Academic Sculpture Course in Podil: From Armature to Expressive Form

Learn to sculpt the human figure, understand anatomy for sculptors, and capture proportion, movement and character in clay. At KUST’s academic sculpture course, you’ll progress from building an armature and shaping the main volumes to refining anatomical forms and details.

The course is suitable for beginners and for those with sculpting experience who want to deepen their knowledge of anatomy. You can choose one or more themed modules, and the instructor will adapt the work to your experience and creative goals.

Classes are taught by Oleh Dolhikh, a graduate of the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture (NAOMA), creator of monumental sculptures, and sculptor with over 10 years of professional experience.

How the course works

Hand module — 3 classes of 3 hours each

Build an armature, study the anatomy of the hand and arm, and establish the proportions of their main forms. Work with visual study materials, plaster anatomical models and simplified geometric models. Learn to convey movement, gesture and character.

Head module — 5 classes of 3 hours each

Study the structure of the skull and facial muscles and how they shape expression. Work on proportion, volume and character in a sculptural portrait, using plaster models, visual study materials and a live model.

Leg module — 3 classes of 3 hours each

Build an armature, study the anatomy of the leg, and shape it with attention to the bones and muscles. Explore proportion, direction and weight-bearing structure using plaster models and study materials.

Figure module — 10 classes of 3 hours each

Sculpt the human body from armature and initial volumes through to proportion, balance and silhouette. Study how bones and muscles relate to one another, and learn to convey pose, movement and character. Work from a live model, plaster models and visual study materials.

Throughout the course, you’ll learn to measure proportions and angles, identify the main volumes, and move gradually from the overall form to its details. Classes take place in small groups, with individual guidance from the instructor.

What’s included

• Academic sculpture classes for your chosen module

• Instructor guidance at every stage

• Clay, wire for the armature and necessary tools

• Use of the studio’s plaster anatomical and simplified geometric models

• Digital study materials

• A workspace in KUST’s sculpture studio

Location: KUSTceramics, Podil, KyivNumber of classes: Depends on the chosen moduleClass duration: 3 hoursLevel: Beginners and experienced participants

Additional costs

A live model is charged separately at UAH 65–250 per hour, depending on the number of participants in the group.

KUST studio policies

• Please give at least 36 hours’ notice to reschedule a class.

• Works are stored in the studio for up to 3 months.

Book an academic sculpture course in Kyiv and learn to create expressive sculptural figures through an understanding of anatomy, proportion and the forms of the human body.