Book List

At the Academy of Realist Art, Boston our students and instructors are excited about art! We have an extensive school library available for all students. We also encourage students to read and research outside of class. Some of our favorite standard reference books include:

The Practice and Science of Drawing, Harold Speed
The Human Figure, John H. Vanderpoel
Constructive Anatomy, George B. Bridgman
Human Anatomy for Artists: The Elements of Form, Eliot Goldfinger
Artistic Anatomy, Dr. Paul Richer
Oil Painting Techniques and Materials, Harold Speed
Anatomy Lessons from the Great Masters, Rpbert Beverly Hale

Keep reading.

Saturday Classes

Every Saturday morning from 10am until 5pm, Emmy DeMusis, one of the ARA instructors, teaches two figure drawing classes. The class is filled with students of differing abilities and backgrounds. Some students are just beginning to learn how to block in a figure using our comparative measuring system. While one student, with four years of classical training from the Angel Academy in Florence, comes just to practice honing his draftsmanship skills. If you are interested in joining these Saturday classes get in touch with us soon because the next round of classes starting in April is filling up fast.

Christmas Show Invitation

Student Life: Julie, The new kid in school

This Student Life series of posts will chronicle what the average student experiences at the Academy for Realist Art, Boston. My name is Julie and just a short while ago I moved to Boston, and enrolled at the Academy of Realist Art.

In September, I began taking Bargue drawing classes at the Academy. I started part time with Bargue because I wasn't confident enough in my abilities to tackle the figure right away... plus that pesky WORK gets in the way.

One aspect of the school, that will instantly get you hooked, are the people. I was nervous on my first day, unsure of the kind atmosphere to expect. Should I wear my paint splattered overalls, or an uber chic black turtleneck and black beret? However, the moment I walked through the elevator door, the students and the teachers made me feel welcome, giving me a place where I feel like I belong. I also love the way the academy smells.

Saturday Life drawing classes are a hit!

Saturday, Jan. 29 - Mar. 19th - 10:00-1:00 and 2:00-5:00 p.m. - Instructor Emmy DeMusis

Our new Saturday morning figure drawing class has been so popular that we are adding an afternoon class to our schedule. Class will be mornings 10 - 1 and afternoons 2 - 5. Students will continue working to improve the beginning stages of construction, concentrating on accurately capturing gesture, proportion and body type. Some poses will be extended this session so that some students will be given the opportunity to work longer on some of their drawings. These 8 week sessions will emphasize proficiency in using our step-by-step method beginning with a basic block in, developing the figures specific contour and shadow line and then advancing to beginning rendering of form. Classes will consist of one three hour pose with some continuing for additional weeks. Students will receive individual attention and work at their own pace. New students at all skill levels are welcome. Cost is $300. Space is limited, we have lots of students already registered so call or email immediately to register.

Annual Art Exhibit and Open House

Friday December 10 10:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Please join us for our first annual Art Exhibit/Open House at the Academy. This large exhibit will feature the drawings and paintings of our students and instructors. We have been hard at work preparing for this show. We will be displaying works from plaster casts, still life and figure work. Come for a visit, learn about our program and meet some of our dedicated students. If you are interested in taking classes full or part time you can take this opportunity to have a tour of the school and ask any questions you might have. This is a great way to really understand the program and see the results you can achieve.

Our students come to us with a variety of previous art experience, some have been artists for a while and others are complete beginners. What all students have in common is that they are more skilled at drawing and painting because of their studies. You can master the skills of drawing and painting by enrolling in our ongoing classes. If you are unable to attend the open house and would like a tour of the studio call (617)426-3006 or send an email to ara_boston@academyofrealistart.com.

Ecorche Workshop: Week 2

Last week we solidified our knowledge of the 3 dimensional planes of the muscles and bones of the skull. Week 2 was all about putting that information into use in our drawings. We posed the live portrait model and the skull in the same positions with the same lighting and drew both from life. Andy demonstrated on his own drawing.

Throughout the two weeks Andy gave some great lectures on muscles, bones and facial features.

It was hard to say to goodbye to Andy, he was a great instructor and a lot of fun to have around. When he's back home in California we hope he remembers the beer, oysters and good laughs we had. We're going to try and schedule him to come back! It was a great 2 weeks.