Bas Relief Sculpture: The Figure in Relief
Explore the unique intersection of sculpture and drawing in this 7-week figurative bas relief course. Students will learn how to create the illusion of three-dimensional space while working within the shallow depth of a relief sculpture.
Working from the human figure, we will explore composition, gesture, proportion, anatomy, perspective, and the relationship between high and low relief. Students will learn how subtle changes in depth can create convincing form, atmosphere, and dramatic spatial relationships—allowing a figure to seemingly emerge from a flat surface.
Through demonstrations, individual instruction, and hands-on studio work, students will develop a relief sculpture from the initial drawing and composition through the gradual building and refinement of form in clay. Special attention will be given to understanding how anatomy and perspective must be compressed and manipulated to create the illusion of depth.
Over the seven weeks, students will have the opportunity to slow down, refine their work, and develop a finished figurative bas relief sculpture while gaining techniques that can be applied to portraiture, figurative sculpture, architectural relief, and narrative work.
All experience levels are welcome
