Course Overview

This beginner-friendly sculpture course is designed to introduce students to the art of creating portrait sculptures using water- based clay. The class is ideal for those with little or no prior experience and provides hands-on instruction in sculpting the human face. Students will start by learning the basics of facial anatomy and progress to capturing expression and likeness. Throughout the course, participants are encouraged to explore their creativity in a supportive environment. Professional techniques are taught to help achieve gallery-quality results, and optional advanced finishing methods are available for those interested in creating sculptures with the appearance of cast bronze.

Class Format Options

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Group Classes:

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Work alongside fellow artists in a collaborative setting.

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Each class is limited to six students to ensure personalized

attention.

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One-on-One Classes

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Receive customized instruction tailored to your pace, goals,

and schedule.

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This format is ideal for focused learning and flexible

timing.

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Registration & Start Dates

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Registration opens: Dec 15th, 2025

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Group classes begin: Week of January 6th, 2026

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One-on-one classes available: Starting January 6th, 2026

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Space is limited—register early to secure your spot.

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Schedule

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Group classes meet once a week for three hours.

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One-on-one sessions are scheduled weekly at your

convenience.

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Consistent weekly attendance is recommended for best

results and proper clay management.

Course Curriculm

• Introduction to Clay and Tools o Learn about water-based clay, including its properties, preparation, and handling. o Get an overview of essential sculpting tools and their uses o Setup a proper workspace for working with clay • Facial Anatomy Fundamentals o Understand the structure of the skull and how it shapes the face. o Study key proportions of the human face, such as eye placement and the nose-to-chin ratio. o Identify and sculpt major facial planes and landmarks. • Building the Portrait o Create an armature or support structure for portrait sculpture. o Block in basic forms, including the cranium, jaw, and neck. o Add and refine facial features, such as eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. o Sculpt hair and understand its relationship to the head. • Capturing Character and Expression o Learn how muscles affect facial expression. o Apply techniques to convey emotion and personality. o Work from reference photos or by observing life. o Achieve likeness and individual character in your sculpture. • Surface Refinement and Textures o Use smoothing and blending techniques. o Create realistic skin textures. o Add fine details, such as wrinkles, pores, and subtle contours. o Manage moisture levels in the clay to prevent cracking. • Finishing Options o Prepare the surface for firing. o Explore traditional ceramic finishing with underglazes and slips. o Understand the kiln firing process, including bisque firing. o Optionally, learn advanced cold-finish techniques, such as Bronze-B application, patina effects for an authentic bronze appearance, and colored wax treatments for a professional gallery-quality presentation.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is well-suited for beginners, hobbyists, and aspiring

artists who are interested in learning portrait sculpture. No

previous experience is required; all you need is curiosity about the

human face and a willingness to engage in hands-on creative

work.

Course Benefits

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Master the fundamentals of facial anatomy and proportion.

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Learn professional sculpting techniques used by gallery artists.

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Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard methods.

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Receive personalized feedback and guidance throughout the

course.

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Develop problem-solving strategies for common portrait

sculpting challenges.

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Choose between traditional ceramic and advanced metal-look

finishes.

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Complete a portrait sculpture to take home and display.

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Establish a foundation for further exploration in figurative

sculpture and fine art.

What You'll Create

By the end of the course, you will have completed at least one

portrait sculpture. This could be a self-portrait, a portrait from

reference photos, or a character of your choosing. You will leave

with a finished piece and the skills to continue your journey in

portrait sculpture with confidence.

Course Fees

Group Classes:

•

$280 for 18 hours of instruction (six sessions, three hours

each)

One-on-One Classes:

•

$75 per hour

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6-hour package: $430 (save $20)

•

12-hour package: $840 (save $60)

Payment & Cancellation Policies Group Classes Payment Options: • Pay in full: $280 due at registration • Payment plan: $140 deposit (non-refundable) due at registration, remaining $140 due by first class Cancellation Policy: • More than 3 weeks before start: Full refund minus $25 administrative fee • 2-3 weeks before start: 50% refund ($140) • Less than 2 weeks before start: No refund • After classes begin: No refunds One-on-One Classes Payment Options: • Hourly sessions: $75 per hour, payment due at time of session • Packages: 50% due at booking, 50% due at first session Cancellation/Rescheduling: • 24+ hours notice: Free reschedule • Less than 24 hours: Session fee forfeited OR reschedule with $25 fee • Packages are non-refundable but valid for 6 months What’s Included • Expert instruction from a professional sculptor • Access to all studio equipment and sculpting tools • Professional studio workspace • Bisque firing of your completed sculptures • Introduction to professional finishing techniques Students Purchase Separately • Water-based clay (approximately $50; available for purchase at the studio) • Optional: Personal sculpting tool kit for home practice ($20–$40) • Optional: Advanced finishing materials (Bronze-B, patinas, waxes; prices vary) About Your Instructor Deborah Williams is a professional sculptor who specializes in figurative work and portrait sculpture. With expertise in both traditional ceramic techniques and advanced cold-finish methods used in fine art galleries, Deborah's instruction goes beyond basic ceramics to true sculptural artistry. She brings over 20 years of precision work experience and meticulous attention to detail to both her artwork and teaching. Registration & Contact Email (preferred): dlwilliams@deborah-williams-sculpture.com Subject line: Please write "Sculpture Lessons" to help prioritize your message. Text or voicemail: 717-557-5542 Website: www.deborah-williams-sculpture.com Deborah will respond within 24–48 hours to discuss class availability, answer questions, and help you begin your portrait sculpture journey. *This beginner's portrait sculpture course is designed to demystify the human face and inspire confidence in your ability to capture it in clay. Join us and discover the satisfaction of bringing faces to life in three dimensions with professional-quality results!*