The aim of the class is to build the artist’s skills and confidence sculpting the portrait from life. The timeline of the class will begin with a longer pose to slow down and understand the key underlying concepts of the process, then shortening the poses to eventually finish with a (short timeframe) portrait sketch. This structure allows students to familiarize themselves with a variety of different face types and gain experience prioritizing structural information, so they can trust subsequent decisions as they progress. This class will equip you with all the necessary tools to sculpt a lifelike portrait. You will learn our approach to the block-in, finding likeness in skull shape and identifying important structural landmarks along the way. Students will gain a rich understanding of the steps that go into a portrait. They will be pushed to improve their speed when sculpting in shorter timeframes. The course will feature demonstration and hands-on instruction on building the features, finding likeness in the character of the nose, mouth, and eyes. We will touch on hair design and eye direction as ways to push naturalism and bring the portrait to life. Some experience is recommended, but not necessary to be successful in the class. Teaching will be tailored to individuals. Clay and armatures will be provided. For all other items, please refer to the materials list. Maia and Sam will alternate teaching days.