Figurative sculpture workshops

[Jamo]

Could anyone recommend some good figurative workshops to attend in France?

[Blake]

Jamo
I live in southern France and I am afraid that I can't recommend anything around here, certainly considering the level of work I saw in your wax "rower" in Eastern Canada. I have heard that the workshop given by Richard MacDonald in the US is good but I am not speaking from personal experience. There is also a school in Florence that specializes in the figure and I could look into that if you want further information. Sorry I can't be more helpful I will ask around and see if I can find out more for you.
Blake

[Jamo]

I was looking at the Richard MacDonald workshop which I thought would be very interesting. However I can't seem to get an e-mail through to them and for some reason the server keeps bouncing it back. I got the e-mail from his website and it doesnt work for me. Im just looking for a good professional workshop to get in touch with other figurative sculptors and to learn something new at the same time. Also to get in contact with another culture rather than eastern canada which is where i'm from.

[Blake]

Jamo
I sent you a PM so as not so clutter up this thread but you might look at the course that at the New York Academy of Art's MFA sculpture program that has accepted JasonGillespie, the site that he mentioned was at
nyaa.edu/gschool_cur.html . with a description of the individual courses on another page. It appears to be a course in figurative sculpture. Hope that this helps
Blake

[Jamo]

does anyone know anything about this sculpture workshop? http://philippefaraut.com/workshops.html

[JasonGillespie]

Jamo,
I have seen Faraut's site before and also ads for his workshops in the back of Sculpture Review magazine but unfortunately know no one who has attended one of his courses.

Looking at your work previously, I wouldn't think that Faraut would be giving you much more information than you already have. Macdonald on the other hand is definitely a sculptor with a lot to offer. Faraut's work is more static and genre oriented with very little true life to it. (There is also an unrealistic quality to his rendering of faces and forms...they almost seem toylike)

Macdonald's work vibrates with life and his perception and ability to capture the motion and grace of the human body, as well as expression, make him hard to beat. I would say that I'm not a huge fan of all his subject matter, but he is an excellent sculptor. I'd keep trying to get ahold of him. They have a number you can call in the ad in the latest Sculpture Review for him. It is 831-655-0424 ext.14. Good luck!

Jason

[oddist]

Just came across this workshop given in France....Look at "Study Program"

http://www.vaugelsculpture.com/

[Arnis]

Just came across this workshop given in France....Look at "Study Program"

http://www.vaugelsculpture.com/
I like it.It isn't perfect but I suppose that for figurative sculpture it is enough.She is realy good.More of that is matter of style.If she shows more geometrik and less details as hairs and rinkals.It will be better.But this is my personal prefferance.

[lani]

Has anyone attended a Richard Macdonald masters workshop and if so can you tell a little about your experience, whether it was worth it or not and if you learned a lot?
Thanks!
Lani

[Arnis]

I checked Filippe Faraut.A perfect sculptor I think better that Mc Donald .A perfect craftmanand good at portraits.The way is little bit Secesion but this is matter of way.Go there to study.With best regards Arnis.

[lani]

Thanks for your input. Are those photos your work? They are very nice! Do you happen to know how much Faraut charges for his workshop?
best regards,
Lani

[lani]

I looked up Faraut's website and I have to agree with Jason's post that his work is a bit cartoonish and doesn't have the life that Richard Macdonald's work has. I think his best piece is the fisherman's daughter.

[Arnis]

Hi Iani.Thank you for the good opinion for my sculptures. About Mc Donald and Faraut. I believe in another concept. I believe that Faraut is static because he knows the base of this art - Monumental and static. Check the Egyptian art. The only proper way to express the motion is the intention for the next move. Check the book for Rodin "The Art", his study for the motion. In all the classic you will never see flying a figure supported by dress. Not because the old sculptors are old fashioned. But because they are knowledgeable. Some of Faraud's pieces of art are cartoonish. But with the title he explains that it's a matter of style - i.e. "Toy", etc. Arnis

[lani]

Hello Arnis,
Thanks for the insights about Faraut's work, that is something to consider again while looking at his work.

