BSOFA Classical Art Curriculum
2025 Course of Study
The Boulder School of Fine Art's program of classical art instruction teaches art students drawing and painting techiques by training their ability to observe nature and light and then render what they see with realism and personal style. The methods used are based on classical techniques practiced by the old masters but modified to be approachable and useful to artists of today. Students decide how many classes they wish to attend a week and can choose from weekday, weekend and evening classes to fit their schedules.
Students learn how to draw through a series of projects and how to paint by introductory painting projects and later through still life, master copies and painting the figure and portrait from life. Students are taught several ways to observe and draw accurately what they see by sight size, comparison measurement and careful observation. Teachers help students analyze and assess their work and point out the big and small changes necessary.
Figure Sketching, Introduction to Oil Painting, Artistic Anatomy, and Paint Like the Masters are offered throughout the year
CLASSICAL DRAWING AND PAINTING
The Classical Drawing and Painting class teaches the fundamental methods of classical technique through a series of self paced projects.
The Classical Drawing and Painting Class teaches the fundamental methods of classical techique. Students begin by copying drawings made by Charles Bargue in the 19th century with pencil and charcoal.
After completing Bargue Master Copies, students draw reproductions of antique sculptures in natural light with charcoal and white chalk.
Students graduate to painting casts and busts in natural light using white, black and raw sienna oil paints.
CLASSICAL FIGURE AND PORTRAITURE
Students are encouraged to expand their technique by studying classical methods for drawing and painting the figure and portrait from life
In our instructed figure classes, students work from life depicting the basic proportions and shape of a nude model with input and instruction from classically trained instructor, Ben Harden
Ben Harden teaches the renowned George Bridgman's method of depicting basic human anatomy in weekly classes throughout the year.
In the Long Pose Figure class the model returns to the same pose for at least 6 sessions and students first draw a graphite sketch and then proceed to draw with charcoal a well rendered drawing of the nude model in natural light.
Experienced students paint the model using grisaille (white, black and raw umber oil paint) to show light, value and warm and cool tones with Raz Seri's help
Experienced students paint the model using grisaille (white, black and raw umber oil paint) to show light, value and warm and cool tones with Raz Seri's help
Classical Portaiture features a model who poses for multiple sessions on Saturday afternoons. Students will explore the anatomical features of the face while working to create a likeness of the sitter. Advanced students may paint in oil paint.
