What is “Classical Realism”?
Classical Realism is the contemporary rebuilding of a legacy of art instruction which developed from the Renaissance ateliers up through the 19th century Academies, which was nearly lost in the anti-figurative philosophies of the 20th century.
A few teachers remain who can trace their lineage of teachers directly back to the 19th century Academies, and who retain and pass along the methods and knowledge of painting that were cultivated over a period of 500 years. Sadie has studied with several teachers who are a part of this lineage, and is committed to passing along this knowledge.
Classical Realism focuses on the slow, careful study of the human figure in long-pose sessions. Long-pose studies of the human figure as the basis of fine art education is in stark contrast to the “quick sketch” method which dominated Western art schools in the 20th century. Many Classical Realists also avoid using photographs as reference materials for paintings, and work solely from life.
Only in the last 10-15 years, mainly because of the Internet, students and teachers are finding each other, and a resurgence of classically trained artists, as well as collectors who value their skills, is emerging.
Teachers who have been trained in the classical tradition are opening ateliers, teaching studios where students can learn these traditional methods.
Classical Realists believe that the greatest teacher is Nature, or direct study from life.
“Learning to draw the figure is a crucible, and you are melted and transformed when you are in it, and you leave behind what you used to be.”
-Jacob Collins (Founder, Water Street Atelier and Grand Central Academy, New York, NY)
Other Classical Art Study in the Bay Area
Sadie is committed to supporting the local classical art community by promoting fellow teachers of Classical Realism:
Bay Area Classical Artist Atelier (BACAA)
San Carlos, California
Since 2001 BACAA has been hosting the top realist artist teachers in the country (and beyond) to come to the Bay Area and offer intensive workshops in classical painting and drawing. Sadie received much of her continued education through these workshops and can highly recommend them as an amazing opportunity for Bay Area artists. BACAA also offers excellent weekly classes.
Andrew Ameral
Oakland, California
The Bay Area is lucky to have this world-class instructor, back home after 6 years teaching at Florence Academy in Italy. Sadie studied Ecorche/Anatomy with Andy for 6 intense months, building a model of the human skeleton and musculature from clay, and can highly recommend Andy’s classes.
Carl Dobsky: Safehouse Atelier
San Francisco, CA
New San Francisco atelier offers classical education as a full-time program and also continuing education evening figure classes.
Also Recommend (not Classical)
Michael Markowitz 23rd Street Studio
San Francisco, CA
An excellent studio with high quality models in dynamic poses. Michael offers both instructed and non-instructed figure drawing sessions several times per week.