Instructor: Sanne van Tongeren
Dates: 27 November - 1 December 2024
Cost: 850 euro
Location: Chasséstraat 91, 1057 JB Amsterdam
Description
In 8 sessions you sculpt a figure in clay (1:3). The aim of this workshop is to provide an in-depth structural understanding of the human figure and to gain experience sculpting a contrapposto. We will work with a step-by-step structure, in which you learn to recognize your mistakes and solve the problems in your work on your own. You learn to capture and maintain the gesture and balance in your sculpture, to coordinate the proportions, and to accurately describe the characteristics of your model in clay.
Program
We begin with a short introduction to the 'Drawing in space' teaching method and demonstrate the most important themes (gesture - proportion - body type) using the model for reference. Once the model’s pose has been determined, we bend the armature into the correct shape. The armature is made of aluminum and can be manipulated easily by hand or with tools. We then systematically look at the relationship between the large structures ('box' and 'egg') and the important 'bony landmarks' with special attention to proportions, gesture, and body type. Once the standing leg is in the correct position and the armature is fixed on the base, we will draw the contours of the model in clay referencing the large structures and the bony landmarks. After the structure of the figure is in balance and the proportions are correct, we will talk about drawing internal information, reading light, and modeling form.
Time table
Wednesday (14:00 - 17:00 h), Thursday - Saturday (10:00 - 17:00 h), Sunday (10:00 - 13:00 h)
Instructor
Sanne van Tongeren is a sculptor and a scholar of ancient Greek and Latin. She held a teaching position at The Florence Academy of Art in Italy. In 2018 she started her own school in Amsterdam: Figura, Dutch Academy of Figurative Sculpture. Though her work enters into dialogue with the old masters, her sculptures are contemporary. Her figures and portraits emanate strength, but also quietude: ‘Sculpture is not photography. Portraits don’t portray a moment captured, but are rather a visualisation of time.’
Practical information
This workshop is open to beginning, intermediate and advanced students. If you want a cast of your work, you can join our mould making workshop of the relevant trimester. See the workshop calendar for dates and prices.
What you need to bring to the studio: lunch, apron, notebook
This course includes:
✓ observation from a life model
✓ working in small groups
✓ instruction by a classically trained sculptor
✓ individual guidance in English or Dutch at your own level
✓ demonstrations illustrating the instructions
✓ water-based clay