Learn various modelling techniques and enjoy the process of working with clay to sculpt an animal of your choice. While you have the creative freedom to make almost anything, please keep in mind that the project should be completed within the session. Feel free to be ambitious yet realistic in your ideas, as we will discuss them upon your arrival. Take a moment to explore the examples provided on this page to gain inspiration. During the session, we will focus on texture and surface details, exploring what they convey. I will guide you in constructing and adding small details to bring your animal sculpture to life. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to create a small head or another animal alongside your main project, as it is beneficial to have multiple pieces in progress while waiting for the clay to set. If you have a specific animal in mind, please bring along plenty of source material for reference.
Please arrive for 10am and hopefully we should get going soon after that. I am not able to provide lunch for any of my courses but I have a fridge, microwave and kettle in the workshop. I will supply tea, coffee and cold drinks, biscuits and cakes. There is also ice-cream available from the Lavender shop and the class will finish around 4.00pm to 5.00pm
Preparation
To make your animal you should bring some plenty of source material including photographs from different angles. Drawings are a good resource if possible as they make you look, even plastic toy models help. I do have quite a few books for reference so if you don’t have time for all that not to worry we will find something.
Materials included in the course fee:
The course fee includes the cost of all clay, simple oxide wash for glazing and firing costs
Additional option for finishing your work
You can come back and glaze your own work for which takes roughly 4 hours which is what most people do and that can be arranged with me on the day and the outcomes are more successful. That session is only £75 which includes all tuition and materials and firing costs and that can be paid on the day.
Things to bring
An apron
Resource material
If you have any tools please bring them but don’t worry if you don’t have any.
A box if you plan to take your animal home with you
Your lunch
Keith Sloan (verified owner) –
Had a really enjoyable day. Jon got us to do one animal following his instruction and another of our own choice. Make sure you bring reference material with views from as many angles as possible, I made the mistake of only bringing front views. Wish I had had somebody like Jon as an Art teacher when I was at school. Immediately signed up for the next five day course. Very please with results.