Lecture Series
We thank you for your interest in The Academy of Fine Art.
We are an approved academy through the Art Renewal Center.
Our Mission: The Academy of Fine Art is dedicated to providing Artists of all abilities the opportunity to improve their painting, drawing, and sculpting skills through time tested exercises with a professional faculty.
The Mill Art Center and Academy are always open during Academy classes, and because it also houses Molly Johnson’s studio, she is often there painting and would love to give you a tour. Please contact Molly for availability.
molly@mollyjohnsonstudio.com
To view the FOX11 news clips from Spring of 2012, click here:
http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/good_day_wi/local-artist-transforms-old-feed-mill
Academy Class Schedule for 2012-2013 school year:
Tuesdays 1-4pm, Wednesdays 1-4pm, Thursdays 1-4pm, Fridays 9-4pm.
The Academy of Fine Art and The Mill Art Center are closed on Sunday and Monday.
Evening Studio Students may attend Monday-Friday evenings until 9 pm and All day Saturdays. Critiques are on Wednesday evenings.
**Monday evening Portrait Sessions are open to the public and are uninstructed, 6-9pm, 3 hour sessions with a clothed model, $10 a night, $5 for students currently enrolled at The Academy, high school and college. No reservation needed, but easels and benches are limited. Only Gamsol may be used to clean brushes. Check the website calendar for updates and cancellations.
Portrait Class
For the latest news about The Academy, visit the Academy Blog.
For information on the SUMMER INTENSIVE Classes click here
supply list for summer intensives 2013
The Academy of Fine Art Fosters High Standards
The Academy features an intensive curriculum devoted to drawing and painting. In preparation for careers as practicing professional artists, the students are taught the classical techniques and methods introduced and perfected by the Masters.
Recognized for its dedication to the highest standards and techniques, the Academy’s curriculum fosters a spirit of creativity grounded in discipline. Throughout their course of study, students are assessed on their individual progress. Year round programs include an academic year-based academy, as well as a summer session and workshops.
The Academy of Fine Art is founded on the principle of offering interested students a program and environment in which they can learn, practice and develop their skills.
The Academy strives for excellence by demanding the best from its students and teaching staff.
For Information on the fall Sculpture Class
click here Sculpture Class registration.
Sculpture class
STATEMENT ON THE ACADEMY’S EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
Who do we train? -Â Artists of all skill levels, beginner to advanced.
How do we train Artist’s? - Through a very specific and rigorous linear curriculum. (Available upon request)) Artists may train at The Academy on a Full-Time or Part-Time basis.
What is the curriculum, and what is it based on? - The curriculum occurs via the artist’s matriculation through five phases. These phases are: Foundation, Still Life, Portraiture, Life Room Study (which includes Watercolor), and Sculpture. The specific exercises that constitute each phase, build upon one another and have been selected for their proven success over time, which is in some cases centuries long.
What is the essence of what is being taught? - First and foremost, The Academy is charged with developing and improving a artist’s visual acuity. Additionally, we teach craftsmanlike mechanics for the mediums of charcoal, watercolor, and oil paint, as well as water based and oil based clay in the case of sculpture. Throughout an artist’s tenure at The Academy, we also make conscious to the artist, the importance of the Principles and Elements of Design and Composition. This aspect of picture making is within the fabric of each and every exercise that the artist is engaged in the during their progression through the curriculum.
Does The Academy teach a ‘style’? - No it does not. That said, we do base our visual assessment on the fidelity to representation, which becomes the benchmark for all to objectively gauge progress. The Academy is dogma free in it’s position on style and subject preferences.
Which technique does The Academy use when oil painting? - The Direct Method, which is neither ‘Alla-Prima’ nor is it a ‘Grisaille Underpaint/Glaze’ method. The Direct Method is what will be used when working on curriculum projects.
When can an artist commence the curriculum? - At any time during the year. The artist is approached each day by the instructor with full consciousness as to the artist’s current level of skill and linear position in the curriculum.
Who are the faculty members and how were they selected to be instructors at The Academy? - Instructors are selected for their teaching abilities and their knowledge, and additionally on their abilities as a practicing artist. Our instructors come from various locations throughout the State of Wisconsin.
Why are there so many faculty members? - To ensure that a broad point of view is being presented on each aspect of The Academy’s curriculum. Also, to make certain that resonance occurs between the many faculty and artists participating in the dialog required for advancement and learning.
How will an artist be taught at The Academy? - Artists will engage with instructors on a one to one basis for critical judgement of their work. Occasionally, group critiques and group witnessed demonstrations (both ‘working’ and ‘audienced’) will occur pending appropriateness to the individual and the artist body as a whole.
What is The Academy’s objective/mission? - Improvement. Regardless of how long an artist comes to train at The Academy, he/she should expect improvement. Of course, the longer the artist’s tenure at The Academy the greater the improvement that can be expected.
CRAIG BLIETZ
THE ACADEMY OF FINE ART
DENMARK, WISCONSIN
JANUARY 5, 2012
