At first I was reluctant to take this intensive course – anticipating that it would demand energy, concentration and would test my ability to follow instructions. It soon became apparent that Philippe has an innate understanding of each student’s character and how best to work with them. He knows how to put us at ease by providing precise instructions supported by insightful explanations and peppered with a great sense of humour.  He raises our power of observation. His patience knows no limits. Be prepared for multiple corrections of your work if needed. This is a necessary part of the learning process.

As others have testified the experience of transforming a block of clay into a sculpture of a human head is thrilling. He transports us from a 2D world to one filled with volume, structure, light and planes. His style of teaching encourages us to truly see what exists around us as opposed to what we want to see. A trip on the metro or a walk down the street observing our fellow citizens will never be the same.

I thank you Philippe for giving us the tools to enter a new dimension on our journey through life.  

While searching on the net, I came across an art course which was perfect for me.  Being 72 years old and without any training but with a great interest for art in general, I was seduced by the description of a sculpture workshop proposed by the artist-sculptor Philippe Coudari established in Verdun.

I was informed up front that this event took place over 3 consecutive days, on weekends, and, that it was not a creative workshop per se, but a theoretical and practical course aimed at transmitting his method for developing a bust from a block of clay.

But what seduced me and attracted me in an irresistible way, and that decided me to take his workshop, was the work he presented in his website. And how much more moving was the discovery of his actual sculptures whether in bronze, acrylic, or plaster, completed or in development. What wonders, among them are his sculptures: the “Crucified” and the “Genocide.” All these creations are scattered in a vast luminous space in the middle of an orgy of plants, each more exotic than the other, and where there are also spaces used by other artists, painters or sculptors.

Mr. Coudari is an exceptional teacher. First of all, he defines what a sculpture is, then, with the help of screen projected images or with the examples of  his work distributed in the workshop, he explains how the different components of a bust are articulated and how a superb face with classical characteristics will emerge from a block of inert clay.

Then begins the project during which, gradually, according to his instructions and thanks to different instruments whose use he explains to us, we cut piece by piece, him on his block of clay and us on ours, until first a skull appears and then slowly the different parts of the face.                                                                                  

Don’t worry if you are having difficulty, he has extraordinary patience and empathy, repeating when necessary, forgotten or misunderstood information or instructions and sometimes refining an unsuccessful action.

In spite of all the difficulties I experienced, and sometimes a certain discouragement, he was attentive, calm and proved to be an exceptional teacher.

One does not become an artist with this workshop. However, one will understand not only all the work that it requires, but also and especially, the moments of doubt and those of great happiness that a true artist, such as Mr. Coudari, can experience in his creative process.

Thank you

Mr. Coudari showed me that the head, however complex it may be, can be carved in clay by anyone using the method he created. With him I discovered that every structure is composed on planes.    I learned how to find them, and how to transpose them onto a mass of clay, thus giving form, volume and light to a work. Philippe has never (believe me!) missed an opportunity to show me how to handle the tools and perfect my technical movements. Having now learned the basics of sculpture with Philippe Coudari, I feel able to move forward and have fun in this creative universe.

I came into this workshop with some limited experience with sculpting the human head, but Philippe was able to take me back to the basics and introduce me to the importance of working with form, volume, structure and anatomy.  This has given my work a new strength and purpose.  I will always have the head which I created in the workshop as a reminder to create with this new way of looking at sculpture.  Working with Philippe in his fabulous studio was very inspiring for me and I am so glad I took this workshop. Thank you Philippe.

It was a pleasure to meet you and learn your techniques for sculpting.
As a potter of functional ware, I have a need to touch and play with clay.  Sculpting is something fun to try and I found that looking at this medium using your techniques of carving and then modelling were instructional and informative. I also enjoyed your sense of humour and fun!! Coffee and lunch in your beautiful and tropical garden were wonderful!
Many thanks for the great weekend course!

This 3 day course helped me a lot as I am studying 3D Character Art, the Coudari Method shows you how to understand and break down the 3D space very well! I recommend it to all 3D artists and anyone who is interested in learning 3D, as this helped simplify and give you techniques you can use to know forever in your work!

