The Classical Atelier Program
The Atelier program at Wethersfield Academy for the Arts provides the serious artist-in-training an opportunity to be coached and mentored by a distinguished master artist. Our foundational drawing classes encourages drawing practice, a skill that is to be continuously honed in a lifetime and enhances all other efforts of artmaking.
Registrations for classes requires a yearly membership which covers administration costs. You will receive email updates on our latest offerings. General membership is $30. Student and senior memberships are $25. Family memberships are $60. Registrations can be accomplished online with payment button under each class or you can mail in a check with the registration form here (PDF Registration Form). Deposit/Cancellation Policy at bottom.
Bargue / Cast Drawing
with Veronique Fournier-Wynne
Mondays: 5:30 - 8:30pm 6-weeks ongoing
The Bargue drawing courses are based upon the 19th Century French Academic drawing course by Charles Bargue. French academies used these methods with a focus on shapes, form, line, and values. Students begin with graphite pencil on paper. This is sight·size learning is for the beginner to the advanced student to see more accurately and to practice this technique. The curriculum starts with simple projects and moves progressively onto harder, more complex work. Emphasis is on accuracy and training the eye not to be dependent on grids or tracing. This makes it possible to pursue drawing actively and freely in other areas like portraiture and landscape sketching.
Students then move onto cast drawing (after the 4th Bargue) using the charcoal medium to draw a choice of dimensional casts. The basics of the “block in” will emphasize on accuracy of shape, proportion, and gesture. The modeling stage, in which the forms of the subject are conceived and rendered in an entirely 3-dimensional way is next. We will discuss the fundamentals of light and how it reacts with form and how to depict these events on a 2-dimensional surface. The goal is to complete the cast drawing with a strongly developed sense of depth and realism. These ongoing classes allow students to progress at their own pace in a supportive environment. The classes are also offered in a 6 week session. Please contact the Academy for interest in this. Membership applies to all classes and workshops.
Jump-ins possible.
Fundamentals of Oil Painting
with Veronique Fournier-Wynne
Wednesdays: 6 weeks, 5:00 - 8:00pm
Learn to paint realistically with the oil paint medium. We will look at different techniques from the Renaissance to the 19th Century, including the Flemish technique and the technique of Bouguereau. Working in sight-size and from life, we will examine the process beginning with the preliminary composition on paper in graphite then the transfer to canvas. Discover or review the underpainting by first blocking in the background and working on big shapes. Students will learn how to mix accurate values and colors and how to create a realistic sense of dimensional form. Everyone will work at their own pace, allowing both beginners and experienced painters to join. This class is appropriate for teens through adults.
Portrait Drawing from a Photo
with Veronique Fournier-Wynne
Wednesdays: 6 weeks, 1:30 - 4:30pm
Working from a photo reference of your making, learn to draw the image to perfection using the sight-size method. Concepts covered will be anatomy of the head/face, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, how to start a drawing, creating and developing your construct, achieving a likeness, creating form, and finishing techniques. This is a great class for those who would like to draw more realistically. Any level welcome.
From Memory to Memoir: Writing and Preserving Your Life Story
with Susan Omilian
A 6-week Online Class
Starting Wed., Jan. 27, 2021; 3pm to 4:30pm
Whatever your creative gift or passion, why not tell your story? A book about your life can support your work, embellish your cause, explain your path and celebrate you. You can also turn memories of signifiant events in your life into a memoir for your children and grandchildren. Learn where to start, how to get organized and keep going until you're finished. Get tips on pictures to include and how to self-publish your story. No previous writing experience required. Bring notebook.
Deposit / Cancellation / Refund Policies
Deposits are required for all classes in the amount of half the tuition to secure limited spots. Full payment is due two weeks before the start of the session. All cancellations must be made 2 weeks before the start of a class. We are not responsible for issuing refunds, credits or transfers for classes missed due to illness, emergencies or events beyond our control. If a class is cancelled by us, you will receive a refund.
All requested refunds (within 2 weeks of the start of the class or workshop) from online payments will be returned via check. A 5% refund fee will be subtracted from the amount paid through online payments.