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.

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

Workshop hours

Most workshops are scheduled five days per week, Monday to Friday, with weekends free (unless otherwise noted). The hours are usually 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but will occasionally go to 5:00 p.m.

Out-of-town?

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.

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.