In the Studios of the French Academies

Want to learn the techniques of French Academic painting but can’t make it to a workshop or can’t afford to attend in person? We have the next best thing! Learn anywhere with our instructional video, where principal instructor Fernando Freitas takes you through a step-by-step process of the stages of painting in the tradition of the French Academic ateliers.

Starting with the imprematura, the drawing stage, dead colour, first painting, then finally second painting, students will gain a greater understanding of oil painting based on old master techniques. A thorough explanation of lean to fat or fat over lean, the tools and materials, and paint application are covered as well as proportion, values, chroma, and edges.

Working from a selected study, students learn the specific step-by-step process to achieve an exact copy, as well as gain a clear understanding of the principles of oil painting, and the best techniques and materials to use. This workshop is suitable for all levels of experience. Students will choose from images provided. Each student will take home their own master copy as well as the step-by-step knowledge of the process.

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About ARA Workshops

Each participant gets lots of one-on-one attention from our superb instructors. ARA instructors teach year round so, unlike many artists who offer summer/holiday workshops our instructors are professional teachers as well as successful award-winning artists. Whether you are an award-winning experienced artist or have never painted before, our instructors will tailor to your skill level.

Workshops at our physical location start at 10 am and end at 4 pm each day.

If you have any questions or are having trouble with online registration, please contact us.

All participants will be required to follow our studio policies in effect to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

MASKS AND HAND HYGIENE ON ARRIVAL

On entering the Columbus Centre, please use the hand sanitization stations in the lobby and elevator. Upon arriving on the 3rd floor, all arriving students are also expected to wash their hands in one of the sinks in the Figure and Workshop rooms.

Students and instructors are expected to wear masks at all times.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING

All horses and easels will be taped and placed 6 feet apart to ensure enough distance between you and your neighbours. These are not to be moved. Instructors will wear masks at all times and practice social distancing while instructing.

SANITIZATION STATIONS AND COMMON AREAS

Frequent hand sanitization throughout your time in the school is asked. Sanitization stations are located outside of each studio. The lunch room will not be available, so please plan accordingly and follow social distancing rules during breaks.

We ask that any students who are feeling unwell or who have had recent close contact with a confirmed case, please stay home and self-isolate. Contact us before your workshop starts and we will issue a refund or apply your deposit to future workshop.

Out-of-town?

Please note the travel restrictions that are in place during the pandemic, and respect required 14-day quarantine periods if you have traveled recently. If you are coming from out of town and need local accommodations, click here to see our list of inexpensive places to stay near the Academy.

Can’t make it this time?

We offer our workshops on a regular basis. Sign up for regular email workshop updates on our homepage.

Where to buy art supplies?

Click here for a list of local art supply stores.

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Materials List

In The Studios of The Old Masters – Fernando Freitas 

OIL COLOURS:

• Titanium White, Lead White
• Cad Yellow Med
• Ivory Black or lamp black
• Raw Umber
• Red Umber
• Cad Red Med
• Burnt Umber
• Cad Orange
• Yellow Ochre light or Pale
• Earth Red: (Venetian, Persian, or, Indian red)
• Ultramarine Blue
• Alizarian crimson

Note: Purchase only Artist Grade paints.  Do not use Winton or water soluable paints.

SOLVENT:

• Oldorless mineral spirits (GamSol).  Turpentine is NOT permitted in the studio

CANVAS:

• Prepared acrylic canvas 2 – 18 x 24, and 1 – 20 x 30

MEDIUMS:

• Linseed oil.  Damar varnish is NOT permitted in the studio.

TOOLS:

• Palette (Select one of the following) Glass or Wood – must be sealed Paper (Grey Matters)
• 2 Palette knives; long blades
• 2 Medium cups
• 2 Small jars for cleaning brushes
• Mahl stick (a ½ inch diameter dowel approximately 30 inches)
• Rags or paper towels or shop towels
• Knitting needle

BRUSHES:

• Bristle – natural or synthetic filbert 3 to 5 brushes from small to medium widths
• Soft hair – natural or synthetic filbert 10 to 20 brushes from small to medium to large widths.
• You will also require 3 to 5 liner brushes.   No flats or round brushes.

Note:  Brush sizes vary widely between manufacturers.  A #6 from one manufacturer may be the same size as another’s #10.