Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen
Koninklijke Academie van Antwerpen
Modelling Portret 238310/3580/2627/1/71
Study guide

Modelling Portret 2

38310/3580/2627/1/71
Academic year 2026-27
Is found in:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts, programme stage 2
    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: You have to pass this course unit (will never be deliberated).
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 perform simple moulage techniques.
The student can apply simple technical aspects of modeling.
You can translate the human anatomy into a 3D carrier in a modeling way.
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 perform a moulage (of portrait, torso and life-size figure).
The student can create with clay - from observation - a portrait based on a plaster example in a constructively and anatomically correct way.

Course content

Course Content 1

Portrait Modelling and Working from the Live Model

Further development of anatomy, proportion, and spatial construction of the human head and figure through observation from live models and plaster examples.
Constructive modelling of portraits in clay with attention to anatomical coherence, volume, expression, and characterisation.
Exercises focusing on posture, tension, rhythm, and plastic articulation within the modelling process.
Further development of observational skills through the analysis of contours, light, skin structure, and anatomical proportions.
Investigation of the translation of anatomical knowledge into a convincing three-dimensional form.

Course Content 2

Interpretation and Personal Visual Language

Investigation of different ways to interpret and shape the portrait sculpturally.
Experimentation with form, scale, texture, surface tension, surface treatment, and expression within figurative and more interpretative approaches.
Development of personal visual choices through sketches, clay studies, and artistic experimentation.
Exploration of the relationship between observation, interpretation, and expressive sculptural solutions.
Introduction to historical and contemporary approaches to portrait sculpture through visual material, texts, group discussions, and independent research.

Course Content 3

Material and Mould-Making

Further exploration of technical and material possibilities within portrait modelling and mould-making.
Application of mould-making and plaster techniques in portraits and sculptural studies.
Investigation of different tools, materials, and finishing techniques within the modelling process.
Experimentation with constructive building methods, surface structure, and the relationship between technical execution and visual impact.
Development of insight into the interaction between material, technique, and sculptural expression.

Study material (list)

Sketches in various materials such as cardboard, metal, plaster, paper, assemblageMandatory
Sketches in various types of clay, whether ceramic-treated or not or via moulage techniqueMandatory
Sketches on paper (pencil, charcoal, acrylic ...)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.