This program is designed for those students who are interested to learn the skill of how to draw and paint realism, following a curriculum as used by the 19th century French Academies. In recent years this approach is being revived and now it is being used by various Art schools in Europe and US. In order to be able to join these sessions the student must be ready to seriously commit to regularly practice and to dedicate a number of hours per week to practice and work on various projects.
The learning process is based upon accumulative learning where students tackle subjects of increasing complexity as they progress.
The aim is to the develop a high level of accuracy and proficiency in both drawing and painting techniques as well as developing a keen eye for observation and painting from memory. The major part of the program follows a structure used by Art institutions around the world approved by the Art Renewal Centre.
Who is eligible to join?
Anyone that is interested to develop a good skill and craftsmanship in drawing and painting using traditional methods. Unlike popular belief learning how to draw and paint in a structured manner does not limit you to draw or paint in one style and does not hinder your creativity. It is actually the opposite because once you know the basics you are free to use the acquired skills to develop your own style and to be free and ready to draw and paint anything that you want.
What you learn?
Drawing and painting techniques as used by master artists from the Renaissance
Monochromatic painting (value studies)
How to construct a painting in stages
How to see, apply color and how to mix color as paint
Use of brushwork
Use of oil painting media
Techniques such as imprimatura, grisaille, glazing, scumbling, composition, indirect painting, Alla prima
What are the subjects you learn?
Students will be given subjects carefully selected by the tutor to tackle various problems and techniques. There is a core training schedule that every student needs to follow and master in order to progress. However there are no time frames and everyone is free to take own time, however regular practice is encouraged in order to achieve the desired results. Besides the core training there are a number of other activities that need to be taken which includes attending a number of life model drawing sessions (Please click here) and supplementary Mastercopy projects where students will be encouraged to paint copies of other master paintings. The focus of this training is on th human figure and still life objects, this the training will include some human anatomical studies and nudity.
Training schedule The core training schedule starts from copying simple line drawings from two dimensional media to acquire basic observational skills and proportions,
Part 1. Sight size Bargue drawings This first part can be partly done in the studio and home. This level is divided into three stages mainly focusing on drawing. By the end of this level you should gain enough skill to become a competent amateur that can confidently draw. The aim of this level is to teach you how to observe and judge line, form, tone and measuring accurate proportions. Stage 1 you will be drawing from the flat using Bargue's lithographs to draw the human form. Stage 2 is focused of tonal value and form using more complex lithographs Stage 3 Drawing in full tonal range using graphite and charcoal It is required from you to complete two very good quality fully rendered drawings in graphite at each stage before you progress to the next level.
Price: AU$ 200 including 3 studio sessions (9 hrs) booked by appointment and continuous online support. For the studio sessions you will be joining one of my group class sessions. There is no time-frame to finish however it is suggested that you dedicate a number of hours weekly of practice done in the comfort of your home are recommended.
Part 2. Sight size Cast drawing From the two dimensional media as source of reference we will now move to cast drawing. During this stage we will tackle value using charcoal. By the end of this part of the training students will need to finish different cast drawing in both graphite and charcoal as a requirement to progress to the next level. Casts can be hired to be used at home. 75% of the hire fees are refundable when cast is returned.
Part 3. Sight size Cast painting Using the same approach as learned during the initial two stages we will now move into painting with oils. Starting from using only one coloured pigment students will start learning how to use paint using more complex casts as reference. We will start from a monochomatic painting of the cast without using white paint to control value. The same cast is then painted using a grey scale. Students will then be introduced to the limited palette and the Munsell system of colour and asked to paint a number of colour studies that will help them to understand colour. The cast will then be painted using a limited colour palette.
Price: AU$ 350 including 5 studio sessions (15 hrs) booked by appointment and ongoing online support and critique. For the studio sessions you will be joining one of my group sessions. Reference materials will also be provided when needed. There is no time-frame to finish however it is suggested that you dedicate a number of hours weekly of practice done in the comfort of your home are recommended.
Part 4. Still life Painting During the early stages of this part of the study students will continue to paint a number of small colour studies of simple objects from life of various surface texture and reflectance. By the end of this part students will be required to complete 3 different studies as directed by the tutor and 1 project chosen by themselves that will demonstrate their ability in composition. The 3 studies will tackle three major issues: 1. High contrast light and dark 2. Perishable objects (fruits, vegetables, flowers) 3. A complex still life with various objects of different shapes and textures.
Price: AU$ 1000 including 10 studio sessions of one-on-one support. Reference materials including still life props will be supplied when needed. You will also have continuous online support when working at home. Payments can also be done in smaller bundles.
Materials Needed for Classes Please note that the fees do not include any materials needed, hence these need to be bought by yourself. Owning your own art materials is important in arts since you will need to practice outside the class in order to progress and become proficient in your skill.
You do not need to buy everything at one go but only as one progresses. Students who are going to start painting will need to buy their own basic set of paints but after we discuss to decide about your needs.