I recently discover my passion for sculpting but I was intimidated by the perceived complexity of this art form. M. Coudari’s method to simplify lines and planes gave me a solid base and the confidence to start experimenting with more complex pieces.

My fiance and I are beginners in sculpting and we discovered the class of M. Coudari by internet. We are 100% satisfied with Philippe’s teaching. His method is simple and efficient yet challenging. M.Coudari is always ready to help the students and answer questions. The atmosphere is relax and laid back due to the teacher’s humor. The general principles of the art of sculpting are explained clearly which allows the student to go back home with the necessary tools to begin projects on their own. We recommend this course to anyone interested in sculpting.

Thank you very much for your generosity in your explanations, the notions of structure
and volumes to demystify sculpture in general and your very structured approach of cutting and carving to understand volumes. It was a great experience for me.

This course has been very rewarding and I recommend it to those who want to learn about sculpture. It allows not only to understand the essential notions of structure and plans but also to refine its sense of observation. You will not look at  sculptures the same way after this course!

I want to thank you for an excellent workshop focused on approaching sculpture of the head as a geometric form.
While you used guides to mark off the head into planes there was a constant emphasis that we were developing a way of looking at any part of the body or even an abstract figure.
You demonstrated how planes reflected light and could be used to draw our attention to specific features even after
the planes were rendered less obvious. Your constant reminders that I used good tool technique were needed. I still need practice. I continue to remind myself that I should stand as if practicing Tai Chi, integrating body, tool and vision.

Thank you very much for your skill, patience and the lunches we shared on your rooftop garden.

I loved the course with Philippe. I had no prior experience in drawing or sculpture. I took great pleasure in following Coudari’s method and was very happy with the result of my head!

Phillippe is a talented man, passionate and full of good will. One is lucky to know him. He is committed to every student and goes well beyond the expectations of a teacher.
The success of each participant is not an objective for him, but a mission that he intends to fulfill. Not only will you gain knowledge of the world around you by understanding sculptural forms, but you will learn first and foremost to know yourself. For me, it was a turning point of great value.

I participated in Philippe Coudari’s workshop focused on sculpting a head.
His method is very technical and for this reason students learn to build a solid foundation. This approach respects proportions and will carry over into the student’s future projects.
The studio is very large, clean and bright, this is important to me. Philippe is also a very sympathetic, patient person who transmits his knowledge well.
So I highly recommend this great class! I am looking forward to doing another workshop in the near future!

It was a very nice experience both serious and beneficial. The subject of sculpture is approached from end to end, from the cut, the plans, the very useful notions of anatomy and by a great explanation of the use of tools.
The place is very well equipped, surrounded by plenty of plants; it is a source of inspiration and calm for working on your project.
I recommended this course to people of all levels wishing to deepen and structure their creativity!

A little word to tell you that I loved this sculpture course that I have just done with you. Not only your teaching, but your attention to each participant, is remarkable. I have really enjoyed it.

This was a rewarding course, which enabled me to understand and see volumes, to forget old habits and to let myself be guided.
These three days have been full of valuable learning. My view of things will never be the same.
Philippe thank you for your patience and your humor! It was very pleasant!
I will always remember: firm yet relax.

Mr. Coudari is a “master” in the manner he uses to explain this course. Knowing the art of visual form and color is not given to everyone. But the way he explains it, a simple form becomes a sculpture. Thank you for everything you taught me, it was very interesting and rewarding.

Architecture and sculpture have in common structure, form, light and much more. Thank you to Philippe Coudari for this course which reminds me of the basis of our respective businesses. There is a moment of enormous joy that emerges when the face appears to us, much the same as when architecture reveals all its beauty, its potential , its best!

I wanted to learn the direct carving technique and Coudari’s class gave me a solid foundation. I have deepened my understanding of volume, my sense of observation, symmetry and detail.
I went home with a new knowledge about how to dig into the material and have pleasure in giving it shape. Philippe is a generous and demanding teacher!
I would take the class again.
Thank you!

This note is a warm thank you for the sculpting course I took with you and in which I had the privilege of participating. The course allowed me to better establish my understanding of the structure of a head and to now be able to sculpt using the plane approach.
I greatly appreciated your structured teaching method, which I found quite ingenious. I hope to one day see it in book format!
The passage of time has allowed me to better appreciate and understand at least some of the ideas you wanted to convey to us. I thank you for your kindness and patience which made the course more enjoyable and it is certain that I will recommend this course with great enthusiasm to anyone interested in sculpture.

