Admit it: You've always wanted to be a sculptor.

Art school is too expensive, and you already have a day-job. This course  is a fantastic way to learn traditional sculpting techniques without the hassle of lugging your 20-pound project to the local art center and trying to get the foundations of Renaissance sculpture from someone who's a lot better at impressionist watercolors.

  • Learn to sculpt a portrait bust, the traditional first sculpture project.
  • Work in your home from easily obtainable, traditional, and inexpensive materials.
  • Start any time; work at your own pace.
  • Receive individualized constructive critiques based on your electronic photos. I have a lot of experience teaching and want to help you through the process best I can.
  • Course consists of 10 lessons. 
  • Online Forum to share your progress with students from around the world.
  • Lessons are a detailed step-by-step combination of Powerpoint slide shows and short movies with close-ups of the development of a portrait sculpture.
  • Pay by the lesson or by the course.
  • Contact Blake Ketchum if you're curious. See also the Class website: OnlineSculptureClass.com.

Syllabus

Lesson 1
    Measuring and photographing your model

Lesson 2
    Building an Armature

Lesson 3
    Blocking in the Dominant Volumes

Lesson 4
    Blocking in the Minor Volumes

Lesson 5
    Anatomy

Lesson 6
    Hair and Clothes

Lesson 7
    Introduction to Modeling Form

Lesson 8
   Making an Eggshell Mold

Lesson 9
    Casting in Gypsum Cement

Lesson 10
    Finishing for Display


Course fees

  • $100 for  the course or pay $20 per lesson.
  • Discounts for Schools and Homeschoolers available.
  • Fee for entire course includes digital consultation about your work.
  • Supply cost will vary regionally, but you should expect to pay about $50-$100 in the continental U.S. in materials necessary to complete the course. Many of these materials can be used again when you make another sculpture.

What you'll need

  • A digital camera and ability to email the pictures.
  • A work station
  • Some tools from a craft store or you can order online
  • Some low-fire clay available at many small ceramics shops and art organizations
  • Plaster of Paris and Gypsum Cement (available online)
  • Liquid Murphy's oil soap
  • A sturdy lazy Susan
  • Two mirrors or a friend to sit for pictures and measurements.
  • A love for sculpture!
  • A full materials list and syllabus can be found here.
  • Class introductory letter is here.