Sculpting in Wax - with James Shoop
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY!
SATURDAY MARCH 21 - SUNDAY MARCH 22
James Shoop will teach a long-anticipated weekend workshop all about sculpting in wax -
image: wax sculpture by James Shoop
Class times: 10:30am-1:30pm, optional work time after class
Fee $300
Materials $50 - includes the wax and armature for the hand model we will be sculpting.
For over forty years James has been sculpting with wax and developing his wax sculpting techniques.
Over this time he has sculpted with plasticine clay, water based clay, hybrid clays, and a wide variety of waxes. Through trial and error James has developed the wax formula we will be using. This formula has changed over the years depending on the materials available, he believes this current wax blend to be the best.
In this two session workshop you will learn the methods and benefits of using wax as part of your sculptural process.
SESSION ONE -
Learn how to mix the wax formula, and start sculpting
Learn how to make James' wax formula, and start sculpting
After weighing each ingredient, melt them together in a large deep fryer.
After the ingredients are completely melted unplug the deep frier and stir occasionally
as the wax cools. Once the wax cools enough to develop a skin on top pour the wax
into a cooling tray, a rubber mold is best.
While the wax is cooling down we will discuss armatures for wax, the use of wax tools, wax pens, butane torches, propane torches and heat guns.
Then we will start sculpting with pre-made wax over a pre-made hand armature.
SESSION TWO - Learn to refine and finish your scupture
Session two will be devoted to sculpting , refining and finish techniques on the hand we started in session one.
Through this process you will gain an understanding and the
value of sculpting with wax whether it is a part of your sculpture or the whole thing.
TOOLS and SUPPLIES
Printed wax recipe (provided)
Pre-made wax block (provided)
Hand armature for wax sculpting (provided)
Deep fryer (provided)
Rubber molds for cooling wax (provided)
IF YOU HAVE IT BRING IT OR I WILL HAVE SOME TO USE
Wax sculpting tools
Wax pen
Butane torch
Propane torch
Heat gun
CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED -
Please let us know if you can make it!
Questions? Get in touch - info.studiopintura@gmail.com
(612) 801-1053, (651) 270-8983
Sculpture Club - Figurative Study from the model
NEXT SESSION STARTS MARCH
In session now - through Feb 24
10 Tuesday evenings 6:30-9:30pm
Spend 10 weeks creating one or more clay figure studies in a supportive environment. No instructor, but if you are new to this we will help you get ready and situated. Always a fun group, with great learning opportunities!
Materials are about $20-$70 depending on what you already have, and which clay you choose.
Fee $225
Questions? Please call or text us!
Lois (612) 801-1053
Armando (651) 270-8983
Portrait Sculpure
NEXT SESSION STARTS LATE SPRING
In session now - Through March 12
Thursday evenings 6:30-9:30
Portrait Sculpture from a Live Model– Instructor Armando Gutiérrez G.
$350 No additional model fee
Emphasis on anatomy and proportions, as well as creating a life-like piece with character.
Questions? Please call or text us!
Lois (612) 801-1053
Armando (651) 270-8983
Cast Study - in Clay
NEXT SESSION STARTS LATE SPRING
In session now - Through March 12
10 Saturdays - noon - 3:00pm
Copy a Classic Plaster Cast in Clay - Instructor: Lois Rhomberg
Deep-dive into observation, measurements, and sculpture skills by copying an existing Plaster Sculpture in earth or plasticene clay.
This project is a good starting place for those with less experience, and great practice for those with more.
Final piece can be fired if you use earth clay, and kept as is or molded if you use plasticene.
The cost for materials depends on your choice of clay and project - get in touch for more info!
Questions? Please call or text us!
Lois (612) 801-1053
Armando (651) 270-8983
Italian Master Drawing Techniques “Tratteggio Incrociato”
SATURDAY NOV 29, 10am - 6pm
- 10am -12pm
- Light on Form demo – students follow along with instructor. (layered passes, hathching practice page)
- 15 minute break
- Application of light on form to drapery study still life (with analysis of simplified forms)
- 12pm – 1pm Lunch Break
- 1pm – 5pm
- Look at and discuss Italian master Drawings more in depth(Figure Drawings, Portraits & other, Da Vinci, Andrea del Sarto, Raphael Sanzio, Correggio, Jacopo Pontormo (Carucci), (Post Ren. Mannerism) Sandro Botticelli, Filippo Lippi (Early Ren) …etc.
- -Round vs. square forms reenforce - why hatching?
- Students choose a master drawing to copy
- Instructor Demo and students develop their drawings and receive individualized
instruction.
- 5pm – 6pm
- Casual time to “wrap up” get last questions, individualized help, just chat. Students leave as they are ready.
with Patrizia Vignola
https://www.instagram.com/patriziazia
Patrizia Vignola is a native New Yorker now living, teaching, and creating in Minnesota. Her work, often described as contemporary surrealism, is deeply rooted in the techniques and traditions of the Italian and Northern Renaissance Masters—a lifelong influence that continues to shape her artistic language.
From an early age, Patrizia was drawn to the challenge of mastering realism in drawing and painting. In high school, her focus was firmly on the arts, leading her to pursue a BFA, which included a formative period of study in Florence, Italy. There, she immersed herself in the classical methods of the Renaissance, honing the skills that would become the foundation of her practice.
She later earned her MFA from the New York Academy of Art – Graduate School of Figurative Art, where the curriculum emphasized classical training and anatomical study. Notably, she completed three cadaver dissections—far beyond the single required course—demonstrating her deep commitment to understanding the human form.
During graduate school, Patrizia also produced copies of Italian Master drawings for a New York City dealer who specialized in serving a discerning clientele.
Though her current work often ventures beyond tradition, Patrizia never strays far from her classical roots. The foundational techniques she studied so rigorously remain a constant touchstone in her process. Equally passionate about teaching, she finds great fulfillment in sharing her knowledge and nurturing the skills of others.
This workshop focuses on the distinctive drawing techniques used by the Italian Masters to create drawings that embody life, movement, and naturalism.
They built from the “inside out” especially when it came to the human form. Their use of perspective and foreshortening enhances the illusion of depth and three dimensionality. Close attention was paid to how light hits form and the combined application of Sfumato (softening edges), Chiaroscuro (contrast of light and shade) and Tratteggio Incrociato (cross hatching) contribute to the aesthetic characteristics of Italian Master Drawings.
The workshop will place particular focus on developing Tratteggio Incrociato skills—an essential tool the Masters used to guide the viewer’s eye around the form. Students will gain an understanding of and an ability to apply these techniques to their own drawings.
SUPPLY LIST
- Strathmore tinted charcoal paper pad 18” x 24” (or sheets/ at least 2 in any tints,not black or a gray that is too dark, stay in medium value range)
- charcoal pencils (soft, med, hard)
- vine charcoal sticks
- sandpaper charcoal sharpening pad
- Red chalk pencil (suggested Stabilo CarbOthello, Sanguine)
- White Chalk pencil (suggested Stabilo CarbOthello white chalk)
(Conte crayons also OK….NO waxy pencils)
- Kneaded eraser (additional erasers optional)
- Drawing boards (clips to hold paper)
All Images: Patrizia Vignola™
Above: Master Copy after Pontormo