For Artists Who Want to Create Lifelike Sculptures
Portrait Sculpting Workshop⤵
Sculpt Portraits That Feel Alive — By Mastering the Structure Beneath the Surface
On-Demand · Online Workshop ·  Lifetime AccessÂ
If you want to sculpt portraits that feel alive, it starts beneath the surface.
In this on-demand, real-time workshop, you will complete a full clay portrait study while training your eye to see and build the underlying structure that gives portraits their strength and presence.
Whether sculpting your first portrait or refining years of practice, this workshop is a focused opportunity to strengthen the foundation behind every lifelike portrait.
Get Instant Access to the Portrait WorkshopWhy are Portraits so Challenging?Â
Have you’ve ever started sculpting a portrait and thought, “This just isn’t working…”
The structure feels off.
The proportions are distorted.
The eyes don’t match.
The emotion is missing.
Or maybe you’ve been wanting to sculpt a portrait but haven’t started—because it still feels intimidating, or you’re not sure where to begin.
You are not alone in this. Because here's the truth: Sculpting the human head is one of the most complex challenges in figurative sculpture.
Most artists struggle because they’re missing two key things:
→ A correct understanding of the head’s structure
Most artists never really train to see structure properly. But if you don’t understand the core structure of the head, nothing else will sit right. That’s why so many portraits feel 'off' even when you're trying hard to get them right.
→ A sculpting method they can trust
Without a reliable process, it’s easy to get lost in the details or second-guess every decision... leading to frustration and overworked projects.
That’s why inside the workshop, you’ll follow my 4-Stage Portrait Sculpting Method—a process I’ve refined over years of study and teaching hundreds of students.
👇 Here’s what it looks like in action:
Learn a Method that Actually Works
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You don’t need talent, perfect proportions, or fancy tools—you need a clear method for seeing and building the underlying structure of the head.
That’s exactly what this workshop is designed to offer.
In one focused session, you’ll follow a streamlined version of my 4-stage sculpting method — starting from a block of clay and discovering the full portrait process by focusing on strong internal structure before refining surface details.
You’ll follow this full process, step-by-step and sculpting alongside me in real time.
Whether you’re brand new to sculpting or need a refresher, you’ll learn:
✔️ A reliable method you can use again and again
✔️ Essential structure, proportions and anatomy to build realism
✔️ How to work from photos with minimal measuring
✔️ Techniques for catching mistakes early—and fixing them with confidence
✔️ A real-time sculpting experience that brings it all together
This is NOT about sculpting a perfect portrait in three hours.
It’s about learning the process, training your eye to recognize underlying form, developing your sculpting technique, and creating a study that moves you forward.
Because the only way to actually improve is to dive in, train your perception, and start practicing.
And just as importantly — you’ll experience the tactile satisfaction of working with your hands, focusing your mind, and making something real.
How it Works  ⤵
Everything you need to create a portrait study—from initial preparations to completion.
Before you Sculpt
Gather Your SuppliesÂ
As soon as you register, you’ll get instant access to your Workshop Page with:
- A full supply list +Â tool guide (beginner friendly)
- High-quality model reference photos to print + guide
- Video walkthrough to set up your sculpting space
- A short prep video to help you feel focused and ready
Fully Guided WorkshopÂ
Sculpt in Real Time
Join me in a full 3-hour sculpt-along session, originally recorded live and filmed in real time—so you can follow every step without skipping ahead.
You’ll sculpt alongside me from start to finish, at your own pace, just like you’re with me in the studio.
After the Workshop
Keep Refining and Go Further
You’ll have lifetime access to revisit the full workshop as often as you like—pause, rewatch, or return to key parts whenever it suits you.
Plus, you’ll receive a Bonus Lesson: How to prepare your sculpture for kiln firing (the complete hollowing process) so you can finish and fire your portrait if you choose.
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What You’ll Walk Away With ⤵Â
✔️ A completed portrait study with strong internal structure
✔️ A proven sculpting method for building lifelike form
✔️ A sharper eye, stronger skills, and renewed momentum
See What Students Are Saying About Sculpting...
"I am now interested in a whole new world of art!"
Melanie is very informative, knowledgeable, and kind. Learning to see is very valuable. I am more confident. I am now interested in a whole new world of art! - Faye
"You learn and have fun at the same time!"
You learn and have fun at the same time. You leave the class wanting more - and most importantly, with the confidence that YOU TOO can sculpt.
-Marnie
"I am looking at everything with Fresh Eyes!"
I find that I am looking at everything with fresh eyes. I will be able to apply this to my drawing and painting, and will also be able to look at and appreciate sculpture in a different way.Â
-Megan
TAKEÂ YOUR NEXT STEP Â
Join the Workshop Today ⤵Â
*Prices in USD
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience?
What if I already sculpt portraits? Is this workshop still for me?
Is this part of the Atelier program?
What if I have a question?
Do I need a kiln?
What supplies do I need?
Meet Your Instructor
Hi there! I’m Melanie Furtado, a sculptor with over a decade of experience creating lifelike sculptures and helping hundreds of artists develop their skills and confidence. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate the sculpting process through trial and error.
That’s why I design my programs to share the best resources, clear methods and step-by-step techniques that I’ve discovered over years of sculpting and teaching.Â
I believe the sculptor’s journey is better when shared, and I can’t wait to see the incredible work you create during this workshop!
- MelanieÂ
Selected Portrait Sculptures
Take the Next Step
in Your Sculpting Journey...
Train your eye, strengthen your foundation, and sculpt lifelike portraits
This workshop gives you the time, focus, and clear guidance to finally see and build the deep forms that bring portraits to life.
Whether you are sculpting your first portrait or refining years of practice, this is your opportunity to deepen your understanding of form and reconnect with the reason you fell in love with sculpting — creating living form with your own hands.
