Drawing Excellence and Sequentially Progressive Modules
The Florence Art Studio is a private working Studio offering a program of academic training which is unique in that it is divided into discrete and sequentially progressive intensive modules that can last anywhere from one week to a month or longer.
This intensive program provides students with a disciplined study of the fundamentals of drawing and painting from life. Students work within a structured environment under the guidance of an instructor who personally monitors their progress and development. The student learns how to learn, be patient, disciplined, and objectively self-critical to transform every small obstacle or challenge into a rewarding lesson. As students engage in the program their skills develop, and talent emerges along with personal content and expression.
As each study is the foundation for the next and the inherent principles taught overlap, students can therefore take each part of the program with confidence that their progress from one will continue into the next. In this way, the student’s development is clear and progressive. The program is not a short cut; there are simply no short cuts.
Work progresses at the student’s own pace. In the drawing program, the student copies drawings, draws antique casts, and live models until sufficient skill is developed. Then the cycle for the painting program begins.
The aim of the program is to offer training to any person regardless of their age or previous training, and it is specifically geared towards art enthusiasts for whom art is a passion but is not currently their profession.
The standard day program consists of instruction in the Studio five days a week, Monday through Friday for three hours a day (9am to 12:00pm). The Studio is accessible everyday between 8:30am and 8:00pm. You can return to Florence at your convenience and continue to the next level. The lessons are in English and Italian.
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Bargue Drawing Module
Bargue’s Cours de Dessin is a method to develop rapidly basic drawing skills, uncompromised accuracy and the ability to see geometric and tonal relationships.
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Cast Drawing Module
Cast drawing uses classical sculpture to teach students fundamental skills in preparation for portraiture. Combining the lessons from the previous work, students work under unchanging light conditions using the sight-size method.
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Freehand Cast Drawing Module
Sight-size is a powerful technique but the student needs to be able to work outside the Studio or in situations where the technique cannot be applied.
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Still Life Drawing Module
Still life is an excellent exercise to learn how to draw. The complexity of the composition of the still life is decided after an interview with the students according to their skills and experience.
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Figure Drawing Module
A classical academic approach to drawing the figure. Students will complete a strong block-in drawing of the model, with particular concern for accuracy in line and form.
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Portrait Drawing Module
Giving students a thorough understanding of the process of drawing the live model with sensitivity and accuracy. Students develop proficiency in drawing the portrait form from life using the sight-size method.
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Still Life Painting Module
Create a uniquely individual still life developed in a step by step approach from the selection of material and set-up, through the final painting.
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Figure Painting Module
Students attempt to master the supreme goal of academic training – painting of the human form. A unique opportunity to develop skills under the guidance of an experienced instructor
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Portrait Painting Module
Building on the successful completion of the previous studies, students paint the model in oil paint, first in limited, and then full color palettes over a carefully studied under painting.
How to Enroll.
You start the application process by filling out the form and enclosing a few examples of your work. After review by the Studio, suggestions will be made on a specific program utilizing the instruction modules based upon your current ability and what might be accomplished in your intended time frame to achieve your goals. This is mutually discussed and agreed to before you arrive in the Studio.