[Arnis]

If you want to know what I mean .You should check the works of mc Donald olso and his not so proper decisions of moving figures.Disbalance is like a comics strip in a frozen motion.But I consider that his job is harder making figures ,that Faraut's portraits.Both of them have disadvantages of course .Some of the portraits of Faraut are not a good style and naive ,but you know the commissions.Arnis

[lani]

Arnis,
I know Macdonald uses a lot of trained acrobats as models so not many regular folks could hold those types of poses. Some perhaps are not possible for anyone to hold, I don't know but I know his work is extremely well done and anatomically correct. I really like your head of the man, well done!

[Jamo]

Macdoanld's workshop is so expensive though and it is only about three days long. I wonder For the amount of money & time spent how much could you possibly benefit from even a sculptor at his level. I'm sure you could learn alot there however at 2000-3000 US is it worth it? I am sure there are more rewarding workshops for the value of money you pay. Not to say that this is a bad workshop to attend. I am thinking of the florence academy of Art but I wouldn't know what this place is like either. If anyone knows any other workshops that might be of interest?

[fritchie]

I'm glad this discussion of Richard MacDonald has come up. I may have criticized his work here earlier, probably some two years ago if it's the case, and I looked at more Web references after this discussion.

I have to say, the works I've seen on the Web strike me as superficial, and made primarily "for the market". That is, I find them lacking in vitality. This was one of the main criticisms of all figurative sculpture when Rodin entered the field a bit over a century ago. He revitalized the entire field with his honesty of expression and his exuberance.

Of course, "for the market" is exactly what these Web advertisements are, so maybe MacDonald has more substantial work elsewhere. I've just never been drawn to his work, though all of it has polish.

As far as whether a workshop has value to a given individual, others can only make suggestions. I'd go elsewhere, if I were you. Unfortunately, I can't make good specific suggestions.

[Arnis]

Hi you all.Jamo your decision to go florence art school is good.It will be a venture of course.But if you are not satisfated of the school .You can go in Italian and Florence museums and it will be very educating.About Mc Donald's workshop I can tell you for sure.You will learn for three days nothing.Let me tell you 2000-3000 $ is a huge amount.In some parts of the world you can get full education for 5,5 yeas for 3000$ and they will teach you well.Arnis

[lani]

Yes it is expensive for the richard macdonald workshop. It is five days though but still $600.00 a day is very high. Other people have said they weren't able to learn a whole lot but that the experience of watching RM work and see his studio was almost worth the money. I myself would prefer to feel like I learned a lot more than what you could get from another less expensive workshop but it doesn't sound like that is the case.

[Blake]

Is there anyone who has been to the MacDonald workshop who would like to comment?

[Merlion]

Is there anyone who has been to the MacDonald workshop who would like to comment?

Someone with the username 'monte' posted in May 2005 in this very thread that he would be attending in July, and would give his comments afterwards. But somehow he stopped posting in June 2005.

In connectiong with this, I'm sure we would welcome post-experience comments on any other figurative sculpture workshops/schools, like that one in Florence.

[lani]

The Scottsdal artist's school in Scottsdale Arizona has some very good sculpting workshops. The best one I have been to is the John Coleman workshop. It was $495 If I remember correctly, for one week. He is an excellent sculptor and teacher. YOu will learn a lot but it is geared more to intermediate and advanced students.
As for the Richard Macdonald workshop, I have asked around and found out from a few people that have been there that they find the studio and the showmanship of the experience to be the main attraction. They have said they didn't get much one on one instruction. None of the people I asked came right out and said that they were disappointed with the workshop and felt they didn't get thier money's worth but none of them said that they learned a whole lot of sculptural techniques nor did they enthusiastically and emphatically say it was worth the money they paid. I have basically gotten ambivalent responses. Maybe no one really wants to admit to themselves that they wasted thier money?

