A comprehensive introduction into the methods and variety of creative potential of sculptural ceramics. The course covers studio practice, clay types, basic core techniques of hand building for sculpture: coiling, pinching, slab building and surface decoration. These will be taught and put into practice to make finished ceramic forms. Through practical projects you will understand the material and, with emphasis on experimentation, how you can manipulate it to create a variety of forms. These can then be decorated with raw glazes and slips for a once fired finished piece.

This is a fun, day-long taster course in sculpting with clay and plaster for those who may be considering a longer evening or daytime course and want to try it out first. Spend the morning with the joy of clay to create a small figure sculpture from a life model. In the afternoon mix plaster and other media to make your own creative sculpture. No need to worry if you have nothing in mind. This is a great opportunity to combine these two basic sculpture skills and techniques. There will be the option to leave your clay sculpture for hollowing and firing for an additional fee and you are welcome to take home your plaster piece. Throughout the day the tutor will lead the class in practical demonstrations to help you get a feel for the medium and the way it can be manipulated into shape and form. We aim to foster self-certainty and an enjoyment of sculpting in a relaxed yet stimulating environment.

This is the perfect 2-day course for those who have made a number of figure sculptures in a more traditional manner and would like to explore avenues of creative approaches. The method used will be working in clay from a life model, without using an inner armature structure. This course is for Intermediate to Advanced students and aims to build upon previous experience to further how to observe, translate your observation and ideas, then express them through the figure. Through clay and drawing exercises, refresh, renew or find alternative ways of exploring the pose. You will build upon your own sculptural expression with the help and guidance of a professional sculptor.

Portrait sculpture is an immensely absorbing and enjoyable discovery with every new sitter. This course aims to introduce you to the process; to observe and translate your observation into a clay portrait sculpture from a life model. Whether setting out a portrait head from a structural point of view with a clear path of constructive method and/or searching for a more expressive manner of approach, you will benefit from exploring with a professional sculptor to help build upon your own sculptural experience.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

This 2-­day course is an exciting introduction for beginners, as well as for those with some previous experience, to gain or develop basic sculpture skills. Working mainly in clay and plaster and some other mixed media, you will learn a range of techniques with the opportunity to explore your own creative project. The combination of clay and plaster opens up creative possibilities and offers a fun weekend at your own pace. You will spend the first day creating a small clay figure sculpture from a life model. On the second day you will develop creative sculpture using plaster and mixed media ­ no need to worry if you have nothing in mind until you arrive for the course. This is a great opportunity to discover, or return to, making 3-­dimensional work and develop an individual approach. There will be the option to leave your finished sculpture for hollowing and firing for an additional fee.

This course will teach you how to sculpt a portrait from photos. You will be provided with front and profile life-size photos of a model to work from, alternatively you can bring your own photos to work from. If you would like to do this please ensure your photos are life-size, and you have several from different angles, including profile and front on. You will learn how to measure accurately from your photos with use of the dividers, the plumb line and a laser level. Andrew will also talk you through methods of sculpting historical figures and subjects from photo where sculpting from life is not possible.

This course is designed to help you “free up” your creativity by exploring a range of art materials and approaches which will promote unexpected creative discovery. You will have the opportunity to create a series of art pieces, exploring a concept of your choice which the tutor will help you to identify, culminating in your own unique creation. This course facilitates active experimentation and an exploration of creativity via all your senses. It will help to give you the confidence and discernment to realise which areas of artistic expression you wish to explore next.

This stimulating and exciting weekend course is an ideal way to explore a wide variety of artistic methods and media, learn new skills, discover what you enjoy most, and develop creative ideas. Over the two days, students will work across the different disciplines of painting, sculpture, drawing and printmaking. Students will have a chance to improve observational drawing skills; try out more expressive sculpture and painting, and learn how to approach the human figure, using a variety of materials and methods. This is a great ‘taster’ course and an excellent opportunity to develop new skills, explore materials and have fun.