Old Masters Academy

How to paint like the Old Masters using modern materials

Old Masters Academy

Leave a Comment

I could not wait to start my lifelong dream – art classes

Artwork by Mathilda Kamper

When I retired after teaching for 40 years, it was as if the gates of freedom opened for me. To teach was my passion (History) and I enjoyed every minute of it, but it is an absorbing profession that do not allow any other personal activities.

When I closed my classroom in 2014, I could not wait to start my lifelong dream – art classes. It became my new passion, but it was challenging as I did not have any tuition in the basic theory, let alone mixing of paint, etