Sculpting the Human Bust
Course Overview
Sculpting the Human Bust
Discover the art of sculpting the human form in this hands-on workshop delivered over four three-hour sessions, dedicated to creating a life-sized clay bust.
Suitable for beginners and experienced sculptors alike, this workshop introduces the fundamental techniques of clay modelling, including working with proportions, developing facial features, building volume and creating three-dimensional forms from photographic references.
Under the guidance of an experienced tutor, participants will learn to use traditional sculpting tools, explore different stylistic approaches and progressively develop their own bust through practical demonstrations and individual guidance.
Participants will work with traditional white hand-building clay, using rotating sculpting platforms to observe and develop their sculptures from multiple angles.
Participants are welcome to work from photographs of a person of their choice or use reference images provided by the tutor.
Session 1 – Understanding and Building the Form
- Introduction to bust sculpture, including proportion, scale, anatomy and stylistic approaches.
- Understanding the properties of clay and preparing it for sculpting through wedging and conditioning.
- Introduction to essential sculpting tools and basic modelling techniques.
- Learning to interpret two-dimensional photographic references and translate them into three-dimensional forms.
- Using rotating sculpting platforms to observe and develop the sculpture from multiple angles, ensuring balanced proportions and a cohesive three-dimensional form.
- Establishing the basic structure, proportions and volume of the head, neck and shoulders.
- Building the initial clay form, focusing on overall shape, balance and proportions.
Session 2 – Developing the Head and Facial Structure
- Reviewing and adjusting the proportions and structure established in the first session.
- Exploring the underlying anatomy of the head and the relationships between facial features.
- Developing the major facial planes, including the forehead, cheekbones, jawline and chin.
- Establishing the placement and basic forms of the eyes, nose, mouth and ears.
- Using additive and subtractive modelling techniques to build volume and refine the sculpture.
- Using rotating sculpting platforms to assess proportions and the relationships between features from different viewpoints.
- Continuing to develop the bust with individual guidance and reference to photographs.
Session 3 – Refining Facial Features and Expression
- Refining the eyes, nose, mouth and ears to develop recognisable facial characteristics.
- Understanding how subtle changes in proportion, form and positioning influence facial expression.
- Developing anatomical details and refining transitions between different areas of the face.
- Exploring the treatment of hair, neck and shoulders within the overall composition.
- Using modelling and carving techniques to improve accuracy, depth and surface definition.
- Assessing the sculpture from multiple angles to ensure consistency and balance.
- Exploring individual stylistic approaches, from realistic representation to more expressive interpretations.
Session 4 – Surface Finishing and Final Refinements
- Reviewing the overall sculpture and making final adjustments to proportions, balance and composition.
- Refining facial contours, hair, clothing and other sculptural details.
- Exploring surface treatments and textures using traditional sculpting tools.
- Applying finishing techniques to achieve the desired sculptural style and surface quality.
- Discussing appropriate drying methods, safe handling and caring for the completed clay sculpture.
- Introducing options for painting and decorating the sculpture at home, including suitable materials and surface preparation.
- Final review of completed works, with individual feedback and discussion of further creative possibilities.
- Preparing sculptures for safe transportation home.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this four-session workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand the fundamental principles of bust sculpture, including proportion, scale, volume, anatomy and stylistic influences.
- Translate two-dimensional photographic references into a three-dimensional clay form.
- Apply essential clay preparation, modelling, shaping and carving techniques.
- Use traditional sculpting tools, including modelling knives, kidneys, cutting wires and wooden tools.
- Develop facial features, contours and surface details to create a recognisable sculptural form.
- Refine a sculpture progressively through observation, proportion adjustments and detailed modelling.
- Use rotating sculpting platforms to assess proportions, balance and three-dimensional form from multiple viewpoints.
- Combine technical skills with individual artistic expression and stylistic choices.
- Understand basic methods for drying, handling and caring for an unfired clay sculpture.
- Identify suitable approaches and materials for painting and decorating their sculpture at home.
Who Is This Workshop For?
Suitable for all levels of experience, from complete beginners to those wishing to further develop their clay modelling and figurative sculpture skills.
The four-session format allows participants to develop their skills progressively, with time for practical exploration, individual guidance and refinement of their work.
Materials provided:
- White hand-building clay (earthenware or stoneware).
- Rotating sculpting platforms (Lazy Susans) to enable participants to work on their sculptures from multiple angles.
Please bring:
- Any clay modelling tools you already own.
- A sturdy board or suitable box for transporting your sculpture home after the final session.
- A notebook and pencil for sketches and notes.
Reference photographs: Participants may bring photographs of their chosen subject. An information sheet explaining the required photographs will be provided before the workshop. Alternatively, reference images will be available from the tutor.
Taking your sculpture home: Participants will take their completed clay bust home at the end of the workshop. Guidance will be provided on handling, transporting and caring for the sculpture. As the work will remain unfired, it should be transported carefully and supported securely to minimise the risk of damage.
Firing: Firing is not included in this workshop. Sculptures will remain unfired and should be handled with care. Once dry, unfired clay is fragile, sensitive to moisture and not water-resistant.
Painting and decorating: Participants will receive instructions on suitable techniques and materials for painting and decorating their sculptures at home once the clay has dried completely. Acrylic paints may be used for decorative purposes, with guidance on appropriate surface preparation and application. Painting or sealing an unfired sculpture does not provide the strength or durability of fired ceramic work.
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Kassandra Bossell
Kassandra makes sculpture and installation for visual, community and performing arts.
Her artwork focuses on human relationships within nature, processes of coevolution, symbiosis, and interdependent connectivity.
Kassandra holds an MFA (Research) from UNSW Art and Design, 2018, Bachelor Visual Arts, University of Sydney.
She exhibits annually in group and solo exhibitions. Her public commissioners include Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Museum, Opera Australia, Powerhouse Museum, National Museum of Australia and City of Sydney. Kassandra has lectured at the National Art School and held workshops at numerous universities, colleges, festivals and communities around Australia.
Kassandra has completed several residencies and been selected for numerous prizes. She was awarded the Stephen Lardner Award for Excellence in Adult Education, an Australian Postgraduate Award, an Art on the Greenway Grant, an Artist to Artist Grant from NT Arts, a Regional Art Grant and a Pat Corrigan Grant.
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