[Buster]

I agree, Lani, about the scottsdale workshops. I've taken John Coleman, Eugene daub, and Tuck Langland, and they were all exceptional. Even got a scholarship to one of them, so it doesn't hurt to apply. Bruno Lucchesi also teaches there, but his classes are nearly impossible to get into. I've been trying unsucessfully for 3 years.

[lani]

Does any one know anything about the Cristina Mikulasek workshop in Pietresanta Italy?

[yogeshvns]

Jamo
I live in southern France and I am afraid that I can't recommend anything around here, certainly considering the level of work I saw in your wax "rower" in Eastern Canada. I have heard that the workshop given by Richard MacDonald in the US is good but I am not speaking from personal experience. There is also a school in Florence that specializes in the figure and I could look into that if you want further information. Sorry I can't be more helpful I will ask around and see if I can find out more for you.
Blake
hi i am yogesh we have a village in varanasi in which we have 46 artist working traditional art in bronze and stone we also offer casting finishing and other for many vissiting artist it is economical and good our main work is base on figure ............thanks you can contect for more detail at
banarasartculture@yahoo.com

[lani]

What is a Yogesh and where is Varanasi, I would be interested in learning more about you center.
Lani

[Claywhore]

I took the Richard MacDonald workshop back in April 2004 and it was really good. I have not been to many workshops and only have my time in school as a reference, but I was pleased with the information and experiences I had while I was there. They offered two classes every day One called The Art of Art, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., studio instruction, and Another called the Business of Art, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
If you want to learn how Richard works, the workshop is worthwhile, He shares his working methods openly, both in the studio, and how he runs his studio as a Business.
Keep in mind, my employer payed for the workshop, and that made it very easy for me to go.
I like about 25% of what Richard produces. Most of the themes he chooses to explore are just not my taste, But he knows the figure and he knows it well.
He teaches the figure the way it used to be taught, Draw, Measure, Anatomy, Gesture, Draw, Draw, Draw. I found it a good wake up call.

Jerome.

[lani]

I Have taken several workshops from very adept masters that have charged 1/6 the cost of the Richard Macdonald workshop. I have trouble justifying the content of Richard Macdonald's workshop vs the much lower price of other master's worhsop considering the content of each compared. In my experience one does not get more for ones money rather one pays for the celebrity value instead. What I mean by that is that many a prospective student falls for the high price charged simply because they presume that because one such as Richard Macdonal charges such a price that it must be worth it! What many of them don't know is that it isn't worth it! You are paying for the name only not for content of the workshop. Check into the content of RM's workshop vs other master workshops vs the price and you will see this is true. He does it because he can not because you get more for your money!

[Jamo]

What other masters could you point to this is what I'm trying to find

[lani]

Check out the Scottsdale Artist's school they have various master sculptors teaching there and from what I saw the maximum price was bruno lucchesie at $695.00 00 or something close to that. I personally recommend John Coleman for intermediate to professional level sculptors his class is around $495 I think and very thorough.

[Arnis]

I think that we shoud not discused MD to mach .He is jast businessman.You want to be rich like him or good sculptor or celebrety like him.Though the words of the great Brankuchi when Rodin invited him.No thank you "The smal tree can not grow under the big one".You have to find your one way.The all classic is behaind you after all .You to be a goot sculptor dosen't mean you to be a goot teacher eather celebraty or businessman.One thing that I know perfectly is that the sculpture you can't learn for three days.You will make MD richer with 3000 $ only.I have 12 years education in art and still learn.You mention the draws this is a good way to learn.You put 3D subjects in 2D form in order to study them.Recently I have made a few drows jast for personal satisfaction.I admit the words of excellent sculptor Igor Miturash."I am tire to learn .I want to know who I am?".Arnis

