Stone Carving Course at Girasol Art Studio - Alicante, Spain - (Mon - Fri)

During this week of specialised tuition you will be guided through the whole process of creating your own, unique stone sculpture. The local L'Amorqui limestone is relatively soft and has a creamy white finish; there is also an option to choose local Amarillo Fossil limestone, Monte Coto marble or soapstone from Zimbabwe depending on your experience and ideas, you will be taught how to work quickly and safely in your chosen stone.

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 course is 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 course. Caron is happy to suggest topics for your carving and there are many sculpture and art reference books available at the studio to help you develop your own ideas. 

After introductions, Caron will demonstrate several carving techniques so that you can explore the variety of surface textures and carving techniques with confidence, you will find examples of her sculptures within the garden and the studio, these pieces act as useful references when discussing carving and finishing techniques. The stone carving courses are attended by international, art enthusiasts who also contribute to the friendly atmosphere so you can expect a warm welcome.

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

• Developing your ideas from sketches, magazine cuttings, photographs or maquettes
• Creating a maquette in clay if required
• Scaling up your drawings or maquettes and guidance on the most appropriate stone
• Selecting your stone, the majority of which come from local quarries
• 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

Workshop Times & Costs

Daily 10 - 17hrs. Lunch/Siesta 13 - 14hr. The sun terraces and outdoor pool are available during lunch.

Cost for this 5 Day Stone Carving Course is 400€. Places are very limited so a deposit is require on booking and full payment is required two months before the course to secure your place.

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 can be locally sourced

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

Direct flight are available from most international airports to Alicante-Elche(ALC) and Corvera-Murcia(RMU) Airports

Airport transfers can be arranged from Alicante 50min, and Corvera-Murcia 1hr 15mins.

A wide range of accommodation is available in Les Encebras village and the surrounding area, the local town of Pinoso is famous for it's wines, almonds, olives and fiestas.

Transporting your Sculpture Home

Small carvings can be transported home in your normal luggage allowance but there are restrictions on size and weight, so please check with your airline before travelling, work can also be shipped throughout Europe .

Larger carvings can be transported home by sea freight for a relatively low price, please consider transport before you get carried away with the scale of your carving.

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

Click here