For Creatives Who Want to Create Realistic Sculptures
Learn Classical Figure Sculpting Step-by-Step⤾
Online Sculpture Atelier Program
If youâve ever dreamed of sculpting portraits and figures that truly capture a lifelike essenceâbut youâre stuck figuring out proportions, likeness, or where to even beginâthis is for you!Â
Summer enrolment is open until Thursday June 26th, 2025.
Tuition will be increasing in the fall.
Does This Sound Familiar?
đ You want to start sculpting, but youâre not sure where to begin with it all.
đ You spend hours sculpting, but your results don't match the vision in your mind.
đ When you sculpt your own work, youâre still unsure how to fix whatâs not working.
đ Your figure sculptures feel stiff, and you struggle to get the proportions right.
đ Your portraits lack the lifelike expression and individuality youâre aiming for.
I get it - so many sculptors face these challenges. Without the right guidance, you can end up doubting your progress or even giving up altogether.
But hereâs the truth:
đ Itâs not you. The problem is trying to learn on your own without a proven path.
When students follow a learning path, they develop the classical skills theyâve been missing - a strong foundation that leads to lifelike portraits, accurate proportions, and growing confidence with every sculpture.
They rediscover the joy of sculpting and see progress they didnât know was possible.
But without a path, you risk staying stuck in frustration for years.
The trial-and-error approach doesnât just waste time... it chips away at your confidence and leaves you questioning whether youâll ever create work youâre proud of.
But hereâs the good news: With the right guidance and a step-by-step learning path, you can build the classical skills youâve been missing, gain confidence, and see real progress with every sculpture.
And once you master the core skills, you'll be able to confidently create your own sculptures!
So what kind of path will get you there?
Introducing...
The Atelier Program
Your proven path to mastering the foundations of figure sculpting from home.
A Personal Note from Melanie:
Dear fellow creative,
I created the Atelier Program remove the guesswork from learning to sculpt, so you can focus on what actually matters: time spent creating.
This program is built on my personal sculpting journey since I started back in 2011... years of studying European academic methods, thousands of hours refining techniques through practice, and teaching hundreds of students both in-person and online.
Iâve distilled the most effective methods into a clear, structured path to help you build a strong classical foundation, progress faster, and ultimately give you the skills to experience the freedom of creating your own sculptures in clay.
That's what we are all looking for as sculptors, right?
Here's to your next creative step forward!
-Melanie
Join the Atelier + Begin Your Sculpting Path "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!
"âIâm sculpting in a more educated, focused way, building toward creating portraits and human figures that resemble what Iâm looking at "
See how Victoria uses the Atelier program to learn the principles of sculpture, get into a meditative creative zone!Â
"Melanieâs teaching is so clearâshe 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 Program Works ⤾
Here's how the program will help you to master the foundations of figure sculpting!
Follow a Path to Sculpting Mastery
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.
âď¸ Instant access to the full curriculum, guiding you from the basics to creating lifelike sculptures.
Step-by-step Video Instruction
Learn the sculpting process with clear, guided video lessons.
âď¸ Sculpting demonstrations that break down each project into easy-to-follow stages.
âď¸ Perfect viewing angles as Melanie guides you through key techniques, ensuring nothing is missed.
Essential Sculpting Project GuidesÂ
Stay on track and build confidence with guides designed to support your sculpting journey.
âď¸Â Visual guides showing the key stages of the sculpting process with photo references for each project.
âď¸ Quick, easy reference with printable PDFs to use right in your studio.
Self-paced Online Access
Enjoy unlimited, flexible access to the full programâlearn anytime, anywhere, and at your own pace.
âď¸ Learn on your scheduleâ24/7 online access through your desktop or mobile app, so you can sculpt anytime inspiration strikes.Â
âď¸ Flexible for your paceâPause, 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.Â
-Megan
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Your Path to Sculpting Mastery ⤾Â
The Foundations Path - inspired by the traditional art academies of Europe - will guide you from beginner to confidently sculpting lifelike portrait and figure sculptures.
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Here's Exactly What You'll Learn:Â
 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 by creating fundamental shapes in clay.Â
âď¸ Learn to Setup A Simple Home Studio
âď¸Â Complete Sculpting Supply List
âď¸Â Perfect for Beginners
Sculpting Project #2
Features of the Face
(Value $800)
Master the essential features of the faceâear, nose, mouth, and eyeâeach critical to creating lifelike, expressive portraits. Youâll learn to sculpt complex forms, study symmetry, and refine the surface details.
