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