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Introduction to Écorché: Portrait Anatomy (Sculpture)

Master the complex forms of the human face through the art of Écorché sculpture. Build a life-size anatomical sculpture of the human head, starting with a plaster cast skull and sculpting the unique facial muscles on top. Explore the anatomy of the head through lectures, textbooks, and hands-on practice in this immersive workshop.

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  • 16 and older
  • $400
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  • 117 57th St., Brooklyn, NY
  • 12 hours over 4 sessions

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  • $400/person
  • 12 hours over 4 sessions
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  • Thu, Nov 07 at 3:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Thu, Nov 14 at 3:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Thu, Nov 21 at 3:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Thu, Nov 28 at 3:00pm - 6:00pm
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  • Thu, Dec 05 at 3:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Thu, Dec 12 at 3:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Thu, Dec 19 at 3:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Thu, Dec 26 at 3:00pm - 6:00pm
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Class Description

Description

What you'll learn in this sculpture class:

Écorché sculpture workshop is strong method to master and to commit the complex forms of the human figure to memory. This course will focus on better understanding the skull and muscles of the face, as well as it's various facial features. Students will use oil-based clay on an armature to build a life size anatomical sculpture of the human head. They will first sculpt a life-size skull from an actual  plaster cast.  They will then proceed to sculpt the unique muscles of the face onto the skull. Students will learn through a series of master lectures on the anatomy of the head, anatomy textbooks, and photo as needed.


Required materials for the class are as follows:

1.) One basic head armature

2.) Basic set of sculpture tools if you have them. If you do not have tools we can supply these for you. 

3.) 5 blocks of Sargent or Van Aken brand sulfur-free oil clay in the 4.5 or 5 pound blocks (required). The clay must be of a soft or medium consistency. 

Refund Policy

No refunds will be given.

  • Kindly give 4 business days notice of cancellation prior to start of class.
  • If you cannot attend a class session we are always happy to honor the payment and work with you to find an alternative make up date.
  • We will only allow one reschedule request per student. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate a second reschedule request. If you do not attend the original scheduled class or the make up date, a refund will not be given.

In any event where a customer wants to cancel their enrollment and is eligible for a full refund, a 5% processing fee will be deducted from the refund amount.

Reviews of Classes at The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art (152)

(4.9-star rating across 152 reviews)
  • Introduction to Écorché: Portrait Anatomy (Sculpture)

    Anonymous review on 9/8/2024
    I highly recommend this course, especially if you're looking for a class with a lot of guidance and one on one instruction. James is an excellent teacher. He's incredibly knowledgable, personable and professional. This class was a combination of anatomy lectures and hands on modeling. I learned a lot and was very happy with my finished model. I also appreciated the casual class environment. There were often other students working on drawing or painting projects and James would invite conversation around the student work.
  • Introduction to Écorché: Portrait Anatomy (Sculpture)

    Reviewed by David G. on 5/17/2021
    In short, this class was a revelation. When I signed up for this class I did not consider myself an artist, and certainly not a sculptor. James showed me otherwise. He is as talented a teacher, as he is a fine artist. I learned so much in this course. It’s more than just sculpting, it’s anatomy, philosophy, drafting, studying light and shadow and more. This class was honestly an inspiration. It allowed me to pursue artistic abilities I didn’t know I had. Abilities we all have and maybe just haven’t nurtured enough. I am proud of what I made and proud to call myself a sculptor now. I look forward to working with James again on another project and would highly recommend this class to anyone interested in sculpture. Two thumbs up. 10/10. 5-stars.
  • Introduction to Écorché: Portrait Anatomy (Sculpture)

    Reviewed by Eric M. on 1/6/2020
    James is an excellent artist and teacher and all around great guy. He is inspiring to work with and seems to truly enjoy getting the best out of his students. This is a great starter starter course but also worth taking if you have some experience sculpting. James is very hands on, not afraid to criticize but also very motivational.
  • Introduction to Écorché: Portrait Anatomy (Sculpture)

    Reviewed by Kent E. on 9/30/2018
    Brilliant - James is extremely meticulous and knowledgeable, as well as being a great teacher and communicator. Highly recommended if you would like to do something creative, instructive and different.
  • Introduction to Écorché: Portrait Anatomy (Sculpture)

    Anonymous review on 10/25/2021
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Review Summary by CourseHorse

