Classical Drawing Courses

For adult students: absolute beginners can start with the Foundational Principles of Classical Drawing, while new students, with some experience, should begin with Cast Drawing.

The foundational Principles of Classical Drawing

This course is the first of two introductory courses and is designed for absolute beginners.

We will start at the beginning and, each week, work through a series of exercises. We will learn line drawing, construction drawing or reducing intricate subjects into basic forms, the different approaches for drawing correct proportions, light and shadow to create the illusion of volume, and perspective to create the illusion of space and depth.

Cast Drawing

It is the second of the two introductory courses and is the mandatory first drawing course for those with some drawing experience.

We will study and copy white plaster replicas of classical sculptures. The aim is to learn how to make accurate drawings and render them to achieve a strong 3-D effect.

Portrait Drawing

Prerequisite: Cast Drawing

This course covers the essentials of a good portrait drawing.

Aided by a replica of a human skull, we will study the facial canons and learn how to sketch the head from any angle. Afterwards, we’ll draw a portrait from a photo or a cast by paying particular attention to construction and rendering.

Figure Drawing

Prerequisite: Cast Drawing

This course explores the complexities of depicting the human form.

We will start by copying a life drawing from the 18th or 19th century (an academic drawing) and then draw from a fine-art photo. We’ll learn the main subcutaneous landmarks and the proportions of the human body, including the differences between those of a man and a woman. We’ll pay particular attention to the line of action, construction and rendering.

Advanced Course - Drawing Hands

Prerequisite: Figure Drawing

For many artists, the hand is the most difficult part of the body to draw. Its complex structure, dexterity and constant visibility make anatomical and proportional errors immediately apparent.

We will study and copy white plaster replicas of hands. We’ll study their three-dimensional structure by breaking it down into simplified geometrical solids, while also focusing on their proportions and anatomy.

Advanced Course - Portrait Drawing

Prerequisite: Portrait Drawing

This course is aimed at those who want to master portrait drawing.

We will draw a self-portrait or a portrait from a live model, paying attention not only to construction but also to artistic anatomy and rendering of each part of the face.

Courses for Teens

Designed for teenagers aged 13 to 16, regardless of their skill level, these courses can also be useful to those who need to submit a portfolio for fine arts and animation programs.

We will start with the basics and, each week, work through a series of exercises. We’ll learn line drawing, construction drawing or reducing intricate subjects into basic forms, the different approaches for drawing correct proportions, light and shadow to create the illusion of volume, and perspective to create the illusion of space and depth. We will explore a variety of subjects, including landscape drawing, portrait drawing, and drawing from a clothed live model.

The exercises will be less rigorous and more discreet than those given to adults. By fostering greater personal creativity, students will learn that drawing is, above all, a skill developed through practice, not an innate gift, and that its main purpose is not to achieve photorealism.

Courses for Kids

Designed for kids aged 9 to 12 accompanied by a parent or guardian, these courses aim not only to foster creativity, but also to teach valuable drawing methods.

We will start with the basics and, each week, work through a series of simple exercises. We’ll learn line drawing, observational drawing or translating accurately real subjects onto paper, construction drawing or reducing intricate subjects into basic forms, the different approaches for drawing correct proportions, light and shadow to create the illusion of volume, and linear perspective to create the illusion of depth.

Throughout this journey, children will explore their creativity while following guidelines derived from the lessons they have learned.