Introduction to Realistic Figurative Sculpture
A course by Jana BüttnerSculptor
A course by Jana Büttner, Sculptor
Master the art of realistic portrait modeling. Develop a methodical approach to anatomical translation, explore the human form and figurative sculpture.
Explore the captivating world of sculpting with Jana Büttner, a renowned sculptor, that specializes in working with clay and casting in resin and bronze. Her focus is on the human figure and its myriad expressions, creating art that has the power to dominate a space, resonating deeply with viewers.
You'll embark on a journey to learn the fundamental skills required to confidently sculpt realistic portraits using clay. Jana will provide you with a solid foundation, starting with an introduction to the necessary materials and tools. You'll progress to building a supportive armature and discover the intricacies of working with live models, honing your ability to capture both form and character.
Throughout the course, you'll follow a step-by-step process, beginning with sculpting the profile and gradually refining each facial feature. By the end, you'll have transformed anatomical knowledge into artistry, equipping you with the ability to craft lifelike portrait sculptures.
What will you learn in this online course?
16 lessons & 14 downloads
Working with Clay
6 minutes, 21 seconds
Building an Armature
8 minutes, 13 seconds
Working with a Model
7 minutes, 48 seconds
The Profile 1
14 minutes, 49 seconds
Building Out the Width
13 minutes, 17 seconds
The Eyes 1
20 minutes, 20 seconds
What's included in this course?
To start, you'll delve into the world of sculpting by gaining a comprehensive understanding of the materials and tools essential for your artistic journey. Jana will guide you through constructing a sturdy armature to support your clay sculpture and share insights on effectively working with live models.
Afterward, you'll dive into the sculpting process, beginning with the profile and progressively building the facial width. Jana will provide in-depth instruction on shaping each facial feature, from the nose and mouth to the eyes, eyebrows, ears, and even the intricacies of hair sculpting. As you master these techniques, you'll also explore the art of surface modeling to add depth and detail to your creations.
By the course's end, you'll have honed your sculpting skills, enabling you to translate anatomical information into realistic and expressive portrait sculptures.
What is this course's project?
You'll have the opportunity to create a realistic portrait sculpture using the techniques you've learned from Jana Büttner. Showcase your newfound sculpting prowess and produce a captivating work of art that embodies the essence of the human form.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is ideal for anyone with a passion for sculpting and a desire to explore the art of realistic portrait sculpture. Whether you're a budding sculptor or an experienced artist looking to refine your skills, Jana's guidance and expertise will benefit anyone eager to dive into the world of three-dimensional art.
Requirements and materials
All you need to embark on this creative journey is your enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Jana will walk you through the necessary materials and tools, ensuring you have everything you need to bring your artistic vision to life. No prior experience is required; just come prepared to sculpt your way to mastery.
Reviews
- 2 months ago
el curso es excelente, esta muy bien explicado !
- 3 months ago
Jana is clear and concise with her instruction and the added facial feature focus videos make all the difference This is one of the best figure sculpting videos on Domestika.
- 5 months ago
el curso es excelente, esta muy bien explicado en el paso a paso del modelado del rostro con arcilla, desde el armado de la estructura y materiales/herramientas que se usan, pasando por cada parte del rostro de lo mas general a lo particular, hasta los últimos detalles del acabado de la escultura.
- michikoharwoodPLUS5 months ago
Precise and detailed information explained
- 6 months ago
Fantastischer Kurs mit viel Hingabe und Fachwissen durch Kursleiterin Frau Büttner vermittelt. Für Interessierte ist dieser Kurs auf jeden Fall zu empfehlen. Vielen Dank an Frau Büttner für die Weitergabe ihrer grossen Erfahrung.
She has been honored with the ARC scholarship and achieved finalist and third-place accolades in the 2023 competition. Jana's sculptures can be found in private collections worldwide, reflecting her ability to convey universal and deeply personal human experiences through her art. Her work transcends language, speaking directly to the emotions and expressions that connect us all, making her a prominent figure in the world of contemporary sculpture.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Preparing to Sculpt
- Working with Clay
- Building an Armature
- Working with a Model
- U3
Profile and Single Features
- The Profile 1
- The Profile 2
- Building Out the Width
- The Nose
- The Mouth
- U4
Portrait Features
- The Eyes 1
- The Eyes 2
- The Eyebrows
- The Ears
- U5
Finishing the Portrait
- The Hair
- Surface Modeling
- FP
Final project
- Introduction to Realistic Figurative Sculpture
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for intermediate-level artists who already have some foundational sculpting experience and want to advance their portrait and figurative sculpture skills.
You will need water-based clay, sculpting tools like calipers and loop tools, a wooden armature, and basic safety gear. The course covers tool selection and clay maintenance in detail.
You’ll learn to build armatures, sculpt realistic portraits in clay, analyze facial anatomy, refine surface details, utilize live models, and express emotion through form, light, and shadow.
No prior experience with live models is required. The course teaches you how to work from both live models and photographs, including pose setup and managing model breaks.
The course provides step-by-step instructions on armature construction, including assembling, stabilizing, and securing the armature to support your clay sculpture safely and effectively.
Yes, you’ll learn techniques for measuring proportions, modeling facial features, correcting asymmetry, and refining surface textures for realistic facial expression and anatomy.
The 'drawing in space' method teaches you to visualize and construct three-dimensional forms, helping you understand spatial relationships and create dynamic, lifelike sculptures.