Introducation to Sculpture example David's Eye

Introduction to Sculpture

Sections Available

10 weeks · $625 each · All levels welcome, ages 16+ or by permission · No classes the week of November 23–28 (Thanksgiving)

Saturdays
Oct 3 through Dec 12
1pm—4 pm · Elizabeth Conway

In this introductory sculpture class, you will begin with fundamental exercises that lay the groundwork for more advanced studies. Focusing on representational sculpture, you will start by replicating a small plaster cast of a single facial feature in plasticine, a non-drying clay, using professional sculpting tools. Each session opens with a brief demonstration of key concepts, followed by personalized guidance to help refine your technique. Step by step, you will internalize the methodology, building a strong foundation for continued sculptural practice. Throughout the course, you will explore the effective use of tools, blocking in the sculpture, simplifying forms into planes, and developing a volumetric structure. While this course establishes essential skills, you will have the opportunity to continue in successive classes, taking on more complex exercises to further develop your abilities.

Learning Objectives

Strengthen your ability to observe and accurately translate proportions, planes, and volumetric structures.
Learn to effectively use sculpting tools and materials to shape and refine forms in three dimensions.
Develop a structured, strategic approach to sculpting, leading to the completion of a fully realized work.
Participate in constructive critiques to assess strengths, identify areas for growth, and refine your process.

Supplies

16″ × 20″ plywood board (available for purchase at de Gerenday’s Fine Art Materials & Curiosities)
Calipers
Wooden modeling tools (Nos. 286 & 221 or equivalent)
Metal sculpting tools (Tiranti B6 & M2 or equivalent)
Pocket mirror
4 blocks of Chavant NSP oil-based clay (approx. 2 lbs each)

Equivalent tools are acceptable if they match the recommended shapes.

All materials should be brought to the first class.

All supplies and materials are available at de Gerenday’s Fine Art Materials and Curiosities, the Academy’s art supply store.

Terms, Conditions and Policies

Registration and Enrollment

Class registrations and enrollment operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Payment Policy: Full payment is required at the time of registration to reserve a spot in a workshop or class. To ensure fairness to all students, registrations with unpaid balances may be dropped.

Continuing Education Classes Refund Policy

Full Refund: Withdrawal 14 or more days before the first day of class.
50% Refund: Withdrawal 13 or fewer days before the first day of class.
No Refund: On or after the first day of class.

Non-Refundable Fees

Any credit card processing fees are non-refundable.

Class and Workshop Minimum Enrollment and Cancellations

All classes and workshops are subject to minimum enrollment requirements.
If the minimum enrollment is not met, participants will be notified in advance. They will have the option to either transfer to another class or workshop (subject to availability) or receive a full refund.
If a refund is requested, it will be processed using the original payment method. Refunds will be issued within 5–7 business days of the refund request date.

Absences and Attendance

If a participant will be absent from a class or workshop, please notify the Academy in advance by emailing admissions@lymeacademy.edu.
Please note that no refunds or makeup sessions will be provided for missed classes due to illness, special events, vacations, or other personal commitments.

Withdrawals

Participants wishing to withdraw from a class must provide written notice via email to admissions@lymeacademy.edu.

Respect and Conduct

Participants are expected to adhere to the Lyme Academy’s policies, demonstrate respect for instructors, and engage courteously with fellow participants at all times.
See the Academy’s Code of Conduct and Studio Policies below.

Updated for Classes on December 20, 2024.

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