The Annual Placer Artists Studios Tour is the largest and longest-standing Art Studio tour in the region, spanning a huge geography and featuring a diversity of art.
The Annual Placer Artists Studios Tour is the largest and longest-standing Art Studio tour in the region, spanning a huge geography and featuring a diversity of art.
The Annual Placer Artists Studios Tour is the largest and longest-standing Art Studio tour in the region, spanning a huge geography and featuring a diversity of art.
The Annual Placer Artists Studios Tour is the largest and longest-standing Art Studio tour in the region, spanning a huge geography and featuring a diversity of art.
JCLEE STUDIOS
School of Sculpture
916.878.0993
& THE DOWNSTAIRS GALLERY
Learn the rules... then break them!
FULL FIGURE WORKSHOP
"LIVE MODEL"
18-hours spread out over 3 sessions
Overview
This intensive three-day workshop focuses on sculpting the full seated human figure in water-based clay using a live nude model. Artists of all skill levels—beginner through advanced—will work directly from life to develop their ability to capture accurate form, gesture, and likeness.
Instruction includes personalized guidance, group demonstrations, and focused lectures on proportion, anatomy, and the use of planes in constructing the body and head.
Workshop Schedule
Day One & Day Two (8 hours each)
Using a full seated live model, students will learn to block in the figure and work toward anatomical accuracy and expressive form. Instruction will cover:
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Canon-based measurement systems by Dr. Paul Richer, Robert Beverly Hale, and Andrew Loomis
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Proportions of the body and head
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Constructing using planes and anatomical landmarks
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Likeness, gesture, and movement in the pose
Each student will receive one-on-one sculpting feedback throughout both days.
Day Three (4 hours, two weeks later)
After the sculpture has had time to firm, students will return to complete the hollowing process and refine details, textures, and surface finish.
What’s Provided
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Water-based clay
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Sculpting stands
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Armatures
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Tools for class use
Tuition & Cancellation Policy
$350 total – includes all materials and a $20 firing fee.
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Full tuition is due at sign-up.
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50% is non-refundable upon registration.
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Remaining balance is non-refundable two weeks before the start of the first session.
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If the class is canceled by the instructor, the full amount is refundable or transferable.
Reserve Your Spot
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Workshop Dates: See "Workshop Enrollment" tab
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Class Size: Limited to 14 students
MASK WORKSHOP
18-hours spread out over 3 sessions
Overview
In this hands-on workshop, students will sculpt a portrait mask in water-based clay, focusing on structure, anatomy, and expression. Beginning with the skull’s bone structure, students will learn how to build accurate and expressive facial features and develop a finished mask ready for hanging.
This class is designed for all levels—from those new to clay to experienced artists looking to refine their anatomical understanding and technique.
Workshop Schedule
Day One (8 hours)
We begin by constructing the bone structure of the human skull and foundational facial anatomy. Once the skull is in place, students will add key features—eyes, nose, mouth, and ears—using planes, symmetry, and volume. Discussions include:
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Facial anatomy and skeletal landmarks
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Age, gender, and ethnic variation
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The seven basic human expressions
Day Two (8 hours)
We move on to sculpting the neck, shoulders, and hair to create gesture and dynamic flow. Afterward, we cut off the back of the head, hollow the interior, and plan for how the finished mask will hang on a wall.
Day Three (4 hours, three weeks later)
With the clay firmed, we finalize the mask by hollowing out any remaining areas, refining textures, and completing surface details.
What’s Provided
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Water-based clay
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Sculpting stands
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Armatures
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All tools for class use
You just bring an open mind—everything else is ready for you.
Tuition & Cancellation Policy
$350 total – includes all materials and a $20 firing fee.
-
Full tuition is required at sign-up
-
50% is non-refundable upon registration
-
The balance becomes non-refundable two weeks before the first session
-
If the instructor cancels the class, the full amount will be refunded or applied to a future workshop
Reserve Your Spot
-
Workshop Dates: See "Workshop Enrollment" tab
-
Class Size: Limited to 14 students
THE PORTRAIT WORKSHOP
18-hours spread out over 3 sessions.
Overview
Join this immersive, three-day sculpture workshop designed to teach you how to sculpt the human face using water-based clay. Whether you’re new to clay or looking to refine your technique, this workshop takes a deep anatomical approach, helping you create realistic, expressive human forms from the inside out.
Through structured instruction and hands-on sculpting, you’ll build a full portrait bust with correct proportion, gesture, and detail—guided step-by-step.
What You’ll Learn
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Sculpting the human skull and facial bone structure
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Adding and shaping realistic facial features (eyes, nose, mouth, ears)
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Understanding anatomy’s impact on gesture and expression
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Sculpting age, gender, and ethnic variation
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Creating believable skin texture and hair movement
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Hollowing, refining, and finishing techniques for water-based claySchedule
Workshop Schedule
Day One (7 hours)
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Foundation & Facial Structure
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Build the skull: bone structure and anatomical landmarks
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Sculpt facial features using symmetry, planes, and volume
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Explore age, gender, and ethnicity in form
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Study the seven universal facial expressions
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Add the neck and shoulders to bring gesture and flow
Day Two (7 hours)
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Surface, Movement & Refinement
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Sculpt ears and hair, emphasizing flow and shadow
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Refine features and add expressive details
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Learn to suggest movement through subtle musculature
Day Three (4 hours, three weeks later)
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Final Touches
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Return to a firmed sculpture
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Hollow out the bust safely for drying
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Finalize textures, details, and surface definition
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is designed for sculptors of all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced artists wanting to deepen their anatomical understanding. Each session is limited to 14 students to ensure personalized instruction and feedback.
A Note for Beginners
If you’re new to sculpting, I recommend that you don’t try to sculpt someone you know during your first workshop. Capturing likeness and personality is challenging—even for experienced artists.
You’re welcome to bring reference photos, but it’s often more rewarding to come in with a general idea: think gender, ethnicity, and expression. As the class unfolds, we’ll guide you in discovering the character that begins to emerge from the clay—sometimes it’s someone entirely unexpected, and that’s part of the magic.
Materials & Location
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All materials provided
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Held at JCLee Studios, Auburn, CA
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Water-based clay, tools, and stands included
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Optional model reference may be used. It is good idea for the students to have some forethought of what gender, ethnicity, facial expression (emotion) they will like to portray. Don't worry, during the process, we'll find what awaits us in the clay.
Tuition & Cancellation Policy
$350 total – includes all materials and a $20 firing fee.
-
Full tuition is due at the time of enrollment.
-
50% is non-refundable upon registration.
-
The balance becomes non-refundable two weeks before the first session.
-
If the workshop is canceled by the instructor, all tuition is fully refundable or may be transferred to another workshop.
Reserve Your Spot
-
Workshop Dates: See "Workshop Enrollment" tab
-
Class Size: Limited to 14 students
"This class was one of the most amazing and gratifying things I have ever done! I have NO artistic talents. I don't draw, I don't paint, I've never even made a clay pot. But in this class, with Jim's guidance, I have created a work of art! The details in the face, the expression, and life that Jim helps you bring out in a sculpture are incredible. It is something that I'm truly proud of, and can't wait to display! I will be taking the class again." Wendi Thompson
THE TORSO WORKSHOP
18-hours spread out over 3 sessions.
Overview
This hands-on, three-day workshop focuses on constructing and sculpting the human torso using water-based clay. Open to beginners and experienced artists alike, this course emphasizes anatomical structure, proportion, and gesture to create a solid, expressive form.
Each student will receive individualized guidance as we build the human figure from the inside out—beginning with skeletal landmarks and progressing through muscle structure, surface detail, and final finishing techniques.
Workshop Schedule
Day One (7 hours)
We begin by constructing the foundational bone structure: spine, pelvis, rib cage, neck, and head. Using precise measurements, students learn how to build a strong internal framework that avoids common mistakes. This structural method—developed by Philippe Faraut—highlights the relationship between the skull, rib cage, and pelvis, and the importance of bony landmarks for accurate form and proportion.
Day Two (7 hours)
We move to applying each muscle individually, layering anatomy with intention and clarity. Once the muscle structure is in place, we sculpt facial features, add hair, and begin applying finishing techniques and textures.
Day Three (4 hours, three weeks later)
At this stage, the clay has firmed and is ready for the final phase. We hollow the sculpture, refine surface textures, and finalize features and details in preparation for drying and firing.
Materials Provided
-
Water-based clay
-
Sculpting stands
-
Armatures
-
Tools for class use
Just bring an open mind—everything else is supplied.
Tuition & Cancellation Policy
$350 total – includes all materials and a $20 firing fee.
-
Full tuition is due at the time of enrollment.
-
50% is non-refundable upon registration.
-
The balance becomes non-refundable two weeks before the first session.
-
If the workshop is canceled by the instructor, all tuition is fully refundable or may be transferred to another workshop.
Reserve Your Spot
-
Workshop Dates: See "Workshop Enrollment" tab
-
Class Size: Limited to 14 students
"Anatomy is one of my favorite subjects! This class only verified how amazing the human body is! Jim's combined knowledge of clay & anatomy really came together to produce the most beautiful end result. Something proud to display in home or office! Can't wait for next torso class." Jeannie Modrall