AO
Academy of Realist Art
Mastering classical techniques in a supportive, professional environment for artists of all levels.
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Business
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Mastering classical techniques in a supportive, professional environment for artists of all levels.
The Academy of Realist Art in North York offers comprehensive training in 19th-century European realist art techniques. Following the Charles Bargue Drawing course, the program progresses from charcoal cast drawing to monochrome and full-color oil painting, with life drawing and portrait classes. Highly skilled instructors provide individual, professional guidance in a clean, inspiring studio. Flexible scheduling and a graduated pay scale make this world-class education accessible to students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to experienced artists seeking to refine their craft.
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Foundational training in drawing techniques based on historical methods to build core skills.
Progressive instruction in charcoal cast drawing, monochrome painting, and full-color oil painting.
Sessions with live models to practice figure and portrait drawing in a supportive studio setting.
Specialized workshops, such as Caravaggio painting, offering intensive learning opportunities throughout the year.
Customizable class hours with a graduated pay scale to fit personal schedules and budgets.
One-on-one guidance from professional instructors tailored to each student's progress and goals.
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Overall rating
David Mutton
I have been a student at the academy since 2015. At first I was coming once a week on Saturday. After a couple of years I started coming twice a week. Since the pandemic I have been coming almost everyday. There are many wonderful things about this school: the individual instruction, the variety of classes one can attend and the wonderful people you meet from all walks of life and age groups. But I think the thing that is appealing to most people is the flexible hours and graduated pay scale. You are able to custom tailor your art experience to meet your personal schedule. The pay scale is determined by the number of hours per week and that can be increased or decreased on a month to month basis. I have witnessed so many amazing artists graduate from the program over the years it is awe inspiring. All are welcome and Fernando and Colleen's program works for everyone
Katy Amini
This is the right place for all the artists who want to learn old master techniques and know about painting and drawing , I studied illustration at university and literally couldn’t learn about techniques in this level that ARA teaches to students, also a very beautiful place with genuine instructors. ( People easily can book a tour) I used to love digital painting but by coming to ARA I got the magic & beauty of old master paintings and I believe all types of art students (painters & digital painters, illustrators and etc) need this training. Highly recommended to whoever has passion for art. 3rd level student
Charlotte Anderson
I am a model for the Academy and I’ve loved it more with each year! Fernando, Colleen and Ryan are as delightful as they are professional. And I haven’t even mentioned their level of talent, which is beyond what most can imagine. Staying true to the old masters teaching, this school shows the level of discipline which can liberate the Artist within. Last but not least, keep an eye out for their student, who’s become an instructor (Mariam), as she’s swiftly making a name for herself with her spectacular pieces. Choose the ARA!!!!
Alessandro Shinoda
I’ve been a student at ARA for almost a year now. They teach realist art as it was taught in the 19th century Europe. The program starts based on the Charles Bargue Drawing course, then it gradually moves to cast drawing in charcoal, monochrome oil painting and then full colour oil painting. They also have figure drawing and portrait drawing classes from life models and many workshops throughout the year. The highly skilled instructors teach us in a very professional and supportive way, making us progress so naturally. Every age and skill levels are welcome too. This is the best place in Canada to learn realist art and one of the best in the world. I highly recommend this school.
Lola Baird
Absolutely in love with this place and it's methodology. I've done a number of arts education programs but this one tops them all. It involves one on one training with the kindest most helpful people. Everyone in class is so supportive and focused, from all different backgrounds and ages too! Every day I go in I know I'm going to leave feeling better about my artistic and technical abilities. The hallways are full of inspiring figurative and still life work, very clean and organized as well. I can't recommend this program enough. I started around 3 months ago after attending their Caravaggio painting workshop and I'm hooked. The life drawing classes are wonderful and respectful. Genuinely no bad vibes here.
