Classical Figure Sculpture Classes with Professional Models

Location: 543 Flood Ave., San Francisco, CA 94112 (near City College)
Cost: $525 includes all tools, armature and materials
Firing Fee: Optional - $35
Class Begins: Please call for details. 
Class Time: 7 – 10 P.M.  Mondays confirmed, possibly Tuesday evenings
Teacher: Marilyn Ines Rodríguez
Contact: 415- 948-3099 or mirstudio [at] comcast [dot] net
Contact: $100 w/ balance of $425 due first day of class

I have been teaching this class for the past twelve years and it has evolved into so much more than learning basic human anatomy; it is the foundation for all visual arts.  We have yet to find a subject more eloquent, visually stimulating, complex and challenging than the human figure.  We may begin with a basic human anatomy lesson, but we culminate in acquiring the sensitivity to express feelings, purpose and emotions by a well thought out gesture, facial expression, hand positioning, etc.  The human form may be the cover of the book, but learning how to express its complex emotions is its content.  In addition to learning to sculpture and human anatomy, you will also be taught how to “hollow” and prepare your sculpture before it gets “fired” in our studio kiln. 

You will learn a lot in a very supportive, relaxing and fun environment.  No prior experience is necessary so please don’t feel intimidated if you have never sculpted before.  It’s OK to miss 2-3 classes, most students do and we end up most of the times hiring the model for extra make-up classes.  I will provide you will all the clay, tools, armature, etc. that you will need.   Just come in your most relaxed attire; I want these three hours to be your favorite of your week.  Join us!
 
In the last few months I have been experiencing an increase in interest in the class.  I think people are stressed out and looking for a distraction, therefore I may be starting a second class on Tuesday evenings.   Please let me know which night, Monday or Tuesday, is best for you.  If there are enough students, I will accommodate both.

 

TESTIMONIALS
 
“There are many reasons to take a class from Master Marilyn Rodriguez. She is a sculptor from whom I bought a piece that I loved. When I learned she taught classes and signed up for a 12 session semester, a lot in my life changed since that experience. She knows how to get you engaged in the fine art of creating, from clay, with live models, a piece that will force you to reflect in beauty, and its transformation into life. Marilyn is a mirror. And the kind of professional that teaches, even when in silence she is looking at clay. TERRIFIC.”  —I. Campoy
 
“It is difficult to sculpt a classic human figure; it must be even harder to teach others how to do so. Marilyn does it and does so well it seems easy. She is very thorough and gives to the point assessments to her students while at the same time respecting their artistic individualities. I recommend her highly.”   —M. Torres- Quinones
 
“I enrolled in Marilyn’s class with a fair amount of trepidation.  My only art experience has been enjoying looking at art.  What I discovered was a warm, friendly group of people who were enjoying art for the sake of art.  Marilyn has an amazing gift in that she knows how to explain and help without taking over and making it her work instead of the students. The measuring and geometry were mixed in every week with learning the flow and energy of the body. There were people with years of experience and complete amateurs like me.  She treated us all with respect and genuine caring.  I look forward to taking another class with her soon.”   —D. Ruddell
 
 “Sculpting with Marilyn cannot be likened to anything else. Whether or not you have sculpted before or not is completely independent to what you get out of this class, and I am not just talking about the actual sculpture!  Enlightenment into one’s self from a very different perspective, and talent flow to greet you and leave you feeling like you can do anything you ever put your mind to. I guarantee you will be surprised with what you take away from this class, and you’ll have a new love and respect for yourself and sculpting. I am addicted.”  —S. Popham
 
“If I didn't see it, Marilyn showed me to look at it again, with the different words she used, and again, with the feeling that your fingers would sculpt the piece, that your spirit would sense.  Thus far I have one piece bronzed.  So far, so good.”   —D. J. Barrelier