Clay Sculpture Workshop: Making a Human Head

How to make a human head sculpture with clay!



6.5 hours

Class size 1 to 5 (public classes), 3 to 8
  $280 (Afterpay available)

Step 1: Set up the support for the head.

Step 1: Set Up the Support for the Head

Set up the support for the head by fixing a plumbing pipe onto a timber base. This will hold the head steady.


Step 2: Form the base of the head with newspaper.

Step 2: Form the Base of the Head with Newspaper

Form a paper ball for the structure of the head by crumpling paper around the upper half of the pipe, starting from the top.


Step 3: Secure the paper with masking tape.

Step 3: Secure the Paper with Masking Tape

Wrap masking tape around the paper just enough to keep it in place.


Step 4: Wrap the paper in clay.

Step 4: Wrap the Paper in Clay

Cover the paper ball completely with clay, making a thick wall about 1 cm thick.


Step 5: Round out the clay.

Step 5: Round Out the Clay

Shape the clay into a round shape using a spatula.


Step 6: Add the chin.

Step 6: Add the Chin

Attach a piece of clay to the lower part of the face to form the chin.


Step 7: Mark the face proportions and make the eye sockets.

Step 7: Mark the Face Proportions and Make the Eye Sockets

Make a mark in the middle of the face and divide it roughly into three equal parts for guidance, then press in the eye sockets.


Step 8: Shape features.

Step 8: Shape Features

Add a nose and define the cheekbones.


Step 9: Add more features.

Step 9: Add More Features

With a tool make a line for the mouth and refine it, add the ears, and further define the nose and cheekbones.


Step 10: Make the eyes.

Step 10: Make the Eyes

Add a round shape into the eye sockets and blend it smoothly with the rest of the face, then create the eye line.


Step 11: Finish up.

Step 11: Finish Up

Smooth a bit and adjust the whole head until it feels complete.
Enjoy the process and celebrate your progress!


One-Day Sculpture Course: Sculpting the Human Head — Limited to 5 Participants
Join us in Melbourne for a hands-on, inspiring one-day course—limited to just 5 participants—where you’ll learn to sculpt a clay head, focusing on structure, anatomy, and expression, and take your sculpture home the same day.
In this one day course, you will:
  • Learn the basics of head anatomy: skull shape, facial muscles, and proportions.
  • Learn how anatomy shapes facial expression and form.
  • You will learn the fundamental techniques needed to create expressive facial features, balancing simplicity and detail.
  • Add detail and surface texture to complete your piece.
  • Use a full set of sculpting tools provided in the studio.
Course details:
This one-day intensive sculpture course invites you to dive into the basics of sculpting the human head in clay — all within a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
Only 5 spots per session.
All materials are included in the $280 fee, along with full use of studio tools on the day—no need to bring anything but your hands and imagination.
By the end of the course, you can take home your clay head sculpture, along with new hands-on sculpting skills!
What you'll get
  • Personalised instruction during the workshop.
  • Access to sculpting trestles, clay and materials needed for the completion of the sculpture.
  • A fully finished clay head sculpture made by the student.
Read more details   
Knowledge required
Beginner-friendly.
What to bring
Just yourself!
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, team building activity, Christmas party, birthday or hens party.

This experience would also be a unique gift for her, gift for mum or gift for couples.

Location

Collingwood, VIC

Exact location is masked for privacy. You'll automatically get the specific address after booking.

Clay Sculpture Workshop: Making a Human Head location
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Your teacher

Alexander Esenarro Santafe
Alexander Esenarro Santafe

5.0 (35)

Esenarro is a skilled figurative sculptor known for his expertise in creating three-dimensional shapes. Currently residing in Melbourne, he brings over 20 years of experience to his craft. Esenarro's distinctive style is heavily influenced by the beauty and complexity of human anatomy.

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