I often get e-mail and phone calls from people wanting to know "how is the best way to become an artist/a stone carver/a figure painter?". Let me first say that it is easier to ask the question than it is for me to answer it. This is a life-long pursuit. You will be the only one who can answer some of the questions people tend to ask me. You know your lifestyle, your community, what you want to express, and what you are willing to give up to live "in the creative zone". And, if it is any consolation, these answers tend to change over time.

That said, the best way I can advise you to start sculpting the figure is to learn how to draw the figure. You need to be taught how to see and how to draw what you see. Drawing is an invaluable skill to the sculptor. Once you can observe and draw, you can start sculpting (you do not have to wait until you are totally happy with your drawing skills - none of us ever really are). Drawing helps you know where to start. And you should continue to draw as long as you continue to sculpt.

You may either start sculpting in stone, or you could try clay modeling first. Do whatever you feel most comfortable with and what will interest you the most.
You will find useful tips on my artist resource page:
www.borsheimarts.com/artists.htm
and some instructional info. on my links page:
www.borsheimarts.com/links.htm (Click on art schools and educational sites.)

I highly recommend the Loveland Academy of Fine Arts and the Marble Institute of Colorado. Also, buy any books that look like they will be useful to you. I love Michelangelo and Rodin and I try to go to Half Price Books whenever I can to see if there are any good books for sale (about them or any other artists I like). I also hang out in the photography section for images of the nude figure (sometimes they are filed by photographer's last name, other times the figurative books are in the erotica section). I have learned a tremendous amount from books by studying the great artists' works. Also, you will need some good anatomy books for artists. Click here to see the list of ones I have.

Another suggestion is to join any local art groups you can. That will give you access to or at least knowledge of any life-drawing sessions in your area (also contact local colleges with art classes for that) and will introduce you to other artists.

In addition, on my links page under "arts organizations", join the National Sculpture Society. This will get you a subscription to their magazine Sculpture Review. This is a great magazine, especially for figurative art. And the ads will help you learn more about opportunities, classes, and suppliers.

There are so many ways to learn how to do what you want to do. I use books and classes - even if I have to travel to get the classes that I feel I need to advance my skills. Keep drawing, even if it is while sitting in an airport. I once sketched the glass bricks in the Houston airport while waiting for a flight. It does not matter what you draw - just keep training the hand to work with the eye. You will have to be the one who determines the direction in which you want to go. You have your own unique voice. You will know best what skills you lack and which ones you want to develop.

Go to art shows and ask artists you like where they studied. (But please be considerate. An artist is working at selling her art during a show. Do not monopolize her time since she needs to sell to eat and keep creating. Step back quietly if someone enters the exhibit area and wait until the artist is free to visit with you some more or make arrangements to discuss things later.)

I wish you the best of luck and I hope this Web site will help you a little on your journey.
Peace,
Kelly

"To transmit the spirit, there must be form. When the form, the mind and the hand are in total accord, each forgetting the other's separate existence, then the spirit will reside in your work." (Tung Ch'i-Ch'ang)

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