âď¸Â Study from Master Plaster Casts of Michelangelo to give you a solid foundation to create realistic and emotionally compelling faces.
âď¸ In-depth anatomy lessons reveal the underlying structure of each feature so you can develop your sculptors "x-ray vision".
Sculpting Project #3
Artistic Anatomy of the Portrait: Skull Study
(Value $500)
Unlock the key to sculpting expressive, accurate portraits by studying the anatomy of the Skull.
âď¸Â Learn how the bone structure shapes the face, allowing you to create portraits with realistic volume and proportions.
Sculpting Project #4
Classical Face Mask
(Value $500)
Study a timeless masterpiece from antiquity to create a high-relief face mask with correct proportions, planes, and balance.Â
âď¸Â Study a masterwork from Classical Antiquity and learn how to sculpt the human face
âď¸Â Gain confidence and skills to create realistic faces for your own projects.
Sculpting Project #5
Portrait Sculpting from the ModelÂ
(Value $600)
Bring everything youâve learned together to sculpt a lifelike portrait from start to finish. This project guides you step by step in sculpting from a live model or photographic reference, helping you refine your technique and create portraits with character, depth, and precision.
âď¸Â Step-by-step instructions guide you through a clear method, so you can sculpt portraits with confidence
Sculpting Project #6
Figure Sculpting from the ModelÂ
(Value $600)
Embark on your most comprehensive project yet by sculpting 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. By the end, youâll have mastered the balance of form and detail, preparing you for larger and more complex works.
âď¸Â Get full access to my popular 8-module course "Figure Sculpting in Clay" (previously sold separately)
By the end of these 6 projects, youâll have completely transformed the way you sculpt.
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Youâll be ready to create your own sculptures.
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Youâll have the classical foundation you need to bring form to life in clay.
Make This Your Summer of SculptingÂ
âď¸ Enrolment closes June 26th, 2025. âď¸
BECOME A MEMBER! Â
Join the Atelier TodayâYour Path to Classical Sculpting ⤾Â
*Tuition in USD
Donât wait! Enrollment is ending soon...
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30 Day Money-Back Guarantee
Iâm so confident this program will give you results, Iâm offering a 30-day money-back guarantee for Annual memberships. If you complete one of the Foundations Projects and donât see any positive results from the training, simply show us your work, and weâll refund 100% of your investment.
Just email us at [email protected].
PLUS! Bonuses to Accelerate Your Progress ⤾
Enhance Your Learning with These Powerful Extras
BONUSÂ #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 youâre perfecting a specific technique or need a quick boost of inspiration, the Learning Vault is your go-to resource for continuous improvement.
BONUSÂ #2
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.
âď¸ Learn the basics of gesture, balance, and proportion
âď¸ Use a core method practiced by professionals
âď¸ 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.
BONUSÂ #3
Exclusive Members-Only CommunityÂ
(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 youâre celebrating wins or seeking advice, this members-only forum keeps you motivated, inspired, and connected.
Here's What Atelier Students Are Saying...
Frequently Asked Questions
Iâm a total beginnerâcan I still succeed in this program?
Do I need expensive supplies or a studio to start?
Iâve sculpted beforeâwill this program still help me?
Iâm busyâcan I fit this program into my schedule?
Iâm not great with technologyâcan I still follow the program?
Can I get help if Iâm stuck or need feedback?
How quickly will I see results?
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!Â
Meet Your Instructor
Hi there! Iâm 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.
Thatâs why I created this Atelier programâto give you the best resources, techniques, and guidance that Iâve discovered over years of sculpting and teaching. This isnât just a curriculumâitâs a carefully designed path to help you avoid the struggles, stay motivated, and create work youâre truly proud of.
I believe the sculptorâs journey is better when shared, and I canât wait to see the incredible work you create inside the Atelier!
- Melanie
Take the Next Step
in Your Sculpting Journey...
Become the Sculptor You Want to Be
Join the Atelier today, and youâll 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 youâve been missing.
What are you waiting for? Let's sculpt!
Join the Atelier + Begin Your Sculpting Path