portraiture

Ability Level: Intermediate to Expert

Description: A face is the first thing we look at on a figurative sculpture, and carving a good portrait has always been one of the most coveted—and challenging—skills.  This course will teach you the basics of how to approach a portrait in stone, by way of a one-to-one translation of a reference model.  Facial and cranial anatomy will be discussed, as well as artistic canons of proportion, so that participants gain a solid conceptual understanding of measurements and surface forms, and are not simply copying.  Emphasis on establishing depth, structure, and accurate planes in the beginning will allow carvers to relish carving details features later.

Use of all fundamental chisels and hammers will be discussed and demonstrated.  Participants will engage in every aspect of the carving process: from roughing out the form with chisels to finishing it with rasps, sanding stones and other abrasives.  Additionally, participants will learn about stone selection, pre-carving preparation, and workplace safety concerns.  The use of more advanced tools such as diamond saws will be demonstrated.   

• Participants are required to submit portfolio images indicating they have sufficient experience to undertake this course.

• Participants are required to bring the appropriate safety gear.

• Participants are required to bring a face model as specified by the instructor.

• 2 compasses, square, ruler and point maker included for each participant to keep.

• Marble included. Participants must bring, rent or purchase their own hand or pneumatic tools.