A 3D, Hands-On Exploration of the Human Form
Open to Artists, Students, and Curious Learners Alike!
5 Days | 6 Hours of Instruction Daily
Monday, July 28th – Friday, August 1st | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Total Instruction Time: 30 Hours
Minimum 4 | Maximum 12 students | Registered 1/12
Hosted at a Private Residence in Oakdale, Minnesota, 55182 (Students will receive address upon Registration)
With Gabrielle Trom — Director of Sculpture at the Academy of Fine Art Germany
What is Écorché?
Écorché (ē-kɔr-SHAY) (French for “flayed”) is a classical technique used since the Renaissance to train artists in anatomical accuracy. It provides insight into how the skeleton supports and shapes the muscles — and how both inform dynamic, believable art.
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This immersive, five-day workshop guides you through building a 15-inch human figure from the inside out. Using a classical écorché method, participants sculpt bones and muscles on a wire armature, gaining anatomical insight through touch, form, and observation.
Who Can Attend?
This course is designed for ages 14 and up.
Children under 14 are welcome with an adult actively participating alongside them.
While originally designed for visual artists, this workshop is also a fun, tactile, and eye-opening introduction to human anatomy for:
Aspiring and professional artists
Science-minded students
Parents & teens learning together
Anyone who learns best by doing
No prior experience in drawing, sculpture, or anatomy is required — just bring your curiosity and focus!
What You’ll Do Each Day:
Monday–Tuesday: Build the Skeleton
Learn major bone groups and body proportions
Sculpt the skeleton in 3D using clay, sculpture templates, and reference materials
Wednesday–Thursday: Add the Muscles (One Side Only)
Apply muscle groups in layers
Learn where they attach and how they move
Friday: Refine & Finish
Detail your sculpture with instructor guidance
Understand anatomical relationships and forms
Optional finishing touches
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Included with Enrollment:
15” pre-constructed armature
Oil-based clay
Instructor guidance throughout the process
Available for use during workshop:
Sculpture templates
Step-by-Step Process Videos
Reference handouts
Basic Sculpting Tools
Cost:
$300 per student
+ $80 materials fee (includes clay, armature, and use of tools)
— If students decide not to keep their Écorché at the end of the course, they can leave their project to be recycled and receive a partial reimbursement of $40.
Students are recommended to download and purchase the full version of one of these 2 apps:
3D Anatomy for the Artist: https://www.anatomyfortheartist.com/
Anatomy 3D Atlas: https://anatomy3datlas.com/
Each of these apps are free to download and have some access to basic content, but the full versions are well worth the investment for anyone interested in continuing their anatomy studies.
Materials to bring:
Device for viewing 3D references from anatomy apps
Ruler
Tracing Paper
Colored Pens or Pencils
Pencil
Small Knife
Small Spackling Spatula (approximately 2”)
Notebook
Who is your instructor?
Gabrielle Trom — Director of Sculpture at the Academy of Fine Art Germany
Midwest-raised artist Gabrielle Trom's creative journey spans watercolor training in Minnesota, sculpture studies in Barcelona, and notable achievements: winning the McDermott Miller competition (2019), Dexter Jones Award Residency at Chesterwood (2021), Honorable Mention at Figurativas (“Puppeteer (Goliat)”) displayed at the Museu Europeu d’Art Modern (2021), Benjamin Victor studios PIP Award, and most recently exhibiting in FACE 2025 with the Society of Portrait Sculptors in London. Despite pandemic challenges, she taught and competed, leaving her mark on both sides of the Atlantic. She has taught figurative sculpture since 2019, and taught Écorché sculpting since 2020. Trom designed and launched the state-accredited sculpture program at the Academy of Fine Art Germany in 2023 where she teaches Sculpture, Drawing, Materials Science, and Écorché courses.
