Overview
Learn to Draw Like the Old Masters
Classical Realism, based on Academic drawing, is enjoying a renaissance in North America and in Europe. With its roots in 19th Century Ateliers, the premise of this method is that anyone can learn to draw very well, given an understanding of certain principles of logic, application of skills and guidance from a master.
Classical drawing is built on accurately blocking the form, establishing a light and shadow pattern, and then defining and refining of the subject. The long pose allows extended time to achieve a very high level of finish. Students normally draw with graphite on white paper, or may elect charcoal and chalk on grey paper.
Benefits of Classical Drawing
- As an intermediate to advanced student or artist, take your drawing of figures and portraits to the next level
- Learn about the Classical Atelier method, and master this logical approach to achieve predictable and repeatable results
Sean M.
Classical Realism Atelier Student“I have been taking figure and portrait classes with Mandy now for the last couple of years, since then I have found my skill level and understanding of theory has improved tremendously.
We are so lucky to have a master artist like Mandy in Vancouver, teaching in the classical, atelier tradition. No need to travel to Europe or the states for master level instruction, we now have Mandy!
Learning the time tested classical methods that Mandy teaches with such rigour and passion has taken my art to new levels of skill and creative possibilities.
Mandy is uncompromising in her approach and instruction, simply put, she wants you to be the best artist you can be, by teaching you the Time tested classical method, I have found that my art is reaching new levels of skill, insight and creative possibilities, expression.
If you want to take your art to a higher level, or if like me, you never had the opportunity to receive expert, instruction from a master artist, then Mandy is your person.”
Selected Bibliography
The following is a seleted bibliography from my personal library of over 4,000 books on art. This list will be enlarged over the coming months.
Alla Prima: A Comptemporary Guide to Traditional Direct Painting by Al Gury
Alla Prima: Everything I know about painting by Richard Schmid
The Art Spirit by Robert Henri
The Artists’ Complete Guide to Figure Drawing by Anthony Ryder
The Charles Bargue Course by Gerald Ackerman
Classic Human Anatomy by Valerie Winslow
Classical Drawing Atelier by Juliette Arisitides
Classical Life Drawing Studio by James Lancel McElhinney
Classical Painting Atelier by Juliette Aristides
Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter by James Gurney
Complete Guide to Life Drawing by Gottfried Bammes
Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters by Robert Beverley Hale
Human Anatomy for Artists by Eliot Goldfinger
Lessons in Classical Drawing by Juliette Aristides
Life Drawing by Robert Barrett
Oil Painting Techniques and Materials by Harold Speed
The Practice and Science of Drawing by Harold Speed
Strokes of Genius 1, 2, 3 by Rachel Rubin Wolff
Traditional Oil Painting by Virgil Elliott