Sculpting a Seated Figure

COURSE CODE: EC2501SC4

COURSE DATES: Tuesdays, 23rd September – 25th November 2025

TUTOR: Laura Postle

DAYS: 10

TIMES: 6:00pm – 9:00pm

EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Ages 18+, Intermediate

FEE: £420

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

This in-depth, dynamic course invites you to explore the process of sculpting the human figure in a seated pose. Working approximately one-third life-size in clay, you’ll follow the full arc of the sculptural process: from initial gesture and structure, through to expressive detail and refined form. Guided by an expert tutor, you’ll learn to observe the human body through a life model, considering movement, weight, and presence.
Throughout the course, you will:

– Learn to compose a balanced, expressive seated figure and plan your sculpture for firing
– Use key anatomical landmarks and proportional mapping
– Sculpt limbs in relation to core structure, focusing on movement and symmetry
– Develop the head and features with emphasis on form, likeness and character at scale
– Represent hands, feet and fabric-like folds with clarity using sculptural shorthand and texture
– Use light and shadow to articulate gesture, defining bone, flesh, and volume

Gaining a strong understanding of how to translate complex poses into clear sculptural statements, you’ll develop confidence in proportion, anatomical structure, and expressive modelling. This course is ideal for intermediate-level students with some prior experience in figurative sculpture.
Once completed, you may be interested in continuing your studies by attending one of our sculpture Masterclasses.

Recommend booking by: September 9, 2025

COURSE SCHEDULE

Intermediate

All attendees must be aged 18 and over.

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. These courses tend to be less structured and instead are tailored to the classes’ needs and the direction they want to advance in. Choose an Intermediate course if you are looking to improve your skills and have more critical discussions around the work you produce.

Please bring old clothes as you may get messy

Most equipment and materials are provided but depending on your chosen creative approach in the latter part of the course, you may need to source some materials yourself, also bring your own sketchbook if you have one.

If you work in clay without an armature, you will be offered the opportunity to have your clay pieces fired. Hollowing is necessary before a piece can be fired. This is optional and additional hollowing and firing costs will apply.

Hollowing Fees

£15 for a small figure; £20 for a portrait head; £20 for a large figure

Firing Fees

£15 for a small figure; £20 for a portrait head; £20 for a large figure

If you are using metal wire there may be an additional charge. The cost will depend on the amount of wire used.

The Hollowing and Firing process takes at least 6-8 weeks.  Make sure that you take a photograph of your work for identification. You will be informed by email when your sculpture is ready to be picked up.

LAURA POSTLE

Laura Postle is a figurative sculptor based between Bristol, London and Italy. She first graduated with a B.A. in Illustration before going on to classically train, for 3 years, in Figurative Sculpture and Drawing at the Florence Academy of Art, Italy.  She was awarded ‘Sculpture of the Year’ 2011, ‘Anatomical Sculpture of the Year’ 2010 and ‘Best Anatomical Drawings’ of 2009.

As a figurative artist, Laura’s work focuses on her fascination with the human form and the nuances of our complex yet simple beauty. With a keen focus on gesture and the figure in motion, Laura’s work aims to push the boundaries of what we can do; the dynamic and elegant poses we can hold and the beautiful movements we make.

With a strong craft background in the field of sculpture, Laura has worked alongside various other artists; in most recent years working closely with Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, as well as with various top UK bronze foundries, sculpting for Madame Tussauds and working within the International film industry. 

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.

£420.00

10% Early Bird offer available until Sunday 27th July.

Please apply coupon code aa-earlybird-10% at checkout.

£420.00