Who doesn’t love an owl? These enchanting creatures of the night captivate us with their mystery and beauty, inspiring awe and wonder across cultures and throughout folklore. Nocturnal and elusive, they often make their presence known with a haunting call in the darkness or a brief, magical appearance in the glow of car headlights. But how well do we really know these remarkable birds?
This course offers a rare opportunity to deepen your connection with owls and discover the fascinating ways they move, hunt, and interact with the world around them. In collaboration with the brilliant Owl Conservation Project, you’ll get an up-close encounter with not one, but four different owl species.
On the first day, Lu Barton and her dedicated team will introduce you to their four native owl ambassadors and share the vital conservation work the OCP undertakes to protect these species. Afterward, James will give an introductory talk and sketching demonstration, guiding you through techniques for capturing the essence of these majestic birds on paper. The rest of the day is yours to draw, observe, and learn. All materials are provided, and James will offer personalized guidance to each participant. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to photograph your feathered muses for later reference.
Armed with your sketches and newfound understanding, you’ll spend the second day sculpting your favourite owl in clay (NB: perched owls only—no owls in flight). Using a newspaper armature as your base, you’ll bring your chosen owl to life with clay, with James offering options, demonstrations, and one-to-one support throughout.
Our muses for the weekend include a Barn Owl, a Tawny Owl, a pair of Little Owls, and a Long-Eared Owl. Which one will inspire your masterpiece?
What You’ll Learn
Under James’s expert guidance, you’ll explore the core principles of sketching owls using a range of materials and techniques. You’ll then transform your drawings into three-dimensional forms through his clay-modelling method—an approach designed to create loose, expressive sculptures that capture the character, movement, and quiet majesty of these extraordinary birds.
James’s dynamic, innovative style pushes the boundaries of traditional clay work, empowering you to craft pieces that feel vibrant, lifelike, and full of personality.
Once your sculptures are complete, they’ll be carefully dried and fired in our kilns. To finish your piece, you’ll return for a dedicated glazing session, where you’ll bring your owl to life with rich, luminous colour. These sessions are scheduled for either Saturday 3rd, Sunday 4th or Monday 5th October—please ensure you’re available to attend one.
COURSE OUTLINE
Day 1:
Sketching Owls
Learn how to expressively sketch owls on paper. We will not be focusing on drawing detailed, measured drawings, but instead using observation to capture the essence and intricacies of the owls on paper – considered, but not laboured! We can take photos too, so that we are fully armed with lots knowledge for when we come to sculpt the forms!
Day 2:
Making wall-mounted, perched owls
Now we know our subjects, it’s time to immortalise them in clay! These forms will be made from a simple newspaper armature, and, with our new understanding of owl anatomy, we will lay clay over the armatures to capture the delicacy of their forms.
Day 3:
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 either Saturday 3rd, Sunday 4th or Monday 5th October – you must attend one of these dates! Please let us know which one asap.
What’s Included?
- 1 day with five wonderful owl muses
- Two full days of tuition and instruction (10 am – 4:30 pm)
- A separate glazing session after bisque firing (Saturday 3rd, Sunday 4th or Monday 5th October – PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU CAN ATTEND ONE OF THESE DATES)
- Step-by-step demonstrations covering:
- How to build armatures
- Techniques for capturing anatomy, expressive feathers, and character
- An introduction to the firing process
- All materials: clay, firings, and glazes
- 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 owls 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
There is no preparatory work to be done for this course; that said, you could always do some sketching of owls or anything else to help get your drawing eye in.
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 or pursue sculpting independently, we’re here to support and guide your creative journey.
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 over 15 years. Before moving to Oxfordshire, he worked in conservation in Brighton and continues to draw inspiration from the natural world.
I love teaching this course! The excitement and anticipation before the owls come out is joyous to behold – grown adults, giddy in anticipation. It is so rare we get so upclose to birds like this. Knowing that money from the course will go to the Owl Conservation Project and that students leave with that much more admiration, knowledge and respect for these incredible creatures, makes me feel very proud.
James Ort – Course Tutor
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