A Comprehensive Sculpting Master Class

Learn to Sculpt Creatures in Different Clays

Currently Under Construction 

This master class will eventually include the content of all three Sculpting Creatures in Clay classes.  Content will be added as it is completed and class price will increase.  Currently, class includes full content from both the polymer clay and epoxy clay classes.  The third and final portion will be available in the first half of 2022.

Have you ever wanted to bring your ideas to life in clay but weren’t sure where to start? This class will give you the skills needed to start creating your own original sculptures using Sculpey Medium, Apoxie Sculpt, and Monster Clay (coming soon). 

This course shows the creation of two different sculptures.  Armature construction, building form with clay, detailing and texturing, finishing methods, and painting techniques are all covered throughout the creation of both pieces.  (Coming soon, sculpting, molding and casting a Monster Clay piece.)

35 instructional videos span nearly 12 hours of playtime as you are guided through every step of the sculpting process.  Both real time demos and time lapses are included, highlighting key points of sculpture creation.  Clear visual and verbal instruction are given every step of the way.

Please see the "Materials List" below under "Introduction and Materials" (both Polymer and Epoxy) for a list of the items used in this course.

All videos are presented with optional closed captions.  English language only.



Course Breakdown

  • 1

    Under Construction Notice - Please Read

    • New Content Coming Soon!
  • 2

    Class Discussion

    • General Discussion

    • Materials Questions

    • Share Your Work
  • 3

    Polymer - Introduction and Materials

    • Welcome - Start Here

    • Class Introduction

    • Materials Overview

    • Materials List
  • 4

    Polymer - Armatures

    • Drawing an Armature Map

    • Building a Simple Armature

    • Reinforcing with Apoxie Sculpt
  • 5

    Polymer - Building Form with Clay

    • Blocking with Sculpey

    • Refining Pt 1 - Basics and the Face

    • Refining Pt 2 - Anatomy
  • 6

    Polymer - Detailing and Texturing

    • Detailing the Head, Neck and Tail

    • Texturing the Limbs and Body
  • 7

    Polymer - Smoothing and Finishing

    • Smoothing with Isopropyl Alcohol

    • Baking Instructions

    • Sanding the Baked Sculpture

    • Finishing with Apoxie Sculpt

    • Using Spray Primer
  • 8

    Polymer - Painting

    • Painting Basics and the Base Coat

    • Painting Gradients

    • Painting Shadows & Highlights

    • Painting Shadows & Highlights

    • Painting the Final Details

    • Color Theory Resources
  • 9

    Polymer - Thanks for Joining In!

    • Thanks for Joining In!
  • 10

    Epoxy - Introduction and Materials

    • Welcome - Start Here

    • Class Introduction

    • Materials Overview

    • Materials List
  • 11

    Epoxy - Armature

    • Armature Planning and Initial Structure

    • Armature Build Out

    • Reinforcing with Apoxie Sculpt

    • Safety - Handling Epoxy Clay
  • 12

    Epoxy - Sculpting

    • Blocking Out the Structure

    • Sculpting the Tail and Legs

    • Refining and Detailing the Limbs

    • Sculpting Detail with a Hybrid Clay

    • Sculpting the Body Feathers

    • Detailing the Face and Talons

    • The Wings & Sanding Techniques

    • Detailing the Wings

    • Final Sanding
  • 13

    Epoxy - Painting

    • Airbrush Setup

    • Basic Airbrushing

    • Painting Dark Shades

    • Using Dry Brush and Wash Methods

    • Highlights and Details

    • Final Shadows and Details

    • Airbrushing Equipment and Paints

    • Airbrush Cleaning, Supplies and Resources
  • 14

    Epoxy - Thanks for Joining In!

    • Thanks for Joining In!

Lead Instructor

Neal Deschain

Neal has been sculpting since 2001 and is the author of Fantasy Creatures in Clay. He formerly taught college level art and currently maintains his own online classes on various platforms, teaching for over 15 years now. Working in a variety of clays, Neal is is the creator of The Arbori, plant based creatures that originate in the forest. He maintains his own line of figures featuring these original fantasy creatures. In addition to sculpting, he makes his own silicone molds, pours his own resin casts and hand paints each piece himself in his home studio in Orlando, Florida. You can see more of Neal's work on his website VerdantSculpts.com.

FAQ

  • Do I need to complete this course in a certain amount of time?

    No. This is a video based class that allows you to learn at your own pace. There are no lectures to attend and no assignments to hand in. Plus, once you pay, you have lifetime access to the content and all future updates.

  • Do I need to have any sculpting experience before taking this class?

    No. While portions of this class are advanced, we begin with the basics in the polymer clay segment. So long as you start from there, you will learn all the basics needed to get started in sculpting. It is recommended that you have some artistic experience (drawing, painting, etc.) as this is a very creative course that requires you to design your own concepts.

  • What are the required materials?

    Check out the "Materials List" in the "Introduction and Materials" sections above (both polymer and epoxy) to see a list of the materials used in this class.

  • Do I need any special equipment like a kiln?

    No. One of the best things about polymer clay is that you can bake it in your home oven. No kiln or special oven is required. Epoxy clay cures on its own without any baking needed.

What You Will Learn

In this class, you will learn how to sculpt both a freestanding quadrupedal creature and a dynamic winged creature. These are the main takeaways you can expect from this course.

  • Build simple to advanced armatures with aluminum, steel, and epoxy.

  • Work with polymer and epoxy clays to build strength and form.

  • Use tools to sculpt anatomy, detail, and texture.

  • Sculpt feathered wings with the use of wire mesh.

  • Smoothing and sanding techniques.

  • Airbrushing techniques and detail painting with standard brushes.

Pay Once for Lifetime Access

No monthly fees. No time limits. Just fun.