Portrait Sculpting Workshop with Lori Kiplinger Pandy

I am teaching sculpting classes and workshops this year.
More info on my site:
http://kiplingerpandy.com/classes.html

Sculpting from the Inside Out

5 day workshop

Sculpting expression in the portrait bust

April 28-May 2 from 9:30-4:30 pm daily
Held at the Sculpture Depot (map here)
$425 ($100 deposit*) Class size limited to 10 students - minimum of 5 students
Additional: model fee and clay (I will post or email soon)

Sculpting a portrait is one of the most demanding yet satisfying forms of sculpting. In this class we'll work on understanding the anatomy of the face and neck, learn about the planes of the face and build a portrait from the inside out. Knowing the structure of the head and understanding the core muscles that come into play in facial expression is key in creating a good portrait. You can choose between oil based clay or water based clay for this class. There will be some ecorche building of the muscles in days one and two, refining shapes and planes in day three with the introduction of the model and days four and five will be devoted to likeness and expression in the sculpture.

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Intro to Sculpting Sampler Series

5 week class

Wondering where to start? Confused about the different sculpting materials? Looking for hands-on guidance with practical tips and techniques for the different materials?

In my Intro to Sculpting Sampler Series I'll address those issues. During this weekly class you have the opportunity to try different clays and sculpting mediums and learn the pros and cons, advantages and limitations of each one and tools that work best with them.

Class meets weekly Wed. from 10am-12pm
March 26-April 23
Class held at Sculpture Depot (map here)
$95 ($50 deposit*) Class size limited to 10 students - minimum of 5 students
Additional: $4 group rate foundry tour fee -

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Ecorche - back muscles

 

Today I'm layering in the muscles of the back in this ecorche study. I'm following the gain of the muscle fibers as I place the clay- emphasizing the shape, form and function of the muscle.  Once I've built up the form of the muscle, I'll go back and refine it a bit. Time-consuming but effective way to build the figure.
I'm using Jmac Classic clay in medium and working 1/3 life size.

 

 

Ecorche - anatomy study of muscles in clay

 I'm continuing with my self-study, refresher of anatomy. This 1/2 life sized sculpture is being created by layering on the clay as muscles. As I work on the piece, I'm considering the role of the muscle - how round or flat is it? What is the function of the muscle and how does it effect the surface shapes when flexed?

Yes, this is a tedious exercise - and well worth every minute. It's so tempting to stop and go to surface forms, but that would defeat the purpose. Forcing yourself to really place the muscle, with it's origins and insertions, leads to greater understanding of the body....and understanding the body frees you to sculpt with confidence.


Jmac classic clay medium.

Ecorche' - Sculpting the muscles of the face

écor·ché

ey-kawr-shey  - noun

an anatomical model of part or all of the human body with the skin removed, to allow study of the underlying musculature.

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 Anatomy....If you plan on sculpting the human figure then make no bones about it (....*groan*...pun intended ;-) you really need to know and understand anatomy.

It's a good idea to to try your hand at sculpting individual muscles in order to truly gain an understanding of what is happening under the skin. This exercise pays huge dividends when you sculpt because as you make the forms, you'll begin to understand how these bones, muscles and tendons give life, emotion and expression to your art.

This will infuse your work with greater authority and sculpting from life, or your imagination will become easier.

You can take workshops or classes if you have the time and availability, but if that isn't feasible, roll up your sleeves and get to work on your own.

Some books that I find useful for anatomy:

The Human Figure (David K. Rubins)
Classic Human Anatomy* (Valerie Winslow)
Anatomy for the Artist (Sarah Simblet)

*I especially like how this book is broken down and the phonetic help.