SCULPTING THE PORTRAIT | ALAN CLARKE

Taking Bookings

26 May

Dates: fri 20th - Sun 22nd Feb 2026
Times: 10am-4pm
Location: Russborough

Please see detailed class information below

If this course is fully booked or not currently scheduled, go ahead add your name to the waiting list HERE

Payment plans available contact us directly

aBOUT THE WORKSHOP

Over the three days participants will learn to sculpt a life size portrait from a live model. All the appropriate techniques will be discussed and demonstrated, including basic head and neck anatomy, measuring, design, materials handling, surface finishing, etc. Alan will sculpt a demonstration piece alongside the participants, and discuss his own approach and philosophy. Sculpting a portrait in clay is a very enjoyable process and this workshop is suitable for all levels, including total beginners.

PLEASE NOTE: students will have a finished sculpture at the end of the workshop but it will be in wet clay, and therefore delicate and quite heavy. If students wish to preserve their work in the long term, it will need to be hollowed out and fired, or moulded and cast, Alan will advise on these processes but they are not covered in the workshop.

HOLLOWING OUT DAY (optional)
In order to prepare a portrait sculpture for firing in a kiln, it must be prepared in a very particular way. This is a one day workshop that will teach the process of removing a sculpture from it’s armature, hollowing it out and preparing it for the kiln, in a way that will minimise the risk of the work cracking or exploding during the firing process. Each participant will receive a hollowing out tool that they can take with them at the end of the workshop.

If you would like to attend the Hollowing out Day simply choose it as an ADD-ON when you are booking in to this workshop.

All skill levels welcome, even total beginners. However, people with a little bit of experience in representational/observational art will benefit the most and get the best outcomes.

- Learn to sculpt a life-size portrait from a live model over the course of three days.
- Understand the fundamentals of head and neck anatomy as they relate to realistic sculpture.
- Develop skills in accurate measuring and proportion to achieve lifelike results.
- Explore the principles of portrait design and composition in three dimensions.
- Gain confidence in materials handling, including clay techniques and structural supports.
- Practice surface finishing techniques to refine and complete your sculpture.
- Watch Alan Clarke demonstrate the entire process, from block-in to final touches.
- Benefit from Alan’s insights and personal sculpting philosophy, shared throughout the course.
- Enjoy a hands-on, engaging experience suitable for all levels – from total beginners to more advanced artists.
3 day sculpting course
All tools and materials will be provided.