Classical drawing course – foundation level purpose is to develop and enhance hand-eye coordination abilities of the participants through traditional education and exercising by using The Bargue Methode.
The course design is based on techniques and methods, which were developed in French ateliers of the 19th century and later on refined. It is the fastest possible way of learning how to draw on high level.
It is well known, for example, that Vincent van Gogh worked independently through the course more than once (there are many references to the course in The Complete Letters of Vincent van Gogh), and that Picasso studied Bargue plates at the Barcelona Academy.
This programme consists of gradual series of special exercises. Every project is built on the knowledge acquired in the previous lesson. Course starts with specially prepared sketches which give effective information and teach about form, proportion and tonal rendering.
By studying Bargue’s plates, the eye is trained to evaluate measurements and the gaze aims at reaching an objective view. Working with the sight-size technique makes it easier for the student to correct her/his own drawing. Over time, drawing becomes more and more intuitive and you become more confident.
At the same time, the individual strength and artistic interpretation of each participant are encouraged.
VISIT CLASSICAL DRAWING – STUDENTS’ ARTWORKS GALLERY
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation of a master class or course up to 2 weeks before it takes place will be refunded in full.
- Cancellation made at least 10 days before the master class or course starts will be refunded at 50% of the fee paid.
- There is no refund for cancellations made from 10 days before the master class/course begins
- We charge lessons with cancellation less than 24 hours before lesson begins
- If we cancel a class we will either rearrange the class if possible or refund it in full
After finishing Classical drawing course – foundation level you can continue with Advanced Drawing Course.
Difference between academic and modern drawing
Modern drawing classes neglect the organic structure and unity of the model. Students in drawing classes are allowed to draw approximate sections of bodies and to accept multiple test lines and accidents without correcting or erasing them. A persistent modern view holds that there are no mistakes in a work of art. The only criterion is the artist’s intention.
By contrast, a good academic drawing – today as in the 19 century – should be accurate and finished, concerned with organic unity, and devoid of superfluous details.
Careful academic practices not only develop patience but also train the students to see mistakes and correct them.
The human figure is viewed and presented with respect.
Return of traditional academic practices in teaching
Charles Bargue (1826/27-1883), a lithographer and painter.
The teaching of traditional academic practices almost died out between 1880 and 1950, as the number of academically trained instructors gradually diminished.
A Parisian exhibition of students work in 1865 by the Central Union of Applied Arts (8000 drawings and sculptures by students from art departments of 239 public educational institutions) showed very poor work quality.
As an official reaction to the complaints of artists and art critics, the Ministre de L’Éducation Publique formed a committee to review available models.
The demand for better models presented an opportunity for publishing house Goupil &Cie.
Monsieur Charles Bargue, with the association of Monsieur Gerome, member of the Committee, was put in charge of the models creation for those who seriously wish to be artists.
The Bargue-Gerome Drawing Course (Cours de dessin) published by Goupil & Cie is a famous publication of the late 19th century (1860s). Divided into 3 parts, it contains 197 loose-leaf lithographic plates of precise drawings after casts, master drawings and male models, all arranged in a somewhat progressive degree of difficulty.
The course was designed to prepare beginning art students studying these plates to draw from nature, that is, from objects, both natural and man-made, in the real world.
Due to the individual approach of the course, it is possible to join in at any given point.
The course can be attended in a regular setting or an intensive one. We are offering courses throughout the whole year.
