Sculpting Seminar hosted by Cindy Seng
and Bay Creek Ranch
Shawnee National Forest
Simpson, Illinois
Dates of the seminar are June 11-15th, 2007
Price: $400.00 per participant. Other parties accompanying participant but not attending seminar will pay for meals or surcharge depending upon terms of Bay Creek Ranch.
Included: Camping accommodations (one site) which includes all electricity, tether line, fire pit, picnic table and water hookup. Lodge accommodations extra - corral or stalls extra. Please advise as to what your needs are. Ice, firewood and hay are available for purchase from Bay Creek Ranch.
Five days of instruction in Main Lodge from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Included shall be the study of horse anatomy. building the armature. learning the tools of the trade. sculpting a horse fro live model and model horses and literature. Students will work at their own pace, using an oil based clay which is not to be confused with ceramic clay. Students can expect to learn how to measure a horse in simple terms. build an armature. apply clay to the armature in a lifelike way using tools, photos and models. and work on the basics of building a horse through the use of models, instruction, photos, reference materials and videos. Bring your digital camera, we'll work with your photos.
Provided will be basic materials: clay, armature and board. Basic tool list will be provided by instructor, and may cost approximately $20.00 or slightly more per person.
Breakfast each day served at 7:30 a.m., and one barbeque on Thursday night provided by Bay Creek Ranch.
At least one organized trail ride in the Shawnee Forest with certified guide for participants, dependent upon weather.
PURPOSE OF THIS SEMINAR
This seminar is provided to those folks interested in learning the art of sculpture. No previous experience is necessary, just the desire to learn how to sculpt, and how to sculpt the hors in particular. It is a lot easier than you think given the fact that all horses have certain anatomical qualities that you can learn and count on as you progress.
I don't expect anyone to go home with a completed sculpture. This seminar is to get you started and learn about the process that leads to bronze castings. Ceramic sculpture will be covered as well, for those interested in a very inexpensive and rewarding hobby.
My goal in doing this is to have a group of horse lovers who want to have a fun week filled with learning, new friendships and a delightful camping experience in Illinois' premium Shawnee National Forest. The trails are challenging, beautiful and awe-inspiring, and it would be my greatest hope that everyone would go home with a sore butt, tired horse and a new look at the horse in art.
I would encourage everyone to bring any and all artist materials they may have, as we will have opportunity to sketch and paint if time allows.
This is a wonderful opportunity to spend a week with your horse, learning his body while learning a new skill. It has taken me thirty some years to expand upon my early knowledge of sculpting to bring this expertise to you, and I relish the chance to share this with beginners to advanced. I will never be too old to learn--so bring your insights, experience and challenges!
I promise to make this a most enjoyable week for all involved, and thank you for your participation, enthusiasm, and desire to learn!
Cindy Seng
ABOUT THE ARTIST
First and foremost, I am a lover of the horse and art. I have been involved with horses all of my life, and began sculpting at age 22...however, I did not produce my first bronze for several years. Over the course of thirty years I have learned so much from this beautiful animal, the hors, and have tried hard to apply that knowledge to the production of an end result that would not only please me but others as well.
I have had no formal art courses, nor have I had the chance to pursue a degree in any venue. What I have had, however, is a rich variety of learning opportunities including running a farm and taking seminars as I could with the American Academy of Equine Art, usually held at the Kentucky horse Park. I've also been fortunate enough to take two painting seminars under expert instruction in Colorado and Wyoming.
I have been juried into shows such as the annual HTA Art Auction, and have had my work exhibited in Loveland, Colorado, Lexington, Kentucky and New York in juried national exhibits. I have worked at the Collector's Gallery in Lexington, and my newest endeavor is to create and install the life size and a half "Heroes of Freedom" memorial in Gurnee, Illinois. This will be my finest hour, as it represents the fallen young men of our community and I am honored to be a part of this endeavor.
Accomplishments include Best of Shows, Special Excellence Awards and other awards that I am most proud to display--being an artist is a humbling experience, and it tends to make you very proud to just get your work out there and judged against your peers, which is a considerable task given the talent that makes up the equine artist field. Hats off to all who pursue their goal of bringing this magnificent animal to life on canvas or armature!
I fell that I have a natural ability to teach, and in fact would love to share this knowledge that I have with others. It took me a long time to put it all together, so to speak, and although there is no such thing as instant results, I'd just like to help someone else along this path.
In a weeks time, I would hope that you will learn to build a horse from the skeleton up, a tall order! I would also insist that you spend some time with your horse, your friends new and old, and take home with you the best of what this beautiful week can offer.
If you do not have a horse, there will be plenty to work with! I will have my own there, so not to worry if you can't trailer down.
Come play! Hope to see you in June.
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM
Chuck & Linda Kesul
Route 1, Box 189
Simpson, Illinois 62985
(618) 695-2670