Introduction to Animal Sculpture

Nick introduces the course, the animal we’ll be sculpting and what to expect.

Nick explains the importance of working from accurate photographic references, how to use them and we supply of package of images to get you started.

Nick explains the essential tools, equipment, clay and other materials you’ll need to complete the course, where to get them and how to use them.

Nick introduces her unique slab building method and we begin making the basic body parts for our sculpture.

We continue slab building with the construction of the main body of the animal. We then move on to the basic formation of the head.

We begin assembling our body parts, perhaps the most exciting part of the whole sculpt. We begin by attaching the back and then the front legs, and Nick introduces the use of props.

At this crucial stage in the sculpt, we attach the head to the body. Nick shows us how to carefully knit all the parts together, smoothing over all the joins, and introduces us to the importance of body proportions.

At this point in your sculpt, you’ll be ready to take a break, which means you’ll need to wrap your piece. Nick shows you how to do this to keep the clay hydrated.

In this section, we delve deeper into form and proportions. Nick’s shows you how to map out sections of the sculpture to help ensure you work is balanced and proportional.

In this section, we begin refining the surface. Nick explains which tools to use and demonstrates the techniques that will help you reveal the form of your sculpture.

It’s time to give some attention to the head. Nick explains how to refine the face, check angles and proportions. We begin modelling details in the eyes and ears.

In this lesson, we check and correct the position, angle, size and detailing of the eyes. We open up the nostrils, round off the chin and define the mouth, giving depth and shape to the face.

Now we need to give some attention to the paws, creating the toes and dewclaws. Nick shows how to define these features and give the impression of the animal’s weight sitting on the paws.

It’s time to begin really defining the body, adding clay as needed to smooth over bumps and fissures and define muscles and tendons. Nick demonstrates various tools and techniques.

We continue defining the body, cleaning up, refining and smoothing the surface, and defining details, but working now on the other side of the sculpture.

We continue refining the piece. Nick demonstrates the tools and techniques she uses to smooth and refine the surface of the muscle groupings. She explains how an understanding of the animal’s anatomy informs this process.

Symmetry is critically important in animal sculpture. Nick shows how to check your piece is symmetrical and balanced, and demonstrates various methods for manipulating the clay to make any necessary adjustments.

Nick adjusts the head to correct the angle and convey behaviour and narrative. She then shows you how to shape and add the eyeballs, using the eyes to reinforce mood and expression.

It’s time to turn things upside down. Nick carefully inverts the sculpture and shows you how to tidy up the underside of your sculpture, ensuring all joins are smoothed over and any details are well resolved.

In this final session, we put the finishing touches to our animal sculpture. This is our last chance to correct any remaining errors, refine the details and make any final adjustments.

We hope that you’re pleased with your finished animal sculpture! Now that the sculpt is complete, Nick explains your options for next steps in terms of firing, finishing - or even casting.