Any beginner and even amateur sculptors should attend this class. The course is very intensive, very demanding and requires a lot of attention, but you learn a lot.
It shows you not only how to properly use the tools but also how to position your body so as not to tire quickly. It teaches you how to look at your work and that of others. The course does not show just technical elements, it also teaches a way of thinking and understanding sculpture.
After the course you will not see a sculpture in the same way.
I highly recommend it.

This course was for me an intense and rewarding experience. I learned as much about structure, volume and plane as I did about myself and my ability to reach a goal. This course made me reconsider my approach as I no longer see sculpture and sculpting in the same way.
Thanks Philippe for your generosity and your hospitality. You are very observant and you knew how to put me at ease. Even though I’ve only been sculpting for a very short time, I felt accepted within the group… This is an important detail given that we spent three consecutive days together.
Finally, I am well pleased to have come across Philippe, a sculptor who does an impressive job of both teaching and sculpting.

He spoke, on his site, of a course off the beaten track. As a couple intrigued by this we began our adventure from Geneva to Montreal.
Everything started with a visit to the studio of the artist Philippe Coudari. We were immediately engaged in the process. There followed three days of dizzying battle, physical and mental, the nose and face sometimes covered with dust from this raw material to be harnessed under the tutelage of a master. He remained riveted on the purpose of the exercise keeping the students on track, always attentive to the progression of one and all, ready to support our unskilled hands. All the necessary explanations were given throughout the process.  It was a marathon of involvement and concentration.  One could ask where it all would end.  The answer is a new horizon opening toward all the prospects of creation, supported by a strong methodological approach. The icing on the cake? At the end of the course the master, based on the participants’ sketches made at the beginning, showed us in a few strokes how to apply the thinking behind the course.  In doing so he demonstrated the potential of the practical application of what we learned, reinforcing our understanding of the course and reminding us that the foundation is and remains the creative act, even when it is awkward.
So, quite simply, many thanks, Philippe, for this adventure and this great class.  Your approach is truly out of the ordinary and a fundamental key to the understanding of sculpture.

Finally! This course has allowed me to understand the logic of taking material away. Having worked more in my previous classes by modeling, adding material, my attempts to sculpt in wood and stone were not convincing. I have the sincere impression that now I would know how to approach those materials. After taking the class I am able to make a link to previous techniques and concepts. I now understand theoretically and practically, the idea of volume and the structure of the elements of the face through measurements.
I learned to place myself physically in the best position to be able to use tools that I had not often used. The artist’s studio is beautiful, bright, spacious and inspiring.
Philippe as a professor is patient, careful, precise and a rigorous sculptor. His approach and his course are both well thought out and delivered.
Bonus, the musical atmosphere is excellent!

This class is not only good for beginners but is also beneficial for sculptors who want to review and classify their discrete knowledge on form and light in such short period of time. I also learned how to use few sculpting tools and how to plan the portrait base more efficiently and more confidently. Thank you! thank you!

What a great experience!
This studio, luminous and full of works by the artist, was the perfect setting for a beautiful experience. What a surprise to see my block of clay gradually transform into a splendid head! Thank you Philippe for your kindness, your patience, generosity and technical support.
Beyond the techniques, the shared expertise and passion, your teaching sharpened my perception of form, volume, shadow and light. It even enhanced my way of seeing things in three dimensions.

Having made a few non-figurative woodcarvings, this training allowed me to better understand the proportions of a face as well as to improve my sense of observation.
The method is very effective and the result surprising.
I recommend this course to anyone who likes the sculpture even if she has ever made.
It also allows me to better appreciate the works in Gallery and Museum.

After taking Coudari’s sculpture course I not longer see the world in the same way. I had worked with clay in the past but I had never tried to sculpt. What a great discovery! I loved this experience! Coudari shares his passion for sculpture and is expert in guiding each student throughout the workshop. You use ruler and compass, concentrate and listen to anatomical concepts and measurements, execute precise cuts and from a big block of clay, finish with a head…it’s fascinating! I wish I had the opportunity to follow such a course at college. No, I do not see things the same way at all since I took the course with Coudari and this will certainly influence my work in painting.

