Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen
Koninklijke Academie van Antwerpen
Modelling Portret 138308/3580/2627/1/03
Study guide

Modelling Portret 1

38308/3580/2627/1/03
Academic year 2026-27
Is found in:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts, programme stage 1
    Choice option within specialisation:
    • Sculpture within Fine Arts
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts
    Choice option within specialisation:
    • Sculpture within Fine Arts
This is a single course unit.
Study load: 3 credits
Co-ordinator: Mrakovcic Lucia
Languages: Dutch, English
Scheduled for: Academic year
This course unit is marked out of 20 (rounded to an integer).
Possible deadlines for learning account: 01.12.2026 ()
Re-sit exam: not possible.
Possibility of deliberation: This course unit is eligible for deliberation according to the criteria as determined by the degree programme you are enrolled in.
Total study time: 78,00 hours

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Learning outcomes (list)

BA1 - The student has the necessary artistic skills to design and/or realize a personal project within the broad spectrum of the visual arts under supervision.
The student is able to start the development of a personal visual language on the basis of observation exercises.
BA2 - The student has the necessary knowledge, skills and insights regarding material, form, action, concepts, function and contents of the chosen medi
 The student can realize a moulage (portrait, torso, life-size figure)
The student can bring a simple moulage (portrait, torso) to a successful conclusion
The student can perform simple moulage techniques.
The student can apply simple technical aspects of modeling.
The student can reproduce fragments (hand, foot, skull, torso) and living model in a constructive way to perception.
BA3 - The student knows about and understands the social, cultural, artistic, historical and international context of the visual arts and artistic praxis, and continues to develop this knowledge and understanding.
The student has a thorough knowledge of historical and contemporary examples of sculpture.

Course content

Focus: study – observation – basic technique

Course Content 1

Portrait Modelling

Step-by-step construction of a portrait in clay through observation and anatomical study.
Exercises focusing on proportion, volume, construction, and spatial coherence within portrait modelling.
Introduction to handling clay, sculpting tools, and constructive building methods.
Development of observational skills through the study of light, shadow, contours, and anatomical structures of the head.
Introduction to the basic principles of skull structure, facial construction, and anatomical proportions within three-dimensional form.

Course Content 2

Mould Making and Casting of a Portrait

Introduction to the basic principles of mould-making and plaster techniques within portrait sculpture.
Technical transformation of a sculpted portrait into a plaster cast through simple moulding and casting techniques.
Introduction to material behaviour, release methods, mould construction, and finishing techniques for casts.
Attention to technical precision, safety procedures, and careful handling of materials and tools.

Course Content 3

Observation and Visual Interpretation

Development of observational skills through modelling exercises based on direct observation and analysis of the human head.
Investigation of form, rhythm, surface structure, and plastic articulation within portrait sculpture.
Introduction to historical and contemporary examples in sculpture through visual material, texts, and group discussions.
Development of an initial sensitivity to expression, interpretation, and personal visual choices within portrait modelling.

Study material (list)

Various design materials: all drawing materials, paper/cardboard, maquetteMandatory
Various execution materials: clay, paper/cardboard ...Mandatory

Educational organisation (list)

Learning Activities
Artistic praxis35,00 hours
Work time outside of contact hours43,00 hours

Evaluation (list)

Evaluation(s) for first exam chance
MomentForm%Remark
1st examination periodArtistic practical assessment100,00

Evaluation (text)

Continuous evaluation using show and check points throughout the year, culminating in a final evaluation at the end of the academic year.