Art & Design Easter School 2026 | Winchester School of Art

Age group: 13 - 18

Duration: 2 day

Dates: 8th – 9th April

Times: 10:30 – 15:30

At our free Winchester School of Art Art & Design Easter School, we will be exploring the development of armature and oil based clay sculpture to create movable character sculptures. You will learn how to design characters, how to develop an armature, and methods for using the clay to create emotive sculptures.

During our sessions we will explore sculpting methods used for oil based clay (known also as plasticine, plastiline and monster clay) using your own character designs, taking inspiration from industry specialists such as Aardman, Guillermo del Toro/ShadowMachine, and Josiah Brooks. Initially we will explore the process of strong character design, sketching and making plans, we will then develop armature skeletons for our pieces, before finally creating the sculpture of our characters. Because of the nature of this clay, students are also able to make stop motions from them, we will discuss methods for this and an extension to the main activities. It will however not be a primary element of the course. We will be focus on your own creative interests with this, and you will be able to work in a way that aligns with your own themes to support your personal creative practice.

Students who are interested in illustration, character design, sculpture, storytelling, and animation will benefit most from this course.

At the end of the two-day course you will have explored the methods, and associated artists, as well as experiencing university materials and teaching styles. These courses are additionally developed with all learners in mind, employing inclusive techniques allowing those who may find school difficult to experiment and explore in a comfortable environment. The samples made and development created on this course is prefect for college or university application portfolios, or just as a fun way to explore textile methods during the summer holidays! Students do not need any previous textile experience for this course.

We will also be running an Fashion & Textile Easter School, please see our page for more details.

If you have any questions, please contact course tutor Georgia via email or phone on the following:

[email protected]

07585 112497

WSA reserves the right to alter or cancel this programme. If anything changes, we will be sure to notify you as soon as possible. Once you filled out this booking form you will receive an email from course tutor Georgia, containing a further application information form. Your space is not confirmed until you have filled out and returned this further information form. Once this form is received you will receive a welcome pack and information video will everything you will need to get ready for our course.

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Host or Publisher Craig Wadman - Winchester School of Art