Bronze Sculpture Course: Cold Casting

Learn the art of bronze-effect sculpture, part of our short course art program in Sydney.

This hands-on course introduces students to the fundamentals of modelling for casting. Through demonstrations, guided practice and individual support, participants learn how to sculpt original works with clay and make silicone moulds suitable for a range of casting applications.

Students will be guided in modeling a relief tile or miniature figurative sculpture, which will be used to explore mould making, bronze cold casting and finishing techniques.

By the end of the course, participants will take home their mould and bronze cold cast, as well as the skills and confidence to choose suitable materials, use safe working practices and make professional-quality moulds and reproductions at home with realistic metal finishes.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this sculpture course, you should be able to:

• Gain familiarity with modelling, moulding and casting materials and understand how to choose between materials and determine amounts needed
• Model with clay to create a master suitable for casting
• Prepare masters and mould boxes for moulding individual projects
• Learn how to design and make a silicone pour mould
• Understand mix ratios, mixing and pouring techniques for silicone and resin
• Use silicone, resin, pigments, metal powders and embedded objects to create silicone moulds and bronze metal cold casts
• Finish castings through sanding, polishing, patinas, and surface treatments
• Use safe working practices for handling, storage and waste disposal

Course content

What will be covered in this sculpture course?

• Introduction to materials and methods for modelling, mould making and casting
• Model with clay to make a master designed for mould making and bronze cold casting
• Make a mould box and a silicone rubber mould
• Determine amounts of material needed and test materials for individual projects
• Clean, prepare, band and support moulds for casting
• Use resin, pigments and metal powders to create a bronze cold cast
• Cure, demould, clean and repair cold casts
• Finish castings with patinas, polishing, and surface treatments.
• Use safe working practices for handling, storing and waste disposal

Intended audience

Who is this sculpture course for?

•  Complete beginners curious about modelling, moulding and casting
• Artists, makers and designers wanting to expand their practice
• Anyone seeking hands-on experience in mould-making and cold-casting techniques

Course materials

What we provide:

• Sulphur free water based clay
• Carving tools, small paint brushes
• Modelling boards
• Plastic bags/ glad wrap for covering clay masters
• Plastic containers with lids (I will look for some from recycled sources)
• Platinum cure silicone
• Most materials are provided
• Tutor will advise in class if anything additional is needed

What to bring to class

• Pen/pencil/paper
• Dust mask (P2 or N95)
• Protective eyewear (optional)
• Digital or hardcopy Images, a small object to reference when modelling or ideas about what you want to create

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Closed-in shoes required
• Please wear old clothes or bring an apron