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.
This and other material will be used to introduce drawing concepts and technique. -
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. First the cast is envisaged in geometric form, rendered in precise outline, shadow shapes identified and then it is modeled to give the illusion of three-dimensions. -
Portrait Drawing Module
Students develop proficiency in drawing the human form from life using the sight-size method with particular concern for accuracy in line and form, chiaroscuro, and gesture with an organic unity devoid of superfluous details and lastly rendering the form.
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Florentine Figure Drawing Module
You will have the unique opportunity to learn a classical academic approach to drawing the figure while exploring the timeless beauty of historically significant poses in sculptures around Florence.
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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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Mastercopy Painting Module
Learn how to copy a painting, creating a mastercopy doesn’t only teach you more about the artist himself/herself but also gives crucial lessons in understanding of light, shadow, form and especially colormixing.
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Still Life Painting Module
Students 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. Through this study students learn about the fundamental techniques of painting.
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Portrait Painting Module
Students attempt to master the supreme goal of academic training – painting of the human form.
Building on the successful completion of the previous studies, students complete a strong block-in drawing of the model, transfer it to a panel or canvas, execute bozzetti or color studies, then paint the model in oil paint, first in limited, and then full color palettes over a carefully studied under painting. -
Figure Painting Module
Students attempt to master the supreme goal of academic training – painting of the human form.
Building on the successful completion of the previous studies, students complete a strong block-in drawing of the model, transfer it to a panel or canvas, execute bozzetti or color studies, then 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 director, 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.
