Instructors: Edoardo Durdin and Rob Wegh
Dates: 8-14 December
Cost: 1500 euro
Location: Chasséstraat 91, 1057 JB Amsterdam
Description
The aim of this course is to introduce you to a methodology that enables you to independently sculpt an accurate and convincing three dimensional portrait from life. You will receive individual critiques throughout the workshop. Day 1-3: facial anatomy lectures in combination with practical assignments. Day 4-7: sculpting from life model. Observation is central to these discussions: what does your eye see and how do you translate into clay what you think you see?
Program
Day 1-3: Edoardo leads you through the anatomy of the SKULL & NECK BONES, Muscles of the HEAD, EYE & EAR, NOSE & MOUTH, NECK Muscles. Topics are: General Proportions, Essential Landmarks, Expressions of the Face, Gesture & Form. With various working practices: Draw-Along Lectures, Speed Sketch from Imagination, Initial Planar Abstraction, Constructive Anatomy.
Dag 4-7: Rob will guide you through the proces of sculpting a portrait from life. After considering the basics of a sensible portrait armature, we begin with a short introduction to the 'Drawing in space' teaching method, discuss anatomical and proportional canons, working 'from the inside out' and analyzing depth to understand how contours move in space. The first sessions are about establishing the profile. We name and locate the orientation points that are important for building a profile in clay. We then determine the distance from the ear (starting point) to the profile by using comparative measurements. When the profile has been established, we indicate with a drawing tool where the 'secondary profile' is located, and afterwards move on to the front view. From the centre line on which the profile is built up, the width of the portrait is developed in front view. As forms gradually develop from the inside out, we will discuss options for modeling surface forms and finally consider what makes a portrait sculpture “come to life”.
About the instructors
Rob Wegh
Rob Wegh is a figurative sculptor and draftsman from the Netherlands. A graduate of the Florence Academy of Art, he earned multiple scholarships and the Best Sculpture of the Year award in 2023, later serving as a principal instructor. Rob focuses on capturing the unique character of the human figure through clay and charcoal.
Edoardo Durdin
Rome-born artist Edoardo Durdin combines classical technique with rich, symbolic storytelling. Influenced by classical drawing and painting techniques and Russian master Alexey Steele, his paintings explore vulnerability and hidden truths through allegorical compositions. He teaches classical drawing and constructive anatomy at DARA in Haarlem.
Dates & Time table
10:00 - 17:00
Practical Information
This workshop is open to beginning, intermediate and advanced students. If you want a cast of your work, we offer you the opportunity to participate in the casting weeks of the relevant trimester. See the workshop calendar for dates and prices. What you need to bring to the studio: lunch, apron, sketchbook, A5/A4, HB-pencils, some color pencils (for example KOH-i-NOOR Progresso Colouring Pencils set (12)
This course includes:
✓ observation from a life model
✓ working in small groups
✓ instruction by a classically trained sculptor
✓ individual guidance in English at your own level
✓ demonstrations illustrating the instructions
✓ armature and clay
