An Online Atelier For Creatives Who Want to Create Realistic Sculptures
Master the Foundations of Classical Figure Sculpting⤵
If you’ve ever dreamed of sculpting portraits and figures that truly capture a lifelike essence—but you’re stuck figuring out proportions, likeness, or where to even begin—this is for you!
Does This Sound Familiar?
✦ You’ve wanted to start sculpting for a long time, but you’re not sure where to begin with materials, tools, or how to work with clay.
✦ You want to sculpt realistic figures, but anatomy and proportions feel overwhelming and you're not sure how to apply the diagrams in books to your sculpture.
✦ When your sculpture doesn’t look right, you spend hours adding and removing clay, but it never quite fixes the problem... and you start to wonder if you’ll ever get it.
✦ You want your portraits to look like the person you’re sculpting — but without techniques to guide you, the likeness ends up looking more like the model’s distant cousin.
What’s missing here isn’t effort—it’s the right foundation.
And history shows the path...
The Atelier Tradition
For centuries, sculptors in the classical tradition trained in ateliers: studying casts, anatomy, and the figure to master proportion, form, and likeness.
Antoine Bourdelle teaching in his Paris Atelier, circa 1900
Why? Because if you want to sculpt lifelike portraits and figures, you need a solid foundation of skill and technique, built in steady progression.
And the same is true today:
Classical atelier training is the most effective way to master the foundations of figure sculpture.
But this kind of training is difficult to find today, outside of a few specialized art academies.
That’s exactly why I’ve created a step-by-step path that brings atelier training to you — no matter where you live.
Introducing...
The Atelier Program
Your path to mastering the foundations of classical figure sculpting from home.
Here’s what you’ll gain inside the Atelier:
✔️ Confidence with sculpting supplies, clay, and tools
✔️ A clear system for proportions you can actually remember
✔️ Essential anatomy knowledge to make your figures look realistic
✔️ A trained eye to see more accurately and capture likeness quickly
✔️ Techniques to sculpt effectively from photo references, casts, or models
✔️ A start-to-finish method to create permanent sculptures for display
Go from Basic Forms to Lifelike Figures ⤵
The Foundations Path - inspired by the traditional art academies of Europe - will guide you from beginner to confidently sculpting lifelike portrait and figure sculptures.
Here's Exactly What You'll Learn:
Six Foundations Projects to fast-track your progress and develop real classical skill.
Sculpting Project #1
Fundamental Shapes
(Value $200)
Understand the essential forms of sculpture and learn to use your tools with confidence.
✔️ Perfect for Beginners
Sculpting Project #2
Features of the Face
(Value $800)
Learn to sculpt complex forms through an in-depth study of the essential features of the face—ear, nose, mouth, and eye.
✔️ Study from Plaster Casts of Michelangelo to give you a solid foundation to create realistic faces.
Sculpting Project #3
Artistic Anatomy of the Portrait: Skull Study
(Value $500)
Discover the key to sculpting expressive, accurate portraits by studying the anatomy of the portrait.
✔️ Learn the underlying structure of the face and head
Sculpting Project #4
Classical Face Mask
(Value $500)
Study a classical face mask with correct proportions, planes, and balance.
✔️ Gain confidence and skills to create realistic faces for your own projects.
Sculpting Project #5
Portrait Sculpting from the Model
(Value $600)
Sculpt a lifelike portrait from start to finish, from a live model or photo reference.
✔️ Step-by-step instructions guide you through a clear method, so you can sculpt portraits with confidence
Sculpting Project #6
Figure Sculpting from the Model
(Value $600)
Sculpt a seated figure from start to finish. This step-by-step process guides you through creating a realistic, anatomically sound figure using a live model or photographic reference.
✔️ Includes full access to my 8-module course “Figure Sculpting in Clay” (previously sold separately)
By the end of these 6 projects,
You’ll have the classical foundation you need to bring form to life in clay.
You’ll be ready to create your own sculptures.
"I have a consistent way to do things step by step... that makes it much easier to do something that looks realistic"
Discover how Vivian went from "I never thought I could do this" to now spending almost all her free time creating figurative sculptures!
" I’m sculpting in a more educated, focused way, building toward creating portraits and human figures that resemble what I’m looking at "
See how Victoria uses the Atelier program to learn the principles of sculpture, get into a meditative creative zone!
"Melanie’s teaching is so clear—she breaks things down in a way that helps me learn how to truly look and see"
See how the Atelier program helps Claire transform her observations of the human body into expressive sculptures.
How the Atelier Works ⤵
Here’s how the program is designed to support your learning journey:
A Yearly Membership That Fits Your Schedule
✔ 12 months of access — so you have plenty of time to work through the program, even if you travel or life gets busy
✔ Step-by-step Foundations Path — follow a clear path to build your skills, one project at a time, so you always know what to do
✔ Self-paced online learning — sculpt from home, on your schedule, with freedom to revisit lessons whenever you need
✔ Year-round support — a community space to share progress, stay motivated, and get answers to your questions
Everything Included in Your Membership ⤵
Here's how the program will help you to master the foundations of figure sculpting!
A Full Curriculum: The Foundations Path
You'll be guided step-by-step through the Foundations Learning Path: designed to help you master the classical skills of portrait and figure sculpting through 6 core projects.
