What's included
6 pre-recorded lessons
average 28 mins per video6 weeks
of teacher support2 hrs 49 mins
total video learning hours1 year access
to the contentHomework
1 hour per week. includedClass Experience
US Grade 2 - 6
Beginner - Intermediate Level
The art learners will learn how to sculpt clay with their hands using easy step by step instructions that can be applied to any animal. I will walk them through how to sculpt a variety of animals and I will teach learners how to position the animals in sitting and laying down positions depending on the type of animal. After class is over learners will be able to come up with whatever animals interest them and sculpt it using these simple steps. At the end of the course, they will get to paint their creations. We will be talking about how to paint animals to look realistic and talk about fun patterns to use for painting abstract patterns too. This sculpting art class is for all levels of learners. Art learners will be able to follow me, as I demonstrate each step. I will encourage them to add their own ideas as they learn the steps, they will get a chance to be creative in the extended learning activities. Each lesson will have a specific technique as the focus. I will be challenging them to create different animals like bears, turtles, lions, cats, dogs and more. We will be exploring different techniques and clay terms like coils, pinch pots, slabs and scoring and slipping. After each lesson I would like to see a picture of their clay animals or at least a message letting me know how it turned out. I always enjoy seeing their creations and encourage their hard work. I will respond to each message or picture and send a personal message encouraging learners in areas they did well and anything they need to improve on. Having communication after each lesson gives learners an opportunity to chat about any questions. It gives me an opportunity to encourage them as they go. The lessons will get harder and with encouragement and support throughout the lesson's learners won't get discouraged as often. I find that it builds confidence that they can do it. If I don't hear from your learner, I will check in if I don't get a message. There will be one video per lesson and a written explanation of what to expect and how to prepare for the lesson. Your art learner can sculpt along with me as I demonstrate step by step how to sculpt using the technique for the lesson. There will also be extended learning opportunities and written instructions with each lesson. I will explain what to do at the end of the video lessons. Extended learning opportunities are designed for more practice on the lesson's topic. I will also be encouraging art learners to be creative and come up with their own ideas and use this time in between lessons to create a different animal with the same technique we used in the lesson. I am a clay artist and sculpt ceramics. I am excited to share the techniques I have learned and have found to be the easiest ways to learn to sculpt. Being able to learn how to manipulate clay and sculpt with your hands is a vital first step in being able to move to the next step and sculpt pottery on a wheel. If you have access to a kiln, you can use that clay too, the techniques are exactly the same. With all the techniques they will learn they will be able to transfer to firing ceramics at any point and transfer what they learned. Nothing is lost. I am excited to work with your learner soon, Kristi
Learning Goals
Learners will practice and become fluent in the techniques taught in class while developing their own ideas and style. They will develop an understanding of how to sculpt clay using their hands. This is an important first step.
Syllabus
6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
Sculpting A Turtle
The first lesson is to practice, learning to score and slip. The second lesson is sculpting a turtle with the pinch pot technique.
28 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Sculpting A Bear
We will continue with the pinch pot technique, and I will be teaching how to sculpt a bear in a sitting position.
28 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
Sculpting a Dog or Cat
We will be sculpting a dog or cat using a technique that involves forming the animal and doesn't require any pieces to be attached.
21 mins of video lessons
Lesson 4:
Sculpting a Bird and a Nest
We will be sculpting a bird with the technique we used last week and the slab technique. We are also going to be sculpting a nest using the coil technique.
34 mins of video lessons
Other Details
Learning Needs
Your learners can sculpt along with me as I demonstrate each step. I am also willing to send them a personal video on anything they need more information.
Parental Guidance
The clay needs to dry for at least 4 days before being handled. Once the clay creation is dry, art learners may choose to paint their creations. Acrylic paint will work best and provide a waterproof layer. I will go over how to paint in the last video lesson. If your art learner needs help, they can message me anytime. I will message or send a video to assist them in areas they are stuck.
Some parent supervision may be required. Clay is messy but easy to clean up and does not stain clothes. Please talk with your child ahead of time, where they can wash their clay filled hands when they are done.
We need to use a plastic knife for scoring, or you can provide a pencil if you do not want your child to use a plastic knife.
If you have a kiln available to use, then you can purchase that type of clay instead of the air-drying clay All techniques are the same whether you use air drying clay or kiln firing clay. If you are going to fire the clay in a kiln, please contact me and I will give you specific instructions for that clay including the paint you will need (you will not use the acrylic paint).
Please remember that an Outschool requirement is that parents are not in the camera view at any time during class. If you need to assist your learner, please make sure you are not seen on screen while assisting.
Supply List
Air drying clay - white or grey in color (these colors are easier to paint). This is NOT modeling clay, if you are not sure what to buy, I will be sending a video to explain what to use and how to cut in the welcome message when you sign up.
Rolling pin or round wood dowel, this will be needed to roll the clay out
Dental floss (parents please cut clay before each class. I have instructions on how to do that in the class video)
Bowl or dish (that does not spill easily. The learners will be dipping their fingers in it to wet the clay)
Water filled half full in a bowl.
Styrofoam, plastic plate or cardboard about 8x10 in size (this will be used to put the clay creations on while they are sculpting them and while they are drying)
Paper and a pencil (to draw ideas)
Ziploc bags (for unused clay to keep it from drying out)
Acrylic paints - variety of colors that your learner choices and wants to use to paint clay with.
Paint brushes- smaller round brushes work best for clay
Teacher expertise and credentials
Associate's Degree from Portland Community College
I am an artist myself and have a kiln and make a variety of ceramics. I have been a children’s art instructor for the past 11 years. I have taught ages 7 to 18-year-olds. This clay class was popular. I taught ongoing classes and taught all these clay techniques and more. I have taken many art classes over a 10- year span and have developed all the techniques I teach from my own learning experience.
Reviews
Self-Paced Class
$18
weekly or $108 for all content6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 4 learners
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Ages: 8-12