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LARA London
371 Clapham Rd, London, England

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Course information 

This class will focus on a constructional, additive approach to measuring and sculpting the human head in clay. It will engage the student in a process-driven technique of measurement by which a deeper understanding of the form and anatomy of the human head may be reached. Accurate proportion, strong construction, and recourse to the underlying anatomical structures of the head and shoulder girdle will be stressed throughout. Above all the student can expect to gain confidence in controlling and structuring observations accurately within three-dimensional space, and develop a systematic approach to drawing and modelling in clay. Concerns both aesthetic and process driven will be contrasted in the resolution of a considered study of the human head. 

To enable maximum time to work solely with the clay and without distraction, the pose will have been chosen by the tutor. A corresponding armature will have been constructed for each student before starting the project. The portrait will not be cast at the end of the project. If you decide you want to keep your sculpture we will recommend professional mould makers who will make a cast/mould. As this course replicates professional sculpting practices it is important to reiterate that it is not possible to keep sculptures without having them cast. Clay sculptures are not 'finished' pieces but a step towards further moulding and casting. LARA aims to teach students the modelling of the head to the very best of their ability and feels this is the best approach and use of time in such a limited period. Please note that casting and moulding after construction can be costly and this should be considered if you wish to keep your sculpture after the course.

The course will address:

Taking caliper measurements from the model
Building a matrix of points in the clay based on these measurements
Using imagination to simplify forms
Accurately observing profiles
Techniques for manipulating clay and using tools effectively

The Facilities

Each class is limited to 8 students working from 1 models. The workshop room is located within the main school of The London Atelier of Representational Art. The model is lit with individual professional photographic lighting, which provides a steady, unchanging environment from which to observe all elements of portrait sculpture.

The End Result

You will have created a carefully observed and realistic portrait sculpture from life. You will be familiar with the fundamentals of portrait sculpture. These are transferable skills which you will be able to apply to your personal work.

Materials

Materials are included but you will be sent a suggested list of tools that we recommend you bring with you in order to get the most from the course.

About Jethro Crabb

Jethro Crabb is a British painter and sculptor based in Surrey. He studied figurative clay modelling on the Technical Arts Interpretation course at Wimbledon School of Art before becoming a portrait sculptor for Madame Tussauds.  He worked at Tussauds for 8 years, sculpting many famous faces and travelling the world to meet and measure celebrities.  For the past 5 years he has been taking on private sculpture commissions from his studio in Surrey - ranging from bronze portraits to wax figures. Jethro's approach to sculpting the head is based on a combination of observation and accurate measuring from the model.

Jethro believes in the importance of providing a safe and encouraging space to nurture creative development.  He guides his students through the process of sculpting a portrait whilst helping them to avoid common mistakes and pitfalls.