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Paws, Claws & Personality

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A Pet Portrait Sculpture Workshop

All members welcome!

Because every pet has a personality worth celebrating.

There's something extraordinary about the bond we share with our pets. The familiar expression, the curious tilt of a head, the mischievous glint in an eye, or the quiet companionship that speaks without words.

In this special members-only sculpture intensive, we'll celebrate those connections by creating expressive, one-of-a-kind portraits of our beloved animal companions.

Whether your pet is a dog, cat, bird, reptile, or another wonderful creature, you'll learn to observe and interpret the characteristics that make them uniquely yours.

Your Sculpture, Your Style

You'll have the opportunity to create either:

• A sculptural bust: Focusing on the head, neck, and chest, with special attention to expression and character.

• A full-bodied sculpture: Capturing your pet's distinctive posture, proportions, movement, and personality.

• A companion sculpture: Bring two or more beloved pets together in one meaningful composition, capturing their individual personalities and the special bond they share.

Your interpretation may be realistic, whimsical, stylized, or somewhere in between. The goal isn't necessarily to create a perfect anatomical replica, but to capture the spirit of the animal you know and love.

What We'll Explore

Throughout our 2.5 days together, we'll work with sculptural techniques that help us:

• Understand the underlying shapes and proportions of different animals.

• Construct expressive heads, faces, and body forms.

• Develop recognizable features, including eyes, ears, muzzles, beaks, and other distinctive characteristics.

• Explore gesture, posture, and expression as ways to communicate personality.

• Refine surfaces and details without losing the energy and character of the sculpture.

• Balance observation with personal artistic interpretation.

Personalized Preparation

Your pet becomes part of the workshop before we even begin!

Approximately two weeks before the workshop, you'll be asked to submit several clear photographs of your pet from different angles, along with a little information about their personality.

Rachelle will review these images and prepare individualized visual sculpting guides to help you approach your particular animal's form, features, and expression.

This advance preparation allows us to spend more of our workshop time building, exploring, and refining rather than trying to figure out where to begin.

A Portrait With Heart

Some of our sculptures may make us smile. Others may bring back cherished memories. All will tell a story of companionship, affection, and the wonderful ways animals become part of our lives.

This is an opportunity to create something deeply personal, filled with character, meaning, and a little marvelous mud!

Workshop Details

• Advance Preparation:
  Please submit three to five photos and a short personality description by February 5, 2027 to Rachelle@MarvelousMudPotteryStudio.com

• Registration closes February 1st or until sold out.
  
  
• Have 10-12 lbs of clay available to work with, although your sculpt will not use this full amount.
  
• Diamond Core sculpting tools are not required but are quite the -marvelous- assistant for sculpting. I highly recommend them. Here's the link for you to peruse. Diamond Core Sculpting Tools
  
  

Space is limited to allow for individualized instruction and guidance.

Come celebrate the little soul who has left such a big impression on your heart.

Info about Sculpture Workshops with Rachelle

Classes take place in "Main Studio" at 
Marvelous Mud Pottery Studio
4035 South Florida Avenue
Lakeland, Fl 33813

**We start classes promptly on time. Class Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Please email with any questions. Rachelle@MarvelousMudPotteryStudio.com