How is this school different than a regular school?
ARA Boston teaches students at their own pace with individualized instruction. We realize that different people have different time constraints. The way the school is set up, it allows for any student, at any skill level, and any schedule to learn to draw and paint at a high technical skill level. The Bargue, Cast and Still Life Track of the program is a consecutive series of assignments that build on each other, and are done using sight-size measuring. The Figure Drawing Track of the program is a similar series of assignments using comparative measuring. Each trimester consists of 2 weeks of short poses with the remainder comprised of one long pose, in combination with anatomy instruction.
How long does it take to finish the whole program?
Everyone works through the assignments at their own pace. Hopefully you understand that the goal of this program is not the paper at the end but the skills you begin building on day 1 of training. On average, a full time 8-10 classes a week student usually wraps up the core assignments in both track 1 and track 2 in 4 years. A part time student who is maybe taking 4 sessions a week, or 2 full days a week, it will take longer. More feedback and more outside-of-class efforts means more progress. Each individual is in control of how long the the program takes to complete. The end of a term does not signal the end of a project. The demonstration of understanding and execution of the skills are the only way to pass onto the next assignment.
Do I have to start with copying Bargues from the flat or can I start on a cast?
While we absolutely believe that working from life is the best way to learn, we feel it's better reserved for the students who at least have a mastery of the basics. Beginning with the bargue and working from the flat, where certain decisions are already made for the student, it allows us to ensure a mastery of certain aspects of drawing including accurate technical drawing, approaching a drawing in stages of complexity, training observation, value, turning form, anatomy, transitions and rendering. As you can see from our student work (link here), our students who begin with bargues have a mastery of these concepts and as a result we can address more advanced topics with their cast work (link here).
We have allowed students who have other atelier training (with evidence of past drawings that meet certain expectations) to begin on a more advanced drawing from the flat for their first assignment, and therefore starting more deeper in the program. Please contact us if you think you qualify, but please make sure you look at our student work to see if your current work is comparable.
Can I start painting right away in the program?
No. However, you can take the evening non-program classes or workshops which offer options for painting. Otherwise you need to progress through the program just like everyone else. We are also happy to discuss projects you can do independently to start painting on your own to prep for when you begin painting in the program.
Can you explain the classes to me?
A "class" is considered a 3-hour block of time. There is a morning session (9:30-12:30), an Afternoon session (1:30-4:30). If you come in for a session, that simply means you are going to work on your current project and have the instructor be available to you for those 3 hours. Our classes are INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION. That means you will have a point in the session in which the instructor is discussing your current project with you. The instructor will give you a visual critique, suggestions, ask you questions about your understanding of the process and confirm what your next steps will be. This is your personal instruction time. You are guaranteed at least one major critique for each class session.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN WEEKDAY FIGURE CLASSES:
You MUST be signed up for an equal number of Bargue classes.
In Person Part time figure classes are on Wednesday and Friday
Full time figure classes are Tuesday and Thursday (no part time students in T and TH classes)
You MUST be signed up for both morning and afternoon classes for each day.
Some students choose to work on their projects outside of class as well, but please consult your instructor before you do so in order for them to give you proper instructions.
How much work is required outside of class?
This is totally up to you! If you want to continue working between classes, please consult with your instructor as to how far you should go on your project.
What if I work during the week and cannot attend day classes?
We offer some evening classes and Figure drawing classes on Saturdays. We also have workshops scheduled during various times of the year. We may also be able to offer private classes upon request for those who have especially challenging schedules.
Do you offer scholarships?
The Academy of Realist Art has an annual scholarship competition for new students. You can find info on the Scholarship page.
Do you help with Visas?
No.
What if I can't even draw a stick figure?!
That doesn't matter! We pride ourselves in be able to teach students of any and all skill levels to draw and paint. Whether you are a practicing professional artist who wants to fine tune your skills, or someone who has never picked up a pencil, we can help you achieve your goals.
How do I apply?
Part time students do not need a formal application. Prospective students can submit an application if they have not discussed registration already with the Assistant Director. You can apply here and we will schedule a time for you come in. Once we meet (or speak on the phone), we will go over your application, take a look at your current portfolio and discuss your goals for attending. If you are accepted, this does not guarantee your spot! Payment is required to hold your spot.
What if I paid for a class or workshop but something comes up and I can not attend?
Please read our registration and cancellation policies before signing up.
