Intense learning for figurative artists

[Sharon Knettell]

For those of you who need to be able to draw the figure exquisitely, your best and most economical bet might be an Atelier. These studio like schools have sprung up all over the US and Europe to counter the lack of really good instruction in figurative studies. Most art schools, even the finest one are sorely lacking in competent figurative instructors and leave students mainly alone in a class to 'express' themselves. That was my experience. There is no substitute for first class drawing instruction. The Chinese schools are extremely rigorous in regard to this. They still use the classical teaching techniques that were abanbdoned in Europe and in the US. As a result the Chinese are cleaning up in the markets that require those skills such as portraiture. I am also stunned by the wonerful work on this site by the Asian artists. Remember today you can email a lot of your work and the Chinese work much, much cheaper.

Here is a link to a site that lists ateliers all over the world. http://www.artrenewal.org/asp/database/atelier_list.asp

[Maxine Schacker]

Check out Max the Mutt Animation School in Toronto. We started as an "atelier," and expanded to become a Career College, registered by the Ministry of Education in Ontario and offering approved diploma programs. We offer a very deep drawing curriculum, and, with the addition of the Concept Arts Diploma, will be adding many figurative and portrait painting classes to those that are already part of our programs..Founded by artists and animators, all programs emphasize classical training before computer (our animation diploma program follows the old Disney and Warner Bros guidelines). Our mandate is to keep tuition affordable- we are considerably less expensive than US schools. Check us out at www.maxthemutt.com. Also, check our thread on the Art Schools and Education forum.

Please feel free to contact me here or at admissions@maxthemutt.com.