Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen
Koninklijke Academie van Antwerpen
Modelling Figure 138309/3580/2627/1/37
Study guide

Modelling Figure 1

38309/3580/2627/1/37
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: 9 credits
Co-ordinator: Merregaert Nadia (dut,eng)
Other teaching staff: Cotteleer Anton (dut,eng)
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: 234,00 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.
BA5 - When developing his/her personal visual language the students starts from a searching and reflective attitude when developing one's own visual language.
The student can construct in clay a small figure study, based on perception, in a constructively and anatomically correct way.
The student can perform a moulage (of portrait, torso and life-size figure).

Course content

Course Content 1

Modelling the Human Figure

Step-by-step construction of body parts, figure studies, and torsos in clay through observation and anatomical study.
Exercises focusing on form, volume, proportion, construction, and spatial awareness within the modelling process.
Introduction to handling clay, sculpting tools, and constructive building methods.
Development of observational skills through drawing exercises, analysis of light and shadow, contours, and negative space.
Introduction to the basic anatomical principles of the human body and their translation into three-dimensional form.

Course Content 2

Mould Making and Casting from Clay Sculpture

Introduction to the basic principles of mould making and plaster techniques within sculptural practice.
Technical transformation of a clay sculpture 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

Modelling and Constructing Still Lifes

Development of three-dimensional still lifes through modelling exercises and spatial compositions.
Experimentation with form, texture, proportion, rhythm, composition, and construction within figurative and more abstract sculptural solutions.
Investigation of the relationship between observation, interpretation, and sculptural translation.
Introduction to different approaches within historical and contemporary sculpture through visual material, texts, and group discussions.
Development of an initial personal sensitivity to expression, material use, and visual decision-making within sculptural practice.

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 praxis104,00 hours
Work time outside of contact hours130,00 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.