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Spring Class 1 - The Seated Figure, or Portrait

Please book classes through Fort Mason Artists (online, or with check by mail). For up to date changes and other offerings visit FMA's official website.

Ceramic on Wood by Konrad Dunton

Building a seated figure in clay using an internal armature

Mondays, February 5  – March 18 2024 (no class 2/19/2024)

In this 6 week class we will be building a seated figure in clay using an internal armature, or a portrait bust.

Beginning and continuing sculptors are invited to sculpt from a live model for eight sessions. There will be one long pose for the duration of the class.  For those interested, we will start with a hands-on-demonstration in building an internal armature, which will not require the traditional cutting out of armature, hollowing and reassembling of parts. This armature type is well suited for figures up to 20 inches in height. In addition, instructional help will be offered in anatomy and in sculpting styles and approaches. 

We will conclude the class by preparing the sculpture for firing it in the kiln.  Participants will be responsible for the firing of their piece. There will be an informational handout with the various kiln firing service providers. 

We will discuss the finishing processes for the sculpture including the creation of the base and surface treatment (paint, glaze, etc...) of figure and base.

A separate finishing workshop will be offered at another time, for those who would like to complete the sculpture to a gallery show ready state.

Please bring the following to the first day of instruction:

(These are the materials needed in building a sculpture with internal support structure)

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Required Material List:

  • Newspaper

  • Rags (to moisten and cover work at end of sculpting sessions)

  • Clay (can be purchased from instructor)

  • Box and packing materials to transport finished piece (last day of instruction)

 

Materials Included in Class: 

  • Masking tape (1/2 to 3/4 inch wide) 

  • Drywall fiber tape (coarse mesh) 

  • 1⁄2 inch thick rectangular sculpture board (w: 8" by 12") with built in seat

  • Armature materials

  • Trash bag to cover work

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Recommended Material List:

  • Sculpting tools (various basic tools will be made available in class)

  • Clothing which can get dirty (or apron)

  • Drawing paper and drawing materials of your choice (for initial figure sketching and planning stage)

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Additional Costs:​

  • Clay can be purchased in class (regular clay $15, paper clay $20)

 

Instructor: Konrad Dunton

Instructor's Website: konrad-dunton.com

Class Tuition: $512

Model Fee: included
Date(s): 04/14/2025 - 06/16/2026 (no class 4/21/25 and 5/26/25)
Days: Monday
Time: 6:15 PM - 10:15 PM
Number of meetings: 8
Location: MPIC Clubhouse

350 O'Shaughnessy Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94127

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