
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 folklore. Nocturnal and elusive, many of us remember the thrill of hearing an owl’s haunting screech echoing through the night or catching a fleeting glimpse of one illuminated by car headlights. But how well do we really know these fascinating birds?
This course offers a unique opportunity to deepen your connection with owls. In collaboration with the Owl Conservation Project, you’ll get an up-close, hands-on experience with not one, but five incredible owl species!
On the first day, Lu Barton and her amazing team will introduce you to four native owl species. The day will begin with a sketching demo by James, who will guide you through techniques for capturing the essence of these majestic birds on paper. Drawing materials will be provided, and James will offer personalized advice to each participant. You’ll also have the chance to photograph your feathered subjects for future reference.
Armed with your sketches and newfound knowledge, you’ll spend the second day sculpting your favorite owl in clay (perched owls only—not in flight!). Using a newspaper armature as the base, you’ll create your owl sculpture with clay. For those interested, James can also provide a link to a YouTube tutorial and materials for crafting wire talons at home.
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?
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 Sunday 21st September – put the date in your diary!
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
- 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
- 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
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.
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