Workshop animal sculpture, Amsterdam

Instructors: Renée Marcus Janssen and Sanne van Tongeren
Calendar: 10:00 – 16:00 | 12 – 16 October (5 days)
Cost: 750 euro (armature and material included)
Location: Hendrik van Wijnstraat 10, 1065 AS Amsterdam


Discover the captivating beauty and dynamic nature of animals with this 5 day animal sculpting workshop!

This course starts with a trip to the local Zoo, to observe and sketch animals from life. During this time, students will study the proportions and movements of the animal of their choice, and then use that knowledge during four days of sculpting in the studio.

Over the course of the week, students will learn how to compose observation and reference materials in their work, starting with their preliminary sketches from the zoo. Students will be guided through the process of arranging their armatures, blocking in proportions, understanding anatomical landmarks, creating dynamic gesture, and refining shapes, while receiving individual one-on-one critiques with the instructor.

Choosing between working on an animal portrait or a full body sculpture, students create their own individual sculpture out of waterbased clay to take home with them at the end of the week. Firing, mould making and casting is not included in the course. However students choosing a portrait or simple composition will be given instructions on future hollowing out and firing procedures, while students choosing a more complicated design with smaller parts can later arrange for a mould to be made of their work.

The first day of the course (Monday October 12th) will take place at the ARTIS Zoo, the following four studio sculpting days (Tuesday – Friday 16 Oct) will be held in the studio of Figura (Amsterdam West).

To view possible animal options present at the zoo visit their website at: https://www.artis.nl/nl/ontdek/collectie/