✔️ Instant access to the complete path, guiding you from the basics to creating lifelike sculptures.
Step-by-step Video Instruction
Learn the sculpting process with clear, guided video lessons so you can see exactly what to do.
✔️ Sculpting demonstrations that break down each project into easy-to-follow stages.
✔️ Perfect viewing angles as Melanie guides you through key techniques, ensuring nothing is missed.
✔️ Anatomy + visual training lessons to help you learn to SEE like a sculptor.
Photo References for Sculptors
One of the biggest challenges in sculpting is having the right reference. That’s why I’ve created professional photo sets designed specifically for sculptors that you won’t find anywhere else.
✔️ Set of References for each Project, cast or model, so you can follow along exactly with the demonstrations
✔️ Correct angles and lighting for sculpting form in 3 dimensions
✔️ Measurements and proportions to sculpt accurately
Sculpting Guides & References
Everything you need to create each project is provided to support your sculpting journey.
✔️ Step-by-step Armature Designs that you can put together from hardware store materials (no specialized gear required). Use them over and over again!
✔️ Step-by-step Sculpting Guide PDFs showing the key stages of the sculpting process for each project for you to reference while you are sculpting.
✔️ Anatomy References and Worksheets to print and use right in your studio to reinforce your learning.
Self-paced Online Access
Enjoy unlimited access to the full program for the length of your membership—learn anytime, anywhere, and at your own pace.
✔️ Learn on your schedule—24/7 online access through your desktop or mobile app, so you can sculpt anytime inspiration strikes.
✔️ Flexible for your pace—Pause, rewind, and rewatch lessons as often as needed to master key techniques and stay on track.
See What Our Students Are Saying About Their Progress...
"I am now interested in a whole new world of art!"
Melanie is very informative, knowledgeable, and kind. Learning to see is very valuable- my painting of figures has improved and 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.
-Megan
Make This Your Year of Sculpting
BECOME A MEMBER!
Join the Atelier Today—Your Path to Classical Sculpting ⤵
*Tuition in USD
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30 Day Money-Back Guarantee
I’m so confident this program will give you results, I’m offering a 30-day money-back guarantee for Annual memberships. If you complete one of the Foundations Projects and don’t see any positive results from the training, simply show us your work, and we’ll refund 100% of your investment.
Just email us at [email protected].
PLUS! Bonuses to Accelerate Your Progress ⤵
Enhance Your Learning with These Powerful Extras
BONUS #1
Learning Vault of Recorded Classes
($700 Value)
Unlock instant access to a library of recorded classes and short exercises designed to sharpen your sculpting skills. Dive into lessons on sculpting realistic eyes, self-critiquing your work, memorizing key skull landmarks, and more. Whether you’re perfecting a specific technique or need a quick boost of inspiration, the Learning Vault is your go-to resource for continuous improvement.
BONUS #2
Exclusive Members-Only Community
(Priceless)
Join a private online community designed to support your sculpting journey in a positive, uplifting environment. Share your work in progress, connect with fellow sculptors, and get encouragement every step of the way. Whether you’re celebrating wins or seeking advice, this members-only forum keeps you motivated, inspired, and connected.
BONUS #3
Figure Sculpting Workshop
(Normally $197)
Learn how to sculpt a small-scale figure with minimal materials and no special setup. You'll be guided to create a full figure, start to finish, in just 2.5 hours alongside Melanie.
✔️ Learn the basics of gesture, balance, and proportion
✔️ Use a core method practiced by professionals
✔️ Build momentum before diving into larger projects
Includes: Full set of female figure model reference photos and printable cheatsheets so you can begin sculpting right away.
Here's What Atelier Students Are Saying...
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m a total beginner—can I still succeed in this program?
Do I need expensive supplies or a studio to start?
I’ve sculpted before—will this program still help me?
I’m busy—can I fit this program into my schedule?
I’m not great with technology—can I still follow the program?
Can I get help if I’m stuck or need feedback?
How much time will this take?
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Can I join later?
I have a different question, who do I contact?
Pssst... Still wondering exactly how it works?
Click here for a backstage tour of the Atelier!
Meet Your Instructor
Bonjour! I’m Melanie Furtado, a sculptor based in Paris with over 13 years of experience in figurative sculpture.
When I went to art school, I discovered something was missing: the classical foundations.
I spent years pursuing them — moving to Europe to deepen my knowledge through study in museums. As result, I’ve been invited to residencies, exhibited internationally, and won a bronze medal at the Salon des Artistes Français in 2023.
But I know how discouraging it feels to be stuck in trial-and-error... and how transformative it is when you finally have a clear path to follow.
That’s why I created the Atelier: to give you the classical atelier training you need to create lifelike sculptures.
Since 2011, I’ve helped hundreds of artists master the foundations of classical figure sculpture. Now it’s your turn. I can’t wait to see the incredible work you create.
- Melanie
Take the Next Step
in Your Sculpting Journey...
Become the Sculptor You Want to Be
Join the Atelier today, and you’ll have everything you need to finally bring your sculptures to life in clay. Get instant access to the full curriculum when you enroll as an annual member and start sculpting with the guidance you’ve been missing.
What are you waiting for?
Join the Atelier + Begin Your Sculpting Path