4 Week FIGURE sculpting course

WEDnesday 6:30PM - 9:00pm

What we will cover

In this 4-week Human Figure Sculpture Course in London, students will explore the foundations of figurative sculpture through hands-on practice, close observation, and expert guided instruction. Working primarily with clay, this course focuses on sculpting the human form, a subject that has been central to sculpture and fine art for centuries and remains one of the most rewarding challenges for artists today.

Throughout the course, students will study proportion, anatomy, balance, movement, and expression, learning how to translate observation into three-dimensional form. Each session builds core sculpting skills, from basic armature techniques to developing structure, surface, and gesture. This figure sculpting class is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some prior experience who want to strengthen their understanding of the human body in sculpture.

Hosted at Goodmood Pottery, this sculpture class in London takes place in a supportive, small-group environment, allowing for personalised feedback and steady skill development. Whether you’re interested in figurative art, expanding your ceramics practice, or exploring a new creative discipline, this human figure sculpting course offers a focused and rewarding learning experience in a welcoming studio setting.

    • What You Will Learn

      • How to observe and translate the human body into three-dimensional form

      • Basic human proportions and how to apply them in sculpture

      • Gesture and movement to create dynamic, balanced figures

      • The skeletal structure and its role in supporting form

      • Major muscle groups and how they create volume and shape

      • Building a figure from simple shapes to refined details

      • Techniques for refining surface form and anatomical transitions

      • Sculpting hands, feet, and basic facial features

      • Developing expressive poses and personal artistic style

      • Constructing and completing a finished human figure sculpture

  • Week 1:
    Introduction to the human figure, basic proportions, and gesture studies.

    Week 2:
    Skeletal structure, balance, and building simple figures.

    Week 3:
    Major muscle groups and building volume and mass.
    Refining form, surface anatomy, and problem areas (hands, feet, torso).
    Pose, movement, expression, and personal style; begin final figure.

    Week 4:
    Final refinements, surface finish, and group critique.

  • Our friendly, experienced instructors will be right there with you, offering personal guidance and helpful tips to help you create your very first pottery piece.

  • We take care of everything for you, from clay and tools to aprons. Just show up and start creating, with no extra costs.

  • Studio Access & Clean-Up

    We kindly ask everyone to arrive on time so we can make the most of our session together. To help keep the studio running smoothly, please begin tidying up 15 minutes before the end of the session; this includes labeling and storing your work, cleaning tools, and wiping down your workspace with a sponge and water. These steps reflect standard ceramic studio practice and COSHH guidelines, and we really appreciate your cooperation.

    The Ceramics Process

    · Make your pieces

    · Allow work to dry (1 week to refine; 2–4 weeks before firing depending on size)

    · Return to trim, fettle, and optionally decorate

    · Dry fully before first firing (3+ weeks)

    · Return to glaze

    · Final firing and collection (approx. 3+ week turnaround)

    Clay Allowance

    Clay is included for workshop participants. There may be additonal charges per KG for clay if using large amounts. Open Access users and Members must buy their own clay. Acceptance of Terms By booking any class, workshop, event, or voucher, you agree to these terms and conditions.

    Class Validity

    Open Access passes and vouchers are valid for 6 months from purchase. Date-specific classes are valid only for the booked date unless rescheduled within 2 months. All bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable unless stated otherwise.

    Rescheduling

    To help us manage bookings fairly, courses and half-day tasters require one month’s notice for a refund. Thank you for your understanding—these guidelines help us offer a great experience for everyone.

    Storage of Work

    To help us look after everyone’s pieces, unfired work is stored for up to two weeks and must be clearly labelled. Bisque-fired and finished work is stored for 4–6 weeks. Any work that is unlabelled or not collected within these timeframes may be recycled to make space for others. Thank you for your understanding—unfortunately, refunds cannot be offered for recycled work

    Finished Work

    All pieces go through two firings before they’re complete, which helps ensure the best results. For this reason, finished work won’t be ready to take home after your first session—but we promise it will be worth the wait! Thank you for your understanding—unfortunately, refunds cannot be offered for recycled work.

    Firings & Equipment

    Estimated turnaround is 3 weeks per firing. Delays may occur. Over-glazed or excessively thick work will not be fired.

    Health, Safety & Liability

    Your safety is important to us, and we ask everyone to follow COSHH and studio guidelines to help keep the space safe and enjoyable for all. Goodmood cannot accept responsibility for injuries that result from not following these guidelines, and students may be liable for damage caused by misuse of equipment or materials. As part of the ceramic process, breakages, glaze variations, and kiln-related incidents can occasionally occur, and refunds cannot be offered in these cases. Thank you for your understanding and care in the studio.

    COSHH Guidelines

    Silica and ceramic materials can be hazardous when airborne. Follow all studio safety rules, clean using water only, avoid dry sanding or sweeping, and wear appropriate PPE when required. Ask staff if unsure at any time.

    Contact

    For questions, email hello@goodmoodpottery.com. We respond within 2 working days (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm).

explore the fundamentals of sculpting the human figure