Après avoir suivi le cours de sculpture de Coudari, je ne vois plus ce qui m’entoure de la même façon. J’avais bien touché à l’argile dans le passé … par le biais de la technique du modelage mais jamais à la sculpture. Quelle belle découverte ! J’ai adoré vivre cette expérience ! Peu importe le parcours de chacun, Coudari partage sa passion pour la sculpture et son savoir-faire en guidant chacun de ses élèves tout au long du projet. Tous à vos règles et à vos compas, concentration et écoute, notions anatomiques et mesures, tracés et coupes franches … partir d’un gros bloc et finir avec une tête … que c’est fascinant ! J’aurais aimé avoir la possibilité de suivre un tel cours à l’Université. Non, je ne vois plus les choses de la même façon depuis que j’ai suivi le cours de Coudari et cela va certainement influencer mon travail en peinture.

I arrived on tiptoe. I left head high. Coudari: what a sculptor, what a teacher, talented and generous. Thank you Philippe!

It’s been several years since I worked in clay by modeling. The course allowed me through Philippe Coudari’s teaching, to change my perspective and work by extracting as if we were carving stone or wood. Now I have a better understanding of shape and volume. The course, which is given in a warm and friendly manner, was for me a unique experience in the wonderful world of sculpture. I highly recommend it!

The course with Philippe Coudari was a great challenge I gave myself. I have always considered myself completely unable to do anything with my hands, I never imagined being able to do what I did. In addition, my sense of observation and my perception of forms improved. This intensive workshop gave me much more than my sculpted head, sitting on my desk.

I am very happy with my intensive sculpting workshop. I had no expectations in particular, only to enjoy myself and spend quality time with my two friends with whom I have taken the course. I am doubly satisfied, because in addition to introducing me to sculpting with a talented teacher, patient and interesting, I had fun. An experience to relive, for sure!

It was an intensive weekend for a first experience in sculpting clay. I am pleasantly surprised by the head I made. I especially thank you Philippe for your patience and sharing your passion. Yes, I would do the whole experience again with pleasure!

I always wanted to try my hand at sculpture but I’ve always hesitated to do so because I’ve never done art. I felt well supported. The atmosphere is relaxed, there is no competition, and I did not feel intimidated by the more experienced participants. The teacher is patient and an educator. I did not expect to be able to do what I have done in a weekend. This course gave me confidence in my ability to succeed in something new. Even my way of looking at things has changed. I so enjoyed the experience that I took the course twice!

The sculpture course we did last week was five stars. I definitely learned more in three days in your course, Philippe, than in both my sculpting sessions in college!

I enjoyed the light environment in which the course is given, surrounded by the works of Philippe Coudari. The course is well structured and well explained. The weekend passed very quickly and I was able to forget about everything else. I am very pleased with my sculpture I admire it everyday, sitting on my mantel.  Since this course I am more aware of what sculpture is. My way to look at one in a museum or in a landscape was enriched, I better appreciate the technical and artistic qualities. I recommend this course to anyone willing to devote the necessary time and energy. Finally the price / quality ratio is very worthwhile.

I enjoyed and learned in this course. I had the satisfaction of succeeding in sculpting a head for the first time, and the new experience of thinking three dimensionally, the feeling of having developed my sense of observation, and using a working method that will go beyond the scope of the course … I also appreciated the teaching skills of Philippe Coudari as well as the generosity and guidance he offers to everyone. The course is given with a smile in an atmosphere both serious and warm. I came out of this class enriched. I recommend it without reservation!

We had a special experience. The approach of Mr. Coudari led us into a world when concepts, properly executed, becomes the tool for the work. He offers an approach that will allow us to put our future ideas and images into sculpture. Coudari, very generous in his explanations, helps us to see the sculpted object as a whole. I can highly recommend this intense experience to all those who seek to understand how to build a beautiful sculpture. To those who want to see what their hands can achieve, this workshop is for you.

This workshop allowed me to have the experience of sculpting a realistic head in clay. Through the sequential process taught in the course I learned the answers to my questions about volume, balance of form, light and shadow.  I enjoyed it reatly!

