Sculpting a half life-size figure in plaster

Learn how to build a half life-size figure in plaster. The key skill here is building a stable armature using aluminium armature wire, no welding will be required. You will learn about bulking the figure out with lightweight materials in preparation for a final layer of plaster. You will also learn how to mix plaster, use scrim and develop both modelling and textural finishes.

Starting with making small models using armature wire and black modelling wax to give you the opportunity to practice armature building before approaching the main project of a half life-size figure. You will experience using wax, which is an exptremely useful studio ‘tool’ for maquettes and life studies.

The course will stress observational skills, taking maximum advantage of the presence of an experienced female life model throughout the course. Towards the end of the course, there will be an opportunity to deviate away from strict observation towards expressive ideas, for those who wish to do so.

By the end of the course, you will have gained many skills including observational skills, armature building with wire, working with wax, plaster, scrim and finishes. You will have produced a couple of small figures, most proably one in wax and one in plaster, in addition to your main figure.

Summer School Highlights
The Summer School week is an immersive learning experience with more time to develop your creativity and embrace opportunities for creative development beyond your chosen course. A detailed timetable for your Summer School week will be given to you on arrival. This will include:

Short inspirational talks by tutors and displays of their work
A short creative experience session in another discipline/media or course
An optional evening at the Chichester Festival Theatre (discounted if pre-booked through West Dean)
An optional lunchtime tour of West Dean Gardens, the historic rooms at West Dean College, or West Dean Tapestry Studio
A celebration dinner on the last evening themed on ‘Fantasy and Myth’. Feel free to respond to the theme if you wish
Informal end-of-course group reviews and displays of students' work in studios
All lunches and evening meals are provided for residential and non-residential students during summer school due to planned activities/events in the early evenings.