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Anatomy Workshops for Sculptors and Artists

We have no dates planned for future anatomy workshops for artists and sculptors at the moment. However, we offer bespoke courses if you are interested in arranging something either for yourself as an individual or a small group.

sculpture anatomy biomechanics artists

Understanding anatomy

is key to improving accuracy and capturing, energy, movement, life and personality within a realistic sculpture.

Gillian Higgins of Horses Inside Out offers a unique anatomy and sculpture / painting workshops at Wavendon Grange in Leicestershire.

In these courses, Gillian will share her knowledge of horses and anatomy, artistic talent, experience and eye for detail and will help you create anatomically correct sculptures, painting and pieces of art.

horse skeleton sculpture, anatomy artist

About the
Workshops

During the courses, you will have the opportunity to:-
 

Study a range of anatomical models and specimens,


Feel the anatomical structures on live horses,


Observe how horses move both in real life and in slow motion video,


Acquire techniques and tips for developing your observational, sculpture and drawing skills.

Who are the
workshops for?

These workshops are of

interest to aspiring and professional sculptors wishing to improve their knowledge and techniques as well as those just wanting to ‘have a go'!

 

At the end of the 3-Day
workshop you will have produced a full horse sculpture.

Day 1
Conformation and Form
The Back and Body in Motion

During this day we will guide you through the process step by step from live horse measurements, building your armature to the conformation and proportion details that make the sculpture accurate.
 
You will gain a more accurate understanding of the horses anatomy relevant to sculpture.
At the end of this workshop, you will have sculpted the essence of one complete horse in a position or motion of your choice.
horse skeleton conformation and form, the back and body in motion horse, equine sculpture, artist
details
horse sculpture artist lower limb tendon ligaments limb biomechanics

Day 2
Focussing on The Limbs

By the end of this workshop you will have sculpted 3-4 limbs in different moments of the stride cycle.
 
The carpus of the horse (equivalent to the human wrist but often referred to as the knee) and the stifle joint, equivalent of the human knee are parts of the horse with which, due to their anatomical complexity, sculptors often struggle.
 
During this course you have the opportunity to feel anatomical structures on a live horse, take measurements and observe the changes within the limbs during motion.

Day 3
Focussing on The Fine Details The Head and Neck

Focusing on the head and neck in detail will give you an opportunity to learn more about shape and how to use tools and materials to greater effect.
We will study how the horse uses his head and neck in relation to the body in motion or standing. By the end of this workshop, you will have sculpted 2 or 3 head and necks in different poses.
 
The focus will be on the structure and construction of the skull, ears, eyes, lips and noses, bringing together the methods and techniques taught on the other courses as well as introducing more information and more techniques.
horse anatomy sculpture, course training for equestrian artists and sculptor, fine details on the head and neck

Workshop Leaders

lead
Gillian Higgins anatomical artist anatomical sculpture

GILLIAN HIGGINS

Gillian’s work is characterised by her signature paintings of anatomical systems on live horses.

She has also painted a number of large models for organisation and charities as well as producing quirky anatomical sculptures, drawings and prints.

judy boyt equine sculptor, horse world leader, artist

JUDY BOYT
MA FRBS

Judy has won many awards for her work including; The Royal British Sculptors Medal for the Sculpture of Outstanding Merit awarded for her equestrian bronze 'Rebellion' commissioned by Standard Life and The Society of Equestrian Artists Sculpture Award.

Her most famous pieces include; “Rebellion” in Trafalgar Square and the Mitsubishi Badminton Horse Trials Trophy,

Workshop Details

What's Included

•  Each participant will be allocated one chair and one table (sanitised) for their exclusive use during the day

•  9am registration for a 9.30 start

•  Light refreshments throughout the day

•  Lunch (arrangements to be confirmed)
 

•  Theory sessions including slow-motion videos of

    painted horses in a relaxed comfortable setting
 

•  A mix of theory, demonstration and practical

   sessions
 

•  The opportunity to get hands-on with horses and    

    guided palpation of their anatomy
 

•  Demonstrations and one to one mentoring during

    the practical sessions
 

•  All the basic sculpting materials you will need on

   the course and a range of modelling tools

•  Access to a range of anatomical models, charts          and skeletons.

•  5pm Close

Please Bring

Pencils and drawing pads/paper, your own preferred modelling material and stand if appropriate.

Suitable clothing and footwear for working outside with horses.

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