Figure Sculpture: Observation, Anatomy and Measurement

COURSE CODE: E2501S008

COURSE DATES: Wednesdays, 17th September - 26 November 2025

TUTOR: Laura Postle

DAYS: 10

TIMES: 10:30am – 4:30pm

EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Ages 18+, All Levels

FEE: Early Bird: £607.50 / Standard Price: £675

LOCATION: Bankside Campus, 185 Park Street, SE1 9BL

Studying directly from a life model, you’ll sculpt a classical torso on a two-thirds scale in clay. The beauty of sculpting a torso is that it enables the sculptor to really focus on modelling forms. The slightly larger size allows room to model fleshy forms, muscle & bone. 

You’ll learn the essentials of construction, including various techniques in observation, measurement and use of a plumb line, and will combine these modelling skills with fundamental anatomical knowledge. You’ll also gain an understanding of the importance of capturing gesture and proportion.

Students will be able to: 

  • Develop and apply anatomical knowledge in the creation of figurative sculpture 
  • Understand and apply measurement and scaling techniques, including ‘scale of proportions’ and ‘comparative measurements’ 
  • Develop and apply observational skills in the creation of proportionally accurate figurative sculpture that captures likeness and gesture
  • Develop and apply clay modelling techniques using a variety of tools 
  • Apply safe-working practices at all times. 

Recommend booking by: August 20, 2025

COURSE SCHEDULE

All Levels

All attendees must be aged 18 and over.

This course is suitable for all levels. Students can move at their own pace depending on their experience, with as much support from the Tutor as they wish. This means an student from the following experience levels can join this course:

Beginner

Choose a Beginners course if you are looking for a broad introduction to the medium you are studying. Our Beginner courses are suitable for students with no prior experience.

Beginner +

Choose a Beginner + course if you are looking to hone your skills, focus on a specific subject area and build your confidence. These courses are suitable for those with some basic skills in and knowledge of the taught medium.

Intermediate

Our Intermediate courses are suitable for students who have considerable prior knowledge of the taught medium or have completed a Beginners/Beginners + course with the Art Academy.

Advanced

Choose our Advanced courses if you have considerable knowledge in the taught medium. You are expected to be able to work independently and have critical discussions around your work.

PLEASE PURCHASE AND BRING A TIRANTI H7 TOOL

A clay modelling kit is provided for the duration of the class to each student. Each kit contains the following: 

  • B10 Tiranti wooden tool
  • B8 Tiranti wooden tool
  • B7 Tiranti wooden tool
  • B6 Tiranti wooden tool
  • BM11 Tiranti metal tool 
  • Aluminium Calipers 30cm
  • Plumb line 

Each student must bring the following tools to every class:

  • Tiranti’s H modelling tool – Available to purchase from the office shop.
  • Mirror – handheld, rectangular, no frame
  • Drawing equipment – pencils, charcoal, rubber, board clips and sketchbook.
  • Untextured rags for wrapping – bedsheets are really good or pillowcases can be the perfect size

Additional Costs

There will be a cost of £10 towards the materials throughout the course, this will need to be paid to the office on the first day of the course. 

Please note: Firing at the end of the course is optional and additional firing costs will apply.

Laura Postle

Laura Postle is a classically trained figurative sculptor who is a graduate of the Florence academy of art, Italy. Based on observation of the human figure her work pushes to explores the true character of her model whilst accentuating gesture and capturing the emotion of her subject.

http://www.florenceacademyofart.com/alumni-gallery/laura-postle/ 

 

Bankside Campus

185 Park Street,London SE1 9BL

tel: +44 (0) 207407 6969

This is our new purpose built accessible campus. Find more information here

Nearest Tube/ Rail: London Bridge or Southwark (both a 10-15 minute walk).

Please note that London Bridge has two exits, the most direct route is to follow signs to “Borough Market”.

Students are welcome to use The Hub during break times, where you can prepare hot drinks and/or food. You must bring your own keep-cup, water bottle or food container to the Academy as mugs, glasses, and containers will not be available in our Bankside campus.

Tea and coffee will be provided by the Academy and is available from the island unit at the end of The Hub.

Terms and Conditions

  • By booking onto one of our courses you agree to our Short Courses Terms and Conditions.

  • You will need to have paid in full before the first session of your class. Your place is not guaranteed until we have received full payment. Please book early in order to guarantee your place on the course.

Materials & Equipment

  • If you purchased a pack online this will be given to you on the first session of your course upon your arrival. Packs can be booked on our Materials Page or on this page when you book the course

  • Please don’t wear your best clothes as there is always a chance you will get messy. If possible bring an apron or overalls.

  • All artwork at the Academy MUST be taken home at the end of each session where possible, with the exception of oil paintings and sculpture works.

  • We cannot store materials at the Academy, so please take these to and from your sessions.

  • Please ensure that your mobile phone is switched off or is on silent during the class.

  • Health and Safety Guidelines will be provided to you a week before the start of your course.

Concessions and Discounts

We offer a number of concessions and discounts, please find more information on what we offer here.

Gift Vouchers

If you would like to purchase a gift voucher to be used on our courses then you can purchase these here.

Original price was: £675.00.Current price is: £607.50.

E2501S008-figure-sculpture-laura-postle

Artwork by Laura Postle

Early bird 10% off discount available until the 27th of July 2025.

Use coupon code at checkout: aa-earlybird-10%

Original price was: £675.00.Current price is: £607.50.