What We Teach

Our teaching is loosely based on 19th century art academy programs, including the classical realist methods we studied and taught in Italy. These technically based courses were meant to train the next generation of professional representational artists to draw and paint at the highest levels. A part-time program like ours calls for a degree of fluidity and flexibility, and so we work closely with, and at the individual pace of each student, all within a very encouraging and supportive group setting. Progression is systematic with fundamentals being introduced using graphite on paper and simple subject matter. This is followed by more intermediate studies in charcoal, a more malleable and versatile medium, that makes an ideal stepping stone to advanced work in oil paint. Mornings are devoted to working from inanimate sources, such as plaster casts and still-life arrangements, while afternoons feature a live model. We recommend signing up for a full day as as the morning and afternoon projects compliment each other well, but half day enrollment is an option.

Please contact us for current information regarding available days.

  • Cast

    Drawing and painting from plaster cast reproductions of sculptures from antiquity to the recent past introduces students to many fundamentals such as: shape design; the understanding and depiction of form; material handling; color mixing and matching; and other key concepts and techniques that will prepare them for more advanced work.

  • Still Life

    Still life painting is where students can truly create art from the ground up. Objects are chosen and arranged for mood or visual interest, or as a way to convey meaning through symbolism or narrative. Color, explored first in cast painting in a limited way, is further expanded upon and new techniques are explored. Students learn to paint various textures, work with perishable items, and bring work to a professional finish.

  • Figure

    Work from the live model has long been a staple of art education with good reason. The successful depiction of people requires dynamic gesture, accurate proportion, and a high degree of rendering, and is one of the most challenging (and rewarding) endeavors in representational art. Our afternoon class offers students experience with both portrait and figure (clothed and nude).