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Portrait Sculpture

Sections Available

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

Wednesdays
Sept 30 through Dec 9
5pm—8 pm · Marina Melluzzo

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In this course, you will be introduced to the fundamental processes and techniques of portrait sculpture. Working from a live model, you will focus on gesture, proportion, anatomy, and achieving a strong likeness, with the goal of completing a finished portrait in clay.

Throughout the class, you will observe instructor-led demonstrations and participate in both individual and group critiques, drawing upon principles rooted in ancient Greek and 19th-century sculpture. You will also explore the importance of daily studio practice, including the care and use of materials, and consider a phenomenological approach to observing and interpreting the portrait through clay.

It is strongly recommended that you attend the Figure Drawing classes offered by Lyme Academy, as they provide a valuable foundation for the study of portrait sculpture.

Supplies

  • Portrait Armature, includes: base, piping and wire  *
  • 50 lbs WED clay (1 case) *
  • Pencil and Sketchbook  *
  • Sharpie Marker  *
  • Calipers *
  • Plumb Bob (homemade works great) 
  • Measuring Tape 
  • Wire Cutters *
  • Small compact mirror  
  • (2) C Clamps (5 or 6 inches) 
  • Long Ribbon Rake – Sculpture House Tool #401A or  #402A, or a tool similar  *
  • Small Ribbon Rake – Sculpture House Tool #221 or #211,  or a tool similar  *
  • Flat Hard Wood Tool * – Sculpture House Tool #290, or a  tool similar (homemade works great)  
  • Wood Modeling Tool * – Sculpture House Tool #286, or a  tool similar (homemade works great)  

*All starred items are sold at de Gerenday’s, the Academy’s art store, de Gerenday’s Fine Art Materials and Curiosities, which is located on the Lyme Academy campus. 

Terms and Conditions

Continuing Education Class registrations operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Payment Policy: Full payment is required at the time of registration. To ensure fairness to all students, registrations with unpaid balances may be dropped.

Class 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.

Please review our full Terms, Conditions prior to registration.

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