Students gave glowing reviews about the Intro to Écorché: Portrait Anatomy class, noting that they learned significantly more than just sculpting techniques. The course is comprehensive, encompassing anatomy, philosophy, drafting, and the study of light and shadow. A common theme in reviews was personal growth, with students discovering artistic abilities that they didn't know they possessed and building confidence to identify themselves as sculptors. Many appreciated the quality of instruction, citing James as a highly skilled artist and inspiring teacher who is great at bringing out the best in his students. Even for those with prior sculpting experience, this class was considered valuable. James' meticulousness, knowledge, and excellent communication were also highlighted. 1. "It's more than just sculpting, it's anatomy, philosophy, drafting, studying light and shadow, and more." 2. "This class was honestly an inspiration. It allowed me to pursue artistic abilities I didn't know I had." 3. "James is an excellent artist and teacher and an around great guy. He is inspiring to work with and seems to truly enjoy getting the best out of his students."

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Questions & Answers (8)

Get quick answers from CourseHorse and past students.

Question from Elaine M.
hello! Can you clarify the total amount of clay? Is it 25 pounds? All one color or is it two of contrasting color? If so, how many pounds of each color? thanks!
Answer from Kristle C. CourseHorse StaffCourseHorse Staff
Hi! You will need one head (Portrait Bust) armature .. the school sells these cheaper than the art store so you can buy one from there if you wish. More importantly, you will need 3 blocks (5 pound each) of white oil clay or off white/ivory oil clay, or grey color for the skull portion, and 1 block (5 pound each) of the Terra cotta red color oil clay for the muscular portion. You will be working life size so having enough clay is very important. These are not available for purchase in the school. Usually the brands Van Aken or Sargent are the most affordable oil clay. You can easily find them at Blick Art stores or at Sculpture House store in Manhattan. Sculpture tools can be borrowed from the school if you don't have your own. Hope this helps!
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Question from Elaine M.
What kind of basic head armature should I bring? Should it be full scale? Is it wire armature on a pipe stand? I'm looking forward to the class, but need more detail on what to bring. thanks!
Answer from Georgia C. CourseHorse StaffCourseHorse Staff
Hi there! The school sells the portrait bust écorché, which is for a life-size head for $30 or you can purchase a standard life size scale portrait bust armature on your own. For the clay, you will need 3-4 (5 pound each) blocks of either Sargent or Van aken oil clay for the skull portion, and a 5 pound block of brick or sanguine colored oil clay for the muscles. Sculpture tools are provided.
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Question from Amy M.
Is proof of vaccination required for this class?
Answer from James Xavier B. Verified Educator
No proof of vaccination is not required
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Question from Anonymous
Is there a place to store our work in progress on site or do we have to bring the clay back and forth to each class?
Answer from Brenda L. CourseHorse StaffCourseHorse Staff
Hi there! Students can keep their artwork in progress at Decorus Atelier until they are finished with the class. Hope this is helpful.
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Question from rebecca i.
Hi, is there a supplies list and place to shop for the materials for this class you can recommend?
Answer from Brenda L. CourseHorse StaffCourseHorse Staff
Hi Rebecca! Students need to bring the following: -one portrait head armature (required) -Some basic sculpture tools for clay (we have some tools as well) -notepad -5 blocks of Sargent or Van Aken brand sulfur-free oil clay in the 4.5-5 pound blocks (required). You can check The Compleat Sculptor or Blick art store. Thanks!
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Question from anonymous
Hi, my son is 13. He shows talent in sculpture and I would like to enroll him in some of the classes you have - I saw anatomy on Sunday evenings I believe July 27? Can I sign him up? Also any kind of sculpture.
Answer from James Xavier B. Verified Educator
Hi there, Yes we can accommodate him ..we have a variety of classes for him and I think he would enjoy portrait ecorche..It teaches a great deal on 4 weeks
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Question from Drew R.
What materials are necessary to bring on the first day?
Answer from Brenda L. CourseHorse StaffCourseHorse Staff
Hi Drew! Students need to bring the following: -one portrait head armature (required) -Some basic sculpture tools for clay (we have some tools as well) -notepad -5 blocks of Sargent or Van Aken brand sulphur free oil clay in the 4.5-5 pound blocks (required)
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Question from Drew R.
Would this class be okay for a complete beginner with no sculpting experience?
Answer from Brenda L. CourseHorse StaffCourseHorse Staff
Hi there! Yes absolutely- we get plenty of people who have very little experience artistically and do quite well. The main requirement is a desire to learn.
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The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art

The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art

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We are conveniently located just a few blocks away near the 59th station off the N/R train and right next to the ferry stop for the South Brooklyn Ferry coming from Wall Street in Manhattan to Sunset Park Brooklyn. You can find parking right outside or at the Brooklyn Army Terminal next door.

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