Teaching figure sculpting to beginners , what I've learned after 2,000+ students

I've been teaching figure sculpting workshops for over a decade, first in Berlin, now in Lisbon. Here's what I've learned about helping complete beginners:

1. Start with gesture, not anatomy. Beginners freeze when you talk about proportions. Get them to feel the pose first — weight, tilt, direction — before anything technical.

2. The armature decision matters more than people think. For evening workshops I skip armatures entirely. People make better, more expressive sculptures when the clay has to support itself — it forces simplification.

3. The first 20 minutes are everything. If someone feel

CLAY NIGHTS | LIFE MODEL MASTERCLASS

Lisbon · An Evening of Sculpting, Wine & the Human Form

Led by professional sculptor Ella Taub

One evening. Live model. Raw clay. Portuguese wine.

CLAY NIGHTS | LIFE MODEL MASTERCLASS

Lisbon · Figure Sculpture Workshop by Ella Taub Studio

You'll spend an evening sculpting the human figure in raw clay, seated 180° around a live model, guided in person by professional sculptor Ella Taub. No experience needed. You leave with a finished sculpture you made yourself.

THE EXPERIENCE

The evening opens in a candlelit space with background music. After a brief introduction to fundamentals, proportion and method, you move into a focused meditative sculpting process. A 10-minute break midway. Then back in until the figure is complete.

Ella's guidance is personal and tailored to exactly where you are, whether you're trying sculpting for the first time or deepening your practice. You'll gain skills and techniques that stay with you long after.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Understanding a three dimensional object

Proportions and composition of the human body

Aesthetic concepts and harmony

Your own signature approach to the form

WHAT IS INCLUDED

All clay materials, professional tools and work surface

Portuguese wine throughout the session

Live model posing for the full duration

Personal guidance from Ella Taub

Your finished sculpture to take home

THE ATMOSPHERE

Small intimate groups. Candlelit. Body positive and focused. The kind of Lisbon evening that feels both grounding and genuinely special.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

"Pure meditation and pleasure. Perfect for anybody who wants to feel connected and inspired." — Galina U.

"Such a wonderful night of discoveries, human connection and pure fun." — Virginie F.

Reviews: Google · TripAdvisor

ABOUT ELLA TAUB

Visual artist and sculptor with over 11 years leading figure sculpting workshops across Europe, from intimate studio sessions to masterclasses at art institutions including Wehrmuehle Museum, Berlin.

PRACTICAL INFO

Adult workshop with a live nude model

3 hours · 18:30 to 21:30

Location: Baixa-Chiado, Lisbon. Full address sent by email after booking.

Doors close 15 minutes after start time

Limited spots, advance booking required

QUESTIONS

Email: elatau123@gmail.com

Instagram: @sculpting.nights / @life_model_s

See you soon.

Ella.