[lani]

Arnis,
I completely agree with you. I do not think it is morally right to charge $3,000 for a five day workshop just because someone is considered a celebrity and so people pay. I do think learning technique is important but these same techniques can be learned for much less. Then as you said, one must find one's own way. I find that that many people who study under a "Big Tree" often only seek to emulate this tree and never are able to become their own person and this is reflected in their art. I look at Paige Bradley who started under Richard Macdonald quite young and now is in many galleries with work that is just a chip off the old block not quite as good but definitely not showing originality . What makes an artist really good is their ability to learn technique and translate this into original expression of their own deepest feelings. Too often people only learn technique and the work is lifeless and unoriginal.

[Blake]

Jamo
I came across this workshop by Christina Mikulasek, she is said to be very good.
http://www.mikulasek.com/Workshops.htm

I will keep looking and get back to you about Florence.
Regards
Blake

[lani]

Thanks for the info Blake, I will look into it.
Lani

[lani]

As an addendum to what I wrot in response to what Arnis wrote: It depends on the ego of the "Big Tree" that determines how much sunlight that it will allow those under it. True teachers are those that not only let other's light shine but are thrilled when some of thier students accually exceed them! Afterall what is the point of teaching anyway if not pass on knowlege to other generations? It is a sad fact that to many teachers fear this and another sad fact that they have good reason too since all too many students exploit their teachers by using their teaching directly in their work with nothing of thier own in it. IE a direct rip off!

[sculptor]

Arnis,
... I do think learning technique is important but ... one must find one's own way. I find that that many people who study under a "Big Tree" often only seek to emulate this tree and never are able to become their own person and this is reflected in their art. ... What makes an artist really good is their ability to learn technique and translate this into original expression of their own deepest feelings. Too often people only learn technique and the work is lifeless and unoriginal.

One of the group with my sculpting mentor had learned technique from such a master untill he almost hated it------in the process, he lost all originality and will to create---
Another student of this same master stays gainfully employed knocking out one statue after another--(in basically 3 poses) all lack imagination ----he aptly describes himself as a craftsman, not an artist. And his technique is quite adaquate.

If the goal is to become an artist:
I too, think it best to develope ones own voice-----then seek training in technique to facilitate the developement of the artistic voice.

I seem to remember that michaelangelo was upset when someone referred to him as a maker of statues---instead of artist or sculptor.

rod

[lani]

What I see happening is that sculptors (and 2-d artists) are trying to make a buck which isn't surprising! The problem is that they are not willing to go the distance or feel the pain that it takes to be a "real artist" By real artist I refer to one who can't "NOT" make art. This is one who expresses their soul through their art and their authentic self may very well wither away if they can't do it. It is this PASSION that is missing from so much of what we call art today and this is so painfully obvious in the empty focus on "technique". It is my hope that people will once again find their souls, their spirits, their passion and make real art! Technique in art goes only so far, as do writing technique and language skills in making a gifted writer; our spirit does the rest!

[HappySculpting]

Very well said Lani. ;) I ditto that.

[johnny marble]

Jamo, About Phillippe Faraut, I was recently in Loveland , Colorado for a sculpture show and i was talking with Karen Richardson, she is the owner of sculpture depot. Faraut does 2 work shops there a year and i think the cost was only about 400 or 500 dollars us. they are 4 or 5 day work shops, here is the phone numbers 970-663-5190 or www.sculpturedepot.net. Faraut stone work is beautiful, but that is my opinion. good luck.

[Ameenah]

Jamo, check this out. I hope it helps you.
Ameenah
http://www.npgraphx.com/sculptwkshp2002.3.html :)

[Arnis]

Jamo, check this out. I hope it helps you.
Ameenah
http://www.npgraphx.com/sculptwkshp2002.3.html :)
I am not impessed of the McDonald's workshop.I can't see the constructive approach of the big maestro.For me, the first and the last day are the same.I can not see the genesis of the shape.

