Weekly Stone Carving Classes at Girasol Art Studio - Alicante, Spain

Weekly Stone Carving Classes are available throughout the year on Wednesdays, 10am - 1pm

These classes allow you to develop your art skills in a friendly atmosphere in the beautiful mountains near Alicante in southern Spain. Through demonstrations, discussions and practical experience you will be guided through the process of carving your own stone sculpture using local L'Amorqui limestone; you will be taught how to work quickly in this relatively soft limestone which has a soft, white finish. There is also an option to choose local Amarillo Fossil limestone, Monte Coto marble or soapstone from Zimbabwe.

Your tutor Caron O'Rourke is an experienced sculptor with 30yrs experience of stone carving and leading art courses for adults, in her classes you will receive sound tuition and have fun throughout the year; there are limited places in each class so that you will receive plenty of individual guidance and have time to get to know Caron and your fellow art enthusiasts. These classes are suitable for the complete beginner or experienced artists who want to extend their skills in a new media. The classes are very flexible to allow everyone to work at their own pace and enjoy this experience, working under the shaded, carving areas you can also enjoy the fantastic scenery while you create your sculptures.

If you have ideas for your carving, please bring drawings, photographs or maquettes to help you to make the most of the class. Caron is happy to suggest subjects for your carving and there are many sculpture and art reference books available at the studio to help you develop your own ideas. 

During the classes you will have instruction in the following stone carving techniques:

• Developing your ideas from sketches, magazine cuttings, photographs or maquettes
• Scaling up your drawings or maquettes and guidance on the most appropriate stone
• Purchase your stone, the majority of which come from local quarries. Approximate costs Limestone 3Euros/Kg and Serpentine 4Euros/Kg
• Blocking out the basic shape using hand tools
• Hand carving techniques using a range of chisels to explore mark making
• Exploring finishing techniques using hand files, abrasive stones and polishing pads

Costs

Each 3hr. class costs 18€

Weekly Classes include: Tuition, tools, individual and group discussions on techniques and refreshments. We recommend approximately six classes to create a sizable, unique carving for your home or garden, but it is possible to create a sculpture in serpentine stone in less time.  

What to bring

• Apron or overalls
• Gloves
• Covered, sturdy footware
• Note book / ideas / maquette
• Camera
• Cardboard / plastic box & packing materials to protect your work on your way home

We have a good stock of hand carving and small power tools but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

Travel Information

All the classes are held at Caron's private studio in Les Encebras, Pinoso, Alicante with easy access off the CV83 Pinoso to Monovar road, here is plenty of free, car parking available. Girasol Art Studio is located at Calle Collado, 100, Les Enzebres, Pinoso, 03650 Alicante. GPS 38°23'33.2"N 0°59'07.6"W

To buy unique artwork, arrange your own commission or book onto one of the courses contact Caron directly:

Click here