The Portrait in Clay with Julia Murphy (8 Weeks)

Thursdays 6:00-9:00 PM from October 8th to December 12th

Price: $625.00 altogether, including model & material feels.

Class Description:

The Portrait in Clay 8 week workshop is designed for clay enthusiasts of all skill levels, as well as artists working in other media who are curious about sculpting. In this course, students will create a 3/4 life size ceramic portrait head while learning the essential structure and proportions of the human face in a supportive, encouraging environment. In this class, students will learn the fundamentals and techniques of portrait sculpture with renowned artist Julia Murphy. Because the human face can feel complex and intimidating, especially for beginners, the class begins with simplified artistic reference tools and a clear, step-by-step approach. Students will focus on foundational concepts before progressing to working from a live model, building both skill and confidence along the way.

Emphasis is placed on individual growth through the medium, allowing each student to develop creatively at their own pace while gaining the tools needed to continue portrait work independently. Sculptures may be molded and cast or professionally fired through a ceramic studio once finished (separate fees apply) resulting in a lasting, finished work of art to keep.

Instructor Bio:

Julia Murphy is a professional figurative sculptor with over 20 years of experience creating work centered on the human figure. Her practice spans a wide range of commissioned projects, from fine art portraiture to scale work for the model kit industry, in both digital and traditional media. Julia teaches figure sculpture at Silvermine School of Art and Hartford Art School. She is also a Community Facilitator and moldmaking and casting instructor for the Foundations of Fabrication program at MakeHaven, New Haven’s community makerspace. In addition to her teaching, she serves on the Board of Directors of the nonprofit Society of Connecticut Sculptors, where she supports the organization’s mission to promote representational sculpture and foster engagement across a diverse community of artists.

She holds a BFA in General Sculptural Studies from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and she has received awards from the Portrait Society of America and the National Sculpture Society, among others. Julia lives in Seymour, Connecticut, with her husband and two cats, and volunteers with her local animal rescue.

To view Julia’s work, click here.

Cancellation Policy: We understand things happen! If you need to cancel before the class begins, you will recieve a 50% refund to cover the cost of materials, instructor, and modelling fees. Please reach out to us at 203-888-1616 if you have any questions. 

Click here to sign up.