Cet atelier m’a permis d’expérimenter le modelage d’une tête en argile. En suivant le processus du cours, cet exercice a apporté des réponses tangibles à mon questionnement sur les étapes à franchir en ce qui a trait aux volumes, à l’équilibre des formes, de l’ombre et de la lumière sur l’oeuvre finale. J’ai beaucoup apprécié!

Nous avons vécu une expérience hors du commun. La démarche de M. Coudari nous entraine dans un monde où la technique, lorsque bien exécutée, devient l’outil au service de l’oeuvre. Il nous offre une approche qui nous permettra de mettre en sculpture nos futures idées et images. Coudari, très généreux dans ses explications, nous aide à concevoir l’objet sculpté dans son ensemble. Je ne puis que recommander cette expérience intense à tous ceux qui cherchent à comprendre comment se bâtit une belle sculpture. À ceux qui désirent voir ce que leurs mains peuvent réaliser, cet atelier est pour vous.

J’ai beaucoup aimé et appris dans ce cours. Comme par exemple la satisfaction de réussir le défi de sculpter une tête pour la première fois, l’expérience nouvelle de penser en trois dimensions, le sentiment d’avoir développé mon sens de l’observation, et la pratique d’une méthode de travail qui dépasse le cadre du cours… J’ai également apprécié les qualités de pédagogue de Philippe Coudari, sa générosité, et l’encadrement qu’il offre à chacun. Le cours est donné avec le sourire, dans une ambiance à la fois sérieuse et chaleureuse. Je suis sorti de ce stage enrichi. Je le recommande sans réserve!

J’ai apprécié l’environnement lumineux dans lequel le cours est donné, entouré des oeuvres de Philippe Coudari. Le cours est bien structuré et bien expliqué. Le week-end a passé très vite et j’ai décroché de mon quotidien. Je suis très satisfaite de ma sculpture que j’admire tous les jours, posée au-dessus de mon foyer! Depuis ce cours je suis davantage consciente de ce que représente la sculpture. Ma façon d’en voir une dans un musée ou dans un paysage s’est enrichie, j’apprécie mieux la technique et les qualités artistiques. Je recommande ce cours à quiconque est prêt à y consacrer le temps et l’énergie nécessaires. Enfin le rapport qualité/prix est très intéressant.

Le cours de sculpture que nous avons fait la semaine dernière était cinq étoiles. J’en ai appris définitivement plus en trois jours dans ton cours, Philippe, que dans mes deux sessions de sculpture au Collège !

J’ai toujours voulu m’essayer à la sculpture mais j’ai toujours hésité à le faire parce que je n’ai jamais fait d’art. Je me suis sentie bien supportée. L’ambiance est détendue, il n’y a pas de compétitivité, et je ne me sentais pas intimidée par les autres participants plus expérimentés. Le professeur est patient et pédagogue. Je ne m’attendais pas à être capable de faire ce que j’ai fait en une fin de semaine. Ce cours m’a donné confiance dans ma capacité à réussir dans quelque chose de nouveau. Même ma façon de regarder les choses a changé. J’ai tellement aimé l’expérience que j’ai suivi le cours deux fois!

Fin de semaine intensive, pour une première expérience de sculpture sur bloc d’argile. Je suis agréablement surprise de la tête faite. Un merci tout spécial  Philippe pour ta patience et le partage de ta passion. Oui, ce sera à refaire avec plaisir !

Je suis très contente de mon week-end de sculpture intensif. Je n’avais aucune attente en particulier, si ce n’est de me faire plaisir et de passer du bon temps avec mes deux amis avec qui j’ai pris le cours. Je suis doublement satisfaite, car en plus de m’initier à la sculpture avec un professeur talentueux, patient et intéressant, j’ai eu bien du plaisir. Une expérience à revivre, c’est certain!

Le cours avec Philippe Coudari a été un grand défi que je me suis lancée. M’ayant toujours considérée totalement incapable de faire quoi que ce soit avec mes mains, je n’aurais jamais imaginé être capable de faire ce que j’ai fait. En plus, mon sens de l’observation et ma perception des formes se sont développés. Cette fin de semaine intensive m’a donné beaucoup plus que ma belle tête en terre, posée sur mon bureau