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Academy of Realist Art Boston
Master classical drawing and painting techniques with Boston's premier realist art atelier.
5(5 reviews)
$$$
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art-schools
art-classes
Comprehensive curriculum in classical drawing and painting techniques, progressing from fundamentals to advanced work.
Live, interactive online classes taught by expert instructors, making art education accessible remotely.
In-person sessions focused on anatomy and figure study under guided instruction.
Specialized workshops on traditional painting methods like glazing and layering.
Courses dedicated to mastering color mixing, harmony, and application in realist art.
Guided studio time for students to work on independent projects with instructor feedback.
Master classical drawing and painting techniques with Boston's premier realist art atelier.
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The Academy of Realist Art Boston is a premier atelier-style art school dedicated to teaching classical drawing and painting techniques. We offer structured curriculum programs, workshops, and online courses for artists of all skill levels—from beginners to BFA graduates seeking to refine their technical abilities. Our expert instructors, many of whom are former students, provide personalized guidance in a supportive community environment. Located in Boston, we blend traditional methods with innovative online learning to make high-quality art education accessible.
The teachers are so knowledgeable, supportive, and generous with their time. From Julie's color classes and study hall for personal projects, to Garret's indirect painting workshops, to John's figure classes, to Eric's online atelier courses, there's a place for everyone. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to be immersed in the technical aspects of drawing and painting, despite being a part time student and working full time. Only wish I had found this amazing school and community sooner!
Enrolling to ARA Boston was a before and after to my life. Great art community and the best instructors in the area. Highly recommended if you're looking to improve your drawing and painting skills.
This place is Boston’s best-kept secret. I earned a BFA from Carnegie Mellon, where the curriculum was highly concept-driven. I graduated with endless ideas for projects, but I still lacked the technical skill to bring them to life on canvas. In the following years, I took a self-guided approach to improvement by following YouTube tutorials and occasionally attending figure drawing classes, but I only got so far. Then I found the Academy of Realist Art Boston. I am not exaggerating when I say my skills improve each day I attend class. The instructors are far and away the best I have ever encountered. Julie, Garrett, Eric, and John are generous instructors who overflow with knowledge and are adept at guiding students of all learning styles and skill levels. If you’re unsure about committing to the full curriculum, start with a workshop and ask any student around you about their experience. We all say the same thing: this place will change your life.
I’m a current student of both the online and in-person program (in the final painting part of the program). All of the teachers are fantastic, I’ve grown SO much through my time with the school. Many of the teachers are former students (including Julie and Eric) and now run the school, so they understand what it’s like to be a student. I really can’t say enough about how fantastic the school is. Genuinely confused about the person who wrote the one star review… 🤔
I *love* ARA Boston's online atelier program. Eric Johnson is a generous and skilled instructor, and I saw my drawing skills improving in mere weeks. Running a full atelier program completely online is both innovative and forward-thinking, and creates academic opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible to many artists.
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