[GlennT]

Given what you described as your goals from a workshop, what about trying this approach:
Contact members of this group whose work interests you. If you make the effort to travel to their studios, perhaps they would not mind having you over to talk shop, exchange ideas, show you their techniques and work in progress, etc. . I know that I would be open to that, (given enough advance warning to make my home/studio a little less messy) and I would guess a large number of us would be generous with our time. That may seem impractical to travel a long way for a day's visit, but you can also take in the culture and sights of the surrounding areas. Or perhaps offer someone a fee to do a longer workshop if they have something in particular you would like to learn in depth.

regards,
Glenn
http://www.glennterryart.com

[Scout]

GlennT, that is a fantastic idea. It is so inspiring to meet other artists. You just can't talk to non artists the way you can to other artists. And to see their shops and studios would be amazing. I'd like to see this idea implemented. I've only met one of you (Iron Ant) but I feel like I know some of you.

Also asking and paying for a little extra time after a workshop is an excellent idea too. I wish I'd have thought of that when I went to them. Next time I'm going to ask about that. Scout

Nice drawings Arnis

[classicalsculpt]

Yesterday, I took the initiative to write to a master sculptor who is a finalist in the annual international ARC Salon Competition at artrenewal.org, because I was truly inspired be his pieces.

It is hard to find a teacher whose work I feel qualifies that person to be my teacher, and I finally found someone whose work meets my approval. He happens to live within an hour of me.

I asked him how much he would charge to teach figurative sculpture. He wrote back and told me his hourly fee for private instruction, and was very nice and helpful to me. He also teaches at a local art center, but is not a well known celebrity, though he could be with work like that- flawless and beautiful in every way.

All we have to do is find someone whose work is great to us, who has something to teach us, and just ask.

[anne (bxl)]

What is a Yogesh and where is Varanasi, I would be interested in learning more about you center.
Lani

Yogesh is a name!
Varanasi is the main holy indian city (3000000 millions people) known previously as Benares.

[Merlion]

Varanasi is the main holy indian city (3000000 millions people) known previously as Benares.
Mistake here, Anne! By the way, I am not smiling.

[anne (bxl)]

Mistake here, Anne! By the way, I am not smiling.

Mistake???
I answered post nr 27of this thread!!!
not everyone has time to be an updated reader.

[obseq]

Merlion,

What are you talking about? :confused:

All Anne did was make clarifications to another poster who didn't read the initial post correctly.

And why no reason to smile? Here's one for you: :)

Mistake here, Anne! By the way, I am not smiling.

[anne (bxl)]

Yogesh is a name!
Varanasi is the main holy indian city (3000000 millions people) known previously as Benares.

Gloups, sorry every one read 3 millions or 3000000 as you wish...
and smile! :-)

[ajoysisk]

Jamo and Co. -

I have read your inquiries regarding The Florence Academy of Art...and they are dated from the beginning of the year. However, I will be spending my waking hours at the Academy in a matter of days. If you want full details of the cost, my succinct little observations regarding faculty, worth of the program, etc. - tell me. I will be happy to share. I have chosen this school as the equivalent of my graduate study.

[Algaro]

http://www.vaugelsculpture.com/index.html

[Jamo]

for sure I would definetly be interested in what you have to say about your experiences I would love to see any pics you collect throuhgout the time you are there as well keep me posted.
thanks!

[ajoysisk]

Jamo:

Check out this sculptor, who is currently here at the school:

http://www.artrenewal.org/articles/2006/Scholarship/results1.asp

I will be posting work I see and do at The Florence Academy of Art:
http://www.maohao.com/amanda/blog

If you have specific questions, you can email me through my website.

[fritchie]

Those two pieces by Cody Swanson are excellent, and all the 2D works are, as well. You are fortunate to be working in such a rich location. Please send us whatever you consider of value, as you have time.