The formal study of drawing and painting serves as background for later training in many fields, including engineering, scientific field work, fashion, illustration, architecture, advertising, publishing and the fine arts. Best of all, drawing can be pursued as an end in itself, providing the individual with a lifetime of opportunities for creative expression.

The Academy's courses presume the student is practicing art for the sheer love it, and not necessarily as a life-long pursuit or career. Drawing and painting are fun. They are exciting activities that involve discovery and creativity. Yet drawing and painting entail complex motor and mental skills.

We present art classes in a fun and informal way, but the content is sophisticated. We do not rely on short-cut formulas or stylized gimmicks; rather, we pursue learning the old-fashioned way-- through careful and patient study and practice.

The Schwabe Method used in our courses stresses both theory and practice. Theory includes the study of time-honored principles of composition, chiaroscuro and perspective, color theory, the grey scale and the study of how we see and interpret the world. Through practice, the student applies theoretical knowledge to technical problems while learning to use and maintain diverse tools and materials. Key moments in art history are touched upon as well.

The Academy encourages peer-to-peer collaboration rather than competitiveness; we focus on the student's own sense of fulfillment as he or she progressively refines many subtle sensibilities and skills.

All courses are equally accessible to the beginner, experienced amateur and professional. The student is exposed to a broad learning experience that includes:

• a technical vocabulary
• the use of specialized tools
• critical observation skills
• familiarity with the time-honored theories, methods and techniques of any medium
• an appreciation for art in a historical sense
• an awareness of one's own strengths among skilled peers

We offer two study options to students of all ages. We strongly recommend that a student first pursue Program I, earning our Certificate in Classical Studio Training and then, thereafter, continue studies under Program II: Studio Track.

Program I: Certificate in Classical Studio Training

Academy students continue to garner great acclaim at local, regional and national levels. Even for those now painting, this success is largely brought about by our art classes in fine drawing.