Clay Animal Workshop with James Ort

$425.00 inc GST

2nd October 2026

10am – 4.30pm

 

Wall-mounted animal portrait heads with James Ort

Spend a day with international artist James Ort, learning how to make clay animal portraits using a contemporary technique that is loose, expressive and breaks all the rules!  The course is great for beginners and experienced artists alike.

Make the head of any animal of your choice be it mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian! You will make an armature and then be adding clay by breaking down the head into key muscle groups and shapes.

2 in stock

James has been teaching this popular course for many years now.  He specialises in a form of contemporary clay modelling which pushes clay to its limits. The technique is fast, easy to learn and with it comes life, energy and grace to the creations. 

James will offer a series of demonstrations that show you the key stages and principles of the technique. The rest of the time will be spent making your own pieces with James’ guidance and support every step of the way.  As this is only a one-day workshop and your work won’t have been fired or be ready to glaze, but James will demonstrate how he uses oxides and underglazes, which will assist you in finishing your pieces when they are ready.

Once you have booked, you will need to decide on what animal you wish to make. You should prepare some photos of your chosen animal to assist you with the sculpture on the day (James will provide notes and guidance on how to do this). 

Work can be taken home raw, or we can bisque fire it for you. If you do not have access to glazes, we can chat about using the MUDDLE studio to finish your work.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:​
All materials and equipment; as well as lunch & refreshments.
Tutor
James Ort

James Ort is an internationally renowned accomplished wildlife artist and international tutor with a lifelong passion for animals and art. Inspired by his late grandfather, renowned Ladybird Children’s Book illustrator Brian Price Thomas, James has channelled his love of wildlife into sculpture and ceramics.

In addition to his work as an artist, James has managed Phoenix Studio in Oxfordshire for nearly 15 years. James spent many years working in conservation continues to draw inspiration from the natural world. https://www.jamesort.co.uk/

Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend your booked workshop please notify us as soon as possible.

If we are able to find someone to take your place in the workshop you will be refunded 90% of the workshop fee. If we are unable to find someone to take your place in the workshop you will be refunded 50% of the workshop fee.

No refund will be given if you cancel within 7 days of the workshop date.

If you have already attended part of the workshop, no refund is given for the remaining sessions/days.

If the workshop is cancelled by MUDDLE Ceramics Workshop then you will be refunded in full.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, unfortunately if it says that it is sold out on the website, it is indeed sold out and we can’t fit any more people in, we’re sorry.

SOON? Yes! There’s always more in the works. To find out when new dates get announced please sign up for our newsletter.

We get asked a lot if we offer a firing service, and unfortunately, we don’t. The only place we know of in Hobart that has a kiln hire/firing service is Derwent Ceramics in Moonah.

Our wheels are all in use for our classes, so we’re sorry but we are unable to offer any of our pottery wheels for hire. The same goes for all of our other equipment and tools.

We don’t have Gift Vouchers available to purchase, we’re sorry.

We sure do! Please contact us here

We don’t, we’re sorry. If you like more information about our private workshops please contact us here.