Old Masters Academy

How to paint like the Old Masters using modern materials

Old Masters Academy

Leave a Comment

I have a goal of putting wet paint on a canvas everyday

Artwork by Noel Wiggins

I am Noel Wiggins for the past 20 years I have been designing for others making their vision come to life, now I want to focus on creating my vision through fine art.

Art is one of the important things to me, I have a goal of putting wet paint on a canvas everyday, and seem to constantly be thinking of how to evolve my technique.

My challenges in art are becoming less and less with each new painting I do, nothing excites me more than uncovering new processes and techniques that inspire my work to go in new directions, I believe there is a lot of new techniques hidden within the old masters and look forward to the day with great anticipation on when I have adapted their techniques as one of my own.

Specifically I’d like to learn more about glazing and how to optically mix colors through layers of colors, currently I try and work in about 8 layers into my works but fantasize about doing dozens. …

7 Comments

Story from Dwight Jeffreys, Old Masters Academy student

I try to paint and draw whenever I can

I work in the healthcare field that soaks up my time, but I love art and I try to paint and draw whenever I can.

Often, it’s a matter of priority and I just simply schedule the time to do it. Unfortunately, I have art ADD, so I tend to ping between different projects.

This year, I want to focus on developing watercolor techniques and also keep learning the art of the portrait…

Leave a Comment

I would like to develop realistic oil painting skills

Paintings by Gail Pean

I love painting in the style of the Old Masters.

I took several classes from Adrienne Kralick who now teaches at The Smithsonian Art program. I started an art Studio in Great Falls VA 5 years ago and brought in fine art teachers to help us develop realistic oil painting skills.

My copy of Vermeer’s Lady with the Red Hat was revelatory learning the old techniques. …

1 Comment

Learn how to paint

Several years ago I became very ill and the many activities that I use to participate in are not possible. I will have to leave the activities that require a lot of physical stamina to a younger and stronger generation.

Since I was very young art has always been a part of my life. I want to be able to express how I feel about the world around me to others by sharing my talents. Since I can no longer do things like paint a logo on the Boy Scouts Trailer I need to find a way to do that.

I went to college in the 1960’s and there was an attitude that you didn’t need to know how to paint or draw realistically to be an artist. I have always felt that there was something missing and it seems that the Old Masters Academy is where one can gain those missing skills.

In addition, how much fun will it be to paint realistic portraits of my Grandchildren and the cute little neighbor kids that seem to love to come to my house. …

Leave a Comment

At some point, we all need mentors

Artwork by Katrina

I am Katrina, a self-taught artist.

Art is my hobby and my passion since I was a kid. In fact wanted to pursue an art degree when I finished high school, but my family wanted me to be something else.

I never received a formal art education or support to go into this field as a primary job, but it did not stop me from creating art. Through the years I feel like I am doing well, but at some point I know that I can do more and I need help.

I believe that at some point we must all have mentors, who will help us with our skills. I wanted to improve and maximize my potential and achieve excellence in what I do with the help of professionals in the field. …