Academic Sculpture Course

Location: KUST Ceramics Studio, Podil, Kyiv
Duration: 3 hours per session
Level: Beginners and experienced students
Instructor: Oleg Dolgikh — over 10 years of professional experience, graduate of the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture (NAOMA), author of monumental sculptures.

What You Will Learn

• In-depth knowledge of plastic anatomy and figurative sculpture
• Skills in building armatures, proportions, bones, and muscles
• Experience working with plaster models (écorché, block studies) and live models
• Ability to convey character, movement, and emotion in sculpture
• All materials included: clay, wire, sculpting tools, and digital study materials

Course Structure

The academic sculpture course consists of four fundamental study blocks.

Hand (3 sessions)

Building an armature, studying anatomical structure, working with graphic materials, plaster écorché models and block studies, and learning to express movement and character.

Head (5 sessions)

Study of skull structure and facial muscles, understanding the relationship between muscles and emotions, developing expressive character in sculpture.
Work with plaster models, graphic materials, and live models.

Leg (3 sessions)

Armature construction, anatomical study, work with plaster models and drawing materials, focusing on movement and character.

Full Figure (10 sessions)

Complete work on the human figure: armature construction, anatomy study, proportions, silhouette, and character.
Includes work with plaster models, academic references, and live models.

What You Will Practice

During the course you will learn to:

• analyze bone and muscle anatomy
• measure proportions and angles
• work with silhouette and balance
• build strong sculptural armatures
• correctly build mass and form

You will work with:

• plaster academic models (écorché and block studies)
• drawing materials and anatomy references
• live models
• clay sculpting techniques

Flexible Learning Format

You can choose one or several thematic blocks.

This allows you to focus on a specific area of sculpture or complete a full study of the human body, including proportions, balance, silhouette, and expressive character.

Training Format

• You choose the block and number of sessions
• The program adapts to your goals and experience level
• Work with multiple materials: clay, plaster, and graphic tools
• Small groups with individual attention from the instructor

Additional Costs

Live model sessions (male or female model):
65–250 UAH per hour depending on the group size.

Studio Rules

Rescheduling classes
Classes can be rescheduled if you notify the studio at least 36 hours in advance.

Storage of works
All works are stored in the studio for up to 3 months.