photos are provided with excellent resolution and lighting.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
I would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact me in the first 2 weeks of your purchase and I will give you a full refund, no questions asked.

Note From Melanie

Hello students,

I am so excited to offer you everthing I know about portrait sculpture. Online sculpting has a lot to offer for your learning journey, and previous students have discovered many ah-ha moments throughout the course.

If you encounter any difficulties accessing the course, please reach out for support via email to ensure you have a good experience.

I look forward to sculpting together online :)

-Melanie



Get started now!