Professional Art Academy Program in Austin

Dojo Academy offers classical training with a contemporary perspective — rigorous training in drawing and painting from observation with an emphasis on the figure and portrait as we work from a live model. At Atelier Dojo, we believe that all forms of realism are fundamentally based in the drawing of abstract shapes and patterns. Thus, we embrace the wide spectrum of realist art. We provide the student with training in traditional techniques, working from direct observation so that with time and practice, they will ultimately find their own voice. 

Program OVERVIEW

Dojo Academy’s methods combine constructive and observational drawing techniques fixed in the study of anatomy, all inspired by instruction at L’Ecole des Beaux Arts in 19th century France and ateliers throughout Europe.  These methods infused with techniques honed by our professional working artist instructors make Dojo Academy a rich modern place to study.

Students begin the program using graphite and charcoal drawing from observation, that is, directly from plaster casts of classical sculptures teaching the student how to measure comparatively and block in information efficiently, how to understand the effect of light on form, how to recognize shapes and how to translate them into a pattern of value or light and dark. Students learn to use principles of linear perspective, implement axes of symmetry, break surfaces into planes, measure and use proportions, apply virtual lines of alignment, ultimately to draw and later paint a cast realistically. Cast Drawing/Painting is an excellent exercise for learning to take three dimensional visual information and transfer it to a two dimensional surface. It is a great way to develop one’s eye and learn the skills necessary when encountering more complicated settings with the figure or the portrait.

Another significant component of the academy program is drawing and painting from a live model. In addition to utilizing comparative measurement and linear perspective, and simplifying shape and value, students are introduced to artistic anatomy — focusing on the skeleton and musculature of the human figure in order that they can gain a confidence and competence in articulating the human form in any pose under any lighting scenario. With a knowledge of anatomy and construction, students can apply what they know of the human form to what they see. They are better equipped to draw realistic figures that are proportionately accurate because they understand human proportions and spatial relationships and may ultimately be able to draw from imagination. Upon achieving competence in drawing, students will learn how to apply accurate color using oil paint in the Painting Program.

Program Outline

Requirements

To receive a Dojo Academy Drawing Certificate & Dojo Academy Painting Certificate, student must complete successful passing projects below (satisfactory to rubric)

DRAWING PROGRAM:

• 10 Cast Drawings on white paper: 2 of figure cast (long format); 2 figure cast (short form) and 2 feature cast (short form); 4 mask casts (short form)

• 2 Cast Drawings of mask on toned paper (long format)

• 4 figure drawings (long format) (two white/ two toned)

• 8 figure drawings (short form) (white)

• 4 portrait drawings (long format) (two white/ two toned)

• 8 portrait drawings (short form) (white)

PAINTING PROGRAM:

• 2 full cast paintings in grisaille

• 2 full cast paintings in limited palette

• 2 figure paintings (long format) in grisaille

• 4 figure paintings (short form) sections of figure in limited palette

• 2 figure paintings (long format) in limited palette

• 2 figure paintings (long format) in color

• 4 figure paintings (short form) sections of figure in color

• 2 portrait paintings (long form) in grisaille

• 4 portrait paintings (short form) in limited palette

• 2 portrait paintings (long form) in limited palette

• 4 portrait paintings (short form) in full color

INDEPENDENT PROJECTS (PART OF PAINTING PROGRAM)

• 6 Independent portrait projects or 6 still lives or 3 multiple figure narrative projects— full color

sample SCHEDULEs

For students with time and ambition who are ready to immerse themselves and would like a full academy experience, we recommend taking a full week (5 classes). Students have the option of enrolling in 2, 4 or 5 sessions per week, to accentuate flexibility for individuals. All students must begin with Cast. A student can only enroll in figure if they are taking or have taken Intro; a student can only enroll in Portrait if they are taking or have taken Intro and Figure.

A student can take a set of morning Cast OR afternoon; a set of morning Figure OR afternoon. One set of classes (Cast class or the figure) cannot be split into a morning and afternoon. However a student can take the afternoon Cast and the morning Figure, for example.

Morning classes meet 9:30am - 12:30pm
Afternoon classes meet 1:30pm - 4:30pm

For Students who can commit 5 days:

• Mon am Cast OR Mon pm Cast

• Tues am Long Pose Figure OR Tues pm Multiple Pose Figure

• Wed am Cast OR Wed pm Cast

• Thurs am Long Pose Figure OR Thurs pm Multiple Pose Figure

• Fri am Portrait OR Fri pm Portrait

For students who can commit 4 days:

• Mon am Cast OR Mon pm Cast

• Tues am Long Pose Figure OR Tues pm Multiple Pose Figure

• Wed am Cast OR Wed pm Cast

• Thurs am Long Pose Figure OR Thurs pm Multiple Pose Figure

For students who would like to have a taste of Academy life but can only commit to 2 sessions per week:

• Mon am Cast OR Mon pm Cast

• Wed am Cast OR Wed pm

Ready to take your art to the next level? Contact us to learn more about enrollment and start advancing your skills today!

Instructors