
James is delighted to return to the Phoenix Studio to teach on home soil once again, marking his first course here since late 2022!
Join him for a fun and inspiring two-day course where you’ll learn to create expressive clay animals using contemporary techniques that break all the traditional rules.
This course is perfect for both beginners and experienced artists. Over two days, you’ll sculpt two animals of your choice. On day 1 it will be wall mounted portrait heads and on day 2, wall-mounted full-body dynamic mammals.
What You’ll Learn
James will demonstrate key stages and principles of his technique, showing you how to create loose, dynamic forms that are easy to create when you know how. He will guide you every step of the way as you bring your creations to life. His fast and expressive style pushes clay to its limits, allowing you to capture movement, character, and grace in your sculptures.
Once your pieces are complete, they’ll be dried and fired in our kilns. Later, you’ll return for a dedicated glazing session to add vibrant colours and finish your work (the dates being 14th, 15th, or 16th June).
COURSE OUTLINE
Day 1:
Wall-Mounted Portrait Heads
Create a portrait head of an animal of your choice—mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian! You’ll construct an armature and build up clay by focusing on key muscle groups and shapes to bring your chosen subject to life.
Day 2:
Wall-mounted Dynamic Mammals
You made a head the day before, now you’ll be making the full body! These forms have simple armatures in them, so we’ll be focusing on an understanding of anatomy and trying to get a sense of movement into your work.
Glazing Day
After your sculptures are bisque-fired, return for a hands-on glazing session to add colour and detail to your work. James will guide you through the best ways to apply underglazes to bring your creations to life. Glazing sessions will be happening on 14th, 15th, or 16th June at pre-booked times – sign up for one of the dates that best suits you.
What’s Included?
- Two full days of expert instruction (10 am – 4:30 pm)
- Step-by-step demonstrations covering:
- How to build armatures for wall-mounted heads and dynamic mammals
- Techniques for capturing anatomy, expressive features, and character
- An introduction to the firing process
- All materials: clay, firings, and glazes
- A separate glazing session after bisque firing
- Tea, coffee, biscuits and delicious homemade cakes
- Access to our purpose-built art studio and its equipment
- The serene countryside setting of the Phoenix Studio
Who Is This Course For?
This course is suitable for anyone aged 14+ (exceptions may apply—please contact us). No prior experience is needed. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned artist, you’ll find there’s plenty of inspiration and guidance.
This Course Is For You If
- You want to explore your creativity in a relaxed and supportive environment.
- You’re looking to experiment with clay but aren’t interested in traditional pottery.
- You love animals and want to capture their essence in sculpture.
- You’ve been inspired by the Great Pottery Throw Down and want to try it yourself!
What to Prepare
Before the course, you’ll need to collect reference images of your chosen animals—multiple angles are ideal. After booking, you’ll receive an email with detailed preparation documents.
Need Accommodation?
If you’re travelling from afar, check out our list of recommended local B&Bs and hotels.
Beyond the Course
Many of our students continue exploring clay sculpting after completing a Phoenix Studio course. Whether you attend another class, join our Phoenix Art Club Zoom Sessions, or pursue sculpting independently, we’re here to support and guide your creative journey.
At the end of the course we are confident that you will come away with two pieces that you can be happy with and have a great sense of pride & achievement. Who knows, discovering ceramics may change the course of your life – it certainly has mine!
James Ort – Course Tutor
ABOUT THE TUTOR
James Ort is an accomplished wildlife artist and international tutor with a lifelong passion for animals and art. Inspired by his late grandfather, renowned Ladybird Children’s Book illustrator Brian Price Thomas, James has channelled his love of wildlife into sculpture and ceramics.
In addition to his work as an artist, James has managed the Phoenix Studio for nearly 15 years. Before moving to Oxfordshire, he worked in conservation in Brighton and continues to draw inspiration from the natural world.
We get wonderful feedback from the people who attend this course. Here are just a couple of testimonials:
Had a really great time on the two day course with James and was amazed and very pleased at what I was able to produce as a newcomer. The turorials were inspiring and James and Alison were very patient and great fun to be around. And such lovely surroundings at the studios – a perfect way to spend a weekend!Ciara Murray
A great creative weekend. The studio is beautiful, well equipped and in a wonderful location. The resident chickens roam around the large wild lawns and we were even lucky enough to have lunch outside in early April! The tuition was brilliant. James and Alison were very thorough and made you feel very comfortable and confident. It was amazing what we were able to create in a matter of hours. James and Alison were always on hand to give instruction, suggestion and encouragement, and always in a relaxed, informal and very friendly way. The weekend was very social with a really supportive atmosphere. I will DEFINITELY be going back.
Nikki Windridge
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