Clay Head Studies

Date: Saturday 24th January  |  10:00am - 4:00pm

With Tutor: Javier Murcia

Spend a full day developing your sculptural skills while learning how to build expressive, well-proportioned clay heads. This masterclass is designed for developing sculptors who want to strengthen their understanding of anatomy, form and character. Through guided demonstrations and step-by-step modelling, you will explore structure, planes of the face and how to create believable features.

The session also focuses on common challenges that often trip artists up, including oversized eyes, mis-placed ears, uneven symmetry and proportion issues. With personalised support throughout the day, you will learn practical methods for observing more accurately and correcting forms as you work.

You will finish the workshop with a solid clay head study, a stronger grasp of facial anatomy and greater confidence in your sculpting process.

What You'll Learn:

By the end of the workshop, students will have gained an in-depth understanding of the structure and anatomy of the head, face and neck. You will have learned effective techniques for sculpting the face, using divisions and planes to build the head step-by-step, from scratch. This workshop incorporates a sketch-like method where you build a life sized head in clay; making it approachable and enjoyable for all skill levels.

What Are Some Benefits of Doing This Workshop?

• Improve your understanding of facial proportions and how to build a convincing likeness.
• Learn practical strategies for correcting common mistakes such as oversized eyes and mis-placed ears.
• Strengthen your observational skills by studying the structure of the head from multiple angles.
• Gain confidence in working with clay through guided, step by step sculpting processes.
• Develop a clearer workflow for constructing a head, from armature to final refinement.
• Receive personalised feedback that helps you identify your own habits and areas for growth.
• Build stronger spatial awareness and the ability to judge form, volume and balance.
• Leave the masterclass with a solid foundation that supports more advanced portrait or figure work in the future.
  
  

Meet your Tutor:

Javier Murcia is a Spanish sculptor with more than 30 years of experience in the film industry, including five years at Wētā Workshop, and now focuses on producing his own work. Born in 1981 in the Canary Islands, he studied fine arts and anatomy at the University of La Laguna, forming the foundation for his lifelong exploration of the human figure. His career has taken him across Europe, contributing to significant private collections during his time in Copenhagen and completing major public commissions on his return to Spain.

Javier moved to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2013, where a pivotal connection with Sir Richard Taylor helped foster and support his artistic development. His work has continued to evolve through series such as Oxidations and Eidos, exhibited internationally in Europe and New York. Throughout the pandemic he established Sculpture Studio by Javier Murcia in Wellington, creating a dedicated space for teaching, sculpting and ongoing inquiry into the expressive potential of the human form.

More of his work can be found at javiermurcia.com and workshopsculpting.com.

“Creativity and skill define the artist, and the only way to grow them is by showing up and practicing.” – Javier Murcia

What to Bring:

• Sculpting tools
• Spray water bottle
• Plastic bag
  
  

What Will Be Provided:

• Structures for students to create their heads on
• 10kgs of clay
  
  

Can Anyone Do This Class?

Yes! This workshop is suitable for all levels, and absolutely beginner-friendly. If you love being creative, you’ll fit right in.