SCULPTURES & SCULPTING AT RUSSBOROUGH | ALAN CLARKE

Taking Bookings

17 Jun

Dates: Fri 15th - Sun 17th Aug 2025
Times: 10am-5pm
Location: Russborough House
Skill Level: all levels welcome

Please see detailed workshop information below

If this course is fully booked or not currently scheduled, go ahead add your name to the waiting list HERE

Payment plans available contact us directly

aBOUT THE WORKSHOP

With the inspiration of the setting in Russborough and the tuition from Alan Clarke this workshop is going to stimulate both mind and soul.

You’ll spend the first morning immersed in the art collection at Russborough. A private guided tour will give participants insight about the sculptures over the ages and an opportunity to sketch and study the sculptures in the main house before spending the remainder of the course learning to sculpt a life size portrait from a live model. All the appropriate techniques will be discussed and demonstrated, including basic head and neck anatomy, measuring, design, materials handling, surface finishing, etc. Alan will sculpt a demonstration piece alongside the participants, and discuss his own approach and philosophy. Sculpting a portrait in clay is a very enjoyable process and this workshop is suitable for all levels, including total beginners.

PLEASE NOTE: students will have a finished sculpture at the end of the workshop but it will be in wet clay, and therefore delicate and quite heavy. If students wish to preserve their work in the long term, it will need to be hollowed out and fired, or moulded and cast, Alan will advise on these processes but they are not covered in the workshop.

All skill levels welcome, even total beginners. However, people with a little bit of experience in representational/observational art will benefit the most and get the best outcomes.

- Gain inspiration from a private guided tour of Russborough’s remarkable sculpture collection.
- Sketch and study historical sculptures in the main house to inform your own sculpting process.
- Learn to sculpt a life-size portrait from a live model, working step-by-step over the course.
- Understand the fundamentals of head and neck anatomy as they apply to portrait sculpture.
- Develop techniques in measuring, proportion, and design for accurate and expressive results.
- Receive expert instruction in materials handling and surface finishing techniques.
- Watch Alan Clarke demonstrate and explain his personal sculpting philosophy and approach.
- Build confidence in working with clay, regardless of your experience level.
- Enjoy a supportive and creative atmosphere, suitable for all levels including total beginners.
As above
All tools and materials will be provided.