ALEXANDRA SLAVA

Alexandra Slava, a traditional figurative sculptor and founder of the Berlin Sculpture Atelier, presents a highly anticipated, comprehensive guide to sculpting realistic portraits in clay.

ONLINE MASTERCLASS

Sculpting a Portrait in Clay

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Upcoming Courses & Events

Workshop Schedule for 2026 is Now Available!

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Featured
Full Figure/Torso Sculpting Workshop
Jun 17
Full Figure/Torso Sculpting Workshop

(Further Dates Available) In this workshop, you may choose to sculpt either a 1/3 life-size full figure or a 3/4 scale torso in clay, working from a life model. Under Alexandra Slava’s guidance you’ll refine your understanding of proportions, anatomy, and gesture, bringing dynamic realism to your sculpture…

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Evening Sculpting Course: Portrait in Clay from Photographic References
Jun 23
Evening Sculpting Course: Portrait in Clay from Photographic References

Suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike, our weekly evening course offers a unique opportunity to learn the essential skills of portrait sculpting. Conducted over three consecutive Tuesday evenings, the course focuses on sculpting a realistic portrait using photographic references…

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Sculpting the Full Figure / Torso
Jul 6
Sculpting the Full Figure / Torso

Join Alexandra Slava’s workshop on sculpting a full figure or torso from a live model in the inspiring setting of Ethel Van den Daele’s studio in Merelbeke, Belgium (near Ghent). This course offers participants a unique opportunity to explore the internal structure and complexity of the human figure in three dimensions using water-based clay…

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Sculpting Course: Figure in Clay from Photographic References
Aug 21
Sculpting Course: Figure in Clay from Photographic References

Learn to sculpt the human form in this 3-day crash course. In contemporary figurative practice, many artists choose to work from photo references, as they offer flexibility and creative freedom. The real challenge lies in translating two-dimensional images into convincing three-dimensional form — the central focus of this course…

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Sculpting Mythical Creatures
Sept 11
Sculpting Mythical Creatures

Through hands-on guidance of the artist Sheila Verseck, you’ll explore the art of storytelling in sculpture, merging human and animal anatomy, stylization, and expressive design. You’ll develop techniques for modeling dynamic forms, refining details, and composing compelling characters that feel alive…

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Evening Sculpting Course: Portrait in Clay from a Life Model
Sept 22
Evening Sculpting Course: Portrait in Clay from a Life Model

Our Weekly Portrait Sculpting Workshop is designed for anyone who wants to learn figurative sculpture in a focused and inspiring environment with a schedule that fits easily into weekly life. Held once a week on Tuesday evenings at the Berlin Sculpture Atelier, the course guides participants through the process of sculpting a life-size portrait in clay from a life model…

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Sculpting the Hand in Clay
Sept 25
Sculpting the Hand in Clay

The workshop focuses on anatomy, proportions, and the gesture of a hand, along with advanced principles of modelling. Drawing from the knowledge presented during lectures and demonstrations, and using yourself as a reference, you will create a life-size hand in clay…

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Sculpting Workshop: Portrait from a Life Model
Oct 21
Sculpting Workshop: Portrait from a Life Model

Our Portrait Sculpting Workshop offers a unique 5-day experience of sculpting a life-size portrait in clay from a life model. With a small group format and a personalized teaching approach, the workshop welcomes participants of all skill levels and creative goals…

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Evening Sculpting Course: Figure/Torso from a Life Model
Nov 10
Evening Sculpting Course: Figure/Torso from a Life Model

Learn the art of sculpting the human form in this weekly workshop led by experienced sculptor Alexandra Slava. Designed for all skill levels, this course takes place once a week on Tuesday evenings at the Berlin Sculpture Atelier, offering a convenient schedule that allows you to build your skills steadily over time…

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Full Figure/Torso Sculpting Workshop
Nov 25
Full Figure/Torso Sculpting Workshop

In this workshop, you may choose to sculpt either a 1/3 life-size full figure or a 3/4 scale torso in clay, working from a life model. Under Alexandra Slava’s guidance you’ll refine your understanding of proportions, anatomy, and gesture, bringing dynamic realism to your sculpture…

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  • An artist works on a marble bust sculpture of a person's face, using a small sculpting tool to refine facial details.

    Upcoming Courses & Events

    Learn to sculpt, paint, and draw under the guidance of top-tier professional artists. Designed for all skill levels and inclusive of all necessary tools and materials.

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  • Laptop screen displaying an online art masterclass titled 'Sculpting a Portrait in Clay,' with a video thumbnail of a woman in a green patterned shirt beside a clay sculpture of a woman's head.

    Online Masterclass

    This comprehensive online sculpting class offers step-by-step guidance through the entire process of creating a lifelike clay portrait—perfect for artists of all skill levels.

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  • Close-up of wooden sticks casting shadows on a wooden surface.

    Sculpting Supply Shop

    Designed 𝘣𝘺 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴, these tools are crafted to become your new favorites. Our art supply shop has (almost) everything you need to begin sculpting!

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  • A sculpture featuring a human head with closed eyes and a calm expression, set against a circular background. Above the head, a pair of hands holds an open shell or a similar object, with the sculpture rendered in a greenish patina.

    Gallery

    Discover the art of Alexandra Slava.

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What is new in the sculpting world

Featured
Bridging Analog and Digital: My Experience at Playgrounds Festival in Eindhoven & Berlin
Bridging Analog and Digital: My Experience at Playgrounds Festival in Eindhoven & Berlin

The Playgrounds Festival is a vibrant hub where illustrators, animators, concept artists, and game designers come together to exchange ideas and push the boundaries of digital creation. It’s a space where digital innovation meets traditional craftsmanship — and as a figurative sculptor who works entirely with real materials, it made me reflect on the power of analog methods in today’s creative workflows.

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Loop Sculpting Tools: Essential for Precision & Texture in Clay Sculpture
Loop Sculpting Tools: Essential for Precision & Texture in Clay Sculpture

Guitar-string sculpting tools are essential for adding intricate textures and fine details to your clay sculptures. Perfect for creating lifelike skin textures, these versatile Looptools offer precision and control, making them a must-have for artists working in figurative art and portrait sculpture. Ideal for both beginners and professionals, they elevate your sculpting with clay experience.

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Where to cast a sculpture in Berlin?
Where to cast a sculpture in Berlin?

Berlin, a vibrant hub of artistic expression, boasts some of the finest bronze foundries in Europe. These workshops are more than just places of craft—they are where figurative sculptures come to life, blending tradition with innovation. Whether you're an experienced sculptor or exploring Mold Casting for the first time, finding the right foundry can make all the difference. In this guide, I’ll take you through some of the best foundries in Berlin, each offering a unique approach to sculpting, ensuring your vision is cast in bronze with precision and artistry.

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Creative Solutions for Storing and Showcasing Your Art
Creative Solutions for Storing and Showcasing Your Art

As sculptors, we create fine art that takes up real space in the world, but what happens when we run out of room at home or in the atelier? Instead of hiding your work away, why not let it be seen? From displaying sculptures in local cafés and professional offices to placing them in gardens or even public spaces, there are countless creative ways to store and showcase your work at the same time. This blog explores practical solutions that not only free up space but also bring your art into the eyes of the public—where it truly belongs.

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