Sculpting the Portrait in Clay - 6 sessions - live model

What we'll do:

6 Monday Evenings from 6:15 PM to 10:15 PM with Konrad Dunton

September 8 through October 13, 2025

In this 6-session sculpting class, we will focus on creating a portrait in clay using a unique internal armature.
This class will have the rare opportunity to sculpt from a youth (15-year-old female: Sophia).
We will work with the clothed model (Casual Teenage attire) in an active pose. This will allow sculptors to decide how much of the model they wish to capture. The focus will be to establish the human form with proper proportions and volumes. We will discuss the underlying structures of bone and muscles, helpful abstractions, and the concept of memory shapes.
There will be one long pose for the entire duration of the class. For those interested, we will start with a hands-on-demonstration in working with an internal armature, which will not require the traditional cutting out of armature, hollowing, and reassembling of parts. The supplied armature is well-suited for portraits 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.

What to bring:

Required Material List:
• Clay (can be purchased from instructor - regular clay $15, paper clay $20 for 25 lbs bags)
• Newspaper
• Rags (to moisten and cover work at the end of sculpting sessions)
• Box and packing materials to transport finished piece (last day of instruction)

Recommended Material list:
• Sculpting tools (various tools will be made available in class)
• Bamboo or metal shish kabob sticks

Materials Included in class:
• Armature materials and portrait base
• Masking tape (1/2 to 3/4 inch wide)
• Drywall fiber tape (large mesh)

Instructor: Konrad Dunton
Instructor’s Website: https://www.konrad-dunton.com/
Informational Website(s): https://konraddunton.wixsite.com/figuresculpting
Class Tuition: $305
Model Fee: (covers 8 sessions) $85 pay at the first session, or during online registration
Date(s): 09/08/25 - 10/13/25
Day of class: Mondays
Time: 6:15 PM - 10:15 PM
Number of meetings: 6
Max. number of participants: 12 to allow social distancing - First come, first served
Location: MPIC Clubhouse / 350 O'Shaughnessy Blvd / San Francisco, CA 94127
https://maps.app.goo.gl/86LbpHgcQECuY83R7
Access: Free parking for 30 cars adjacent to the clubhouse
Bus Line: # 44 stops at the front of the clubhouse
Register online here with Credit Card ( preferred! )
https://ftmasonartists.org/classes/ols/products/artfamosc1_2025
At check-out you can also select payment method
If Making Registration Payment via Check please put class name and date in memo, Thank you.
If Making Registration Payment via Check:
Make check payable to: Fort Mason Artists
Send to: Fort Mason Artists / 301 Holly Park Cir. / San Francisco, CA 94110