Sculpting Realistic Clay Portrait Busts: Techniques and Tips
A course by David SimonEscultor y profesor de arte
A course by David Simon, Escultor y profesor de arte
Unleash your inner artist and craft a stunning bust from scratch by exploring a variety of sculpture techniques
Sculpture, an art form that has transcended time, allows us to transform shapeless matter into awe-inspiring masterpieces. David Simon, a dedicated sculptor, who's had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects throughout his career. From monumental commissions to the enchanting world of Hollywood movies, as well as individual exhibitions in prestigious galleries and museums, his journey as an artist has been an exhilarating one.
The art of portrait sculpture, which traces its roots back to ancient Rome, continues to captivate the human imagination. For thousands of years, artists have used their hands to create three-dimensional representations of the faces that surround them. When engaging in sculpting, it is possible to not only feel a profound connection to the artists who came before us, but also to the raw material that lies within your grasp.
A bust sculpture, in particular, holds a special allure. There is a deep sense of satisfaction in accurately capturing the essence of a model's features, skillfully portraying their unique story through every nuance and expression on their face. It is in this spirit that David invites you to join him in this online course, where he will guide you through the process of creating a realistic portrait using oil-based clay.
What will you learn in this online course?
25 lessons & 12 downloads
Building the Armature
19 minutes, 16 seconds
Taking Measurements from the Model
11 minutes, 28 seconds
Converting Measurements to a Different Scale
9 minutes, 21 seconds
Sculpting the Profile 3
10 minutes, 2 seconds
Building Mass 6
7 minutes, 17 seconds
Finishing Techniques 2
16 minutes, 27 seconds
What's included in this course?
Discover the art of crafting a lifelike clay bust using plastiline. You'll delve into the intricate process of capturing a subject's likeness by employing triangulated measurements. This technique ensures precision and accuracy as you transfer measurements from your model to your sculpture. Gain confidence in working with models, understanding their unique features, and translating those into your artwork. The course also covers essential skills such as building an armature and converting measurements to different scales, enriching your sculpting practice.
Master the creative process by selecting and posing your sculpture to reflect the model's personality. Learn to adjust key features like the eyes, neck, and expression to bring your bust to life. Explore finishing techniques that give your piece a refined look. The journey concludes with insights into mold-making and casting, providing the knowledge to preserve and replicate your work. Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, this course offers a comprehensive guide to creating stunning clay sculptures that capture the essence of your subject.
What is this course's project?
Create a lifelike clay bust by mastering triangulation techniques for accurate measurements. Capture the subject's essence with skillful posing, and refine details such as eyes, neck, and expression to achieve a polished, expressive portrait.
Who is this online course for?
Aspiring sculptors and art enthusiasts eager to explore classical clay portraiture techniques will find this course enriching. Beginners and intermediates wanting to refine their skills in capturing likenesses and personality through clay busts will benefit greatly.
Requirements and materials
No extensive prior knowledge is necessary. Basic necessities include Chavant NSP medium or Le Beau Touchè HM Plastiline, calipers, sculpting tools, wires, and a rotative table. A willingness to learn and a keen interest in clay sculpture are essential.
Reviews
- 3 months ago
Super detailliert und hilfreich.
- 6 months ago
This course was so helpful to develop some more advanced techniques for my figure sculpting. I liked the 'think aloud' commentary by David so that the techniques and approaches are all fully explained. I was also so impressed by the professionalism and patience by Louise as a model! I would have liked to have seen the stages beyond the finished sculpture in terms of either removing it from the armature and/or making a mould from it. Otherwise this was a wonderful course.
- 7 months ago
Wow ! C’est le cours que je cherchais ! Clair, précis, efficace, technique, artistique ! Un cours de 6h27 bien détaillé. Merci David Simon et bravo ! Je suis aussi enthousiasmée que confiante pour commencer ma première sculpture-portrait. C’est du boulot, mais je sais maintenant comment m’y prendre et j’aurai beaucoup de plaisir !
- 9 months ago
I highly recommend this course for those who are serious about portraits sculpture!!
- 9 months ago
Eres muy buen escultor, gracias por compartir tus conocimientos y experiencias.
He has exhibited his work in galleries and museums across the United States, including John Pence Gallery in San Francisco, Evoke Contemporary Gallery in Santa Fe, Long Beach Museum of Art, and Chapel Art Center in Manchester. He has also worked in the film industry on projects such as Where the Wild Things Are, Hellboy 2, and Watchmen.
With over 20 years of teaching sculpture, David has taught in New York (Sculpture Center and Grand Central Academy) and Los Angeles (Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art and Santa Monica College). He is the founder of The Rome Workshops, a fine arts workshop program in Rome, Italy.
His teaching focuses on developing each student’s technique and creativity, guiding them to explore sculpture both personally and professionally.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
First Steps
- The Materials 1
- The Materials 2
- Building the Armature
- Triangulation and Measurements
- Taking Measurements from the Model
- Converting Measurements to a Different Scale
- U3
Sculpting the Portrait Bust
- Setting the Measurements in the Clay on the Armature 1
- Setting the Measurements in the Clay on the Armature 2
- Sculpting the Profile 1
- Sculpting the Profile 2
- Sculpting the Profile 3
- Building Mass 1
- Building Mass 2
- Building Mass 3
- Building Mass 4
- Building Mass 5
- Building Mass 6
- Photographing the Model and Selecting a Pose
- U4
Finishing the Portrait
- Cutting and Turning the Portrait into the Pose
- Adjusting Eyes, Nec, and Expression 1
- Adjusting Eyes, Nec, and Expression 2
- Finishing Techniques 1
- Finishing Techniques 2
- FP
Final project
- Introduction to Bust Sculpture with Oil Clay
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for intermediate-level sculptors who already have some experience with sculpture and want to refine their skills in portraiture and proportion techniques.
You’ll need basic sculpting tools like calipers, wire cutters, scissors, proportional dividers, armature wire, oil-based clay, hose clamps, pipe flange, plywood, and brushes. The course will provide specific recommendations and alternatives.
You’ll learn how to measure facial proportions, apply triangulation techniques, build armatures, sculpt lifelike portraits, capture likeness and personality, and refine clay surfaces using professional tools and methods.
Some prior sculpting experience is recommended, as the course covers intermediate techniques and assumes familiarity with basic sculpting concepts and handling of clay.
Yes, the course covers the Lanteri triangulation method in detail to help you establish accurate proportions and reference points in portrait sculpture.
Yes, you’ll learn step-by-step how to construct stable armatures, including material selection, wire shaping, attaching flanges, and securing with hose clamps.
Absolutely. The course demonstrates how to sculpt realistic facial features, capture individual likeness, and express dynamic personality using reference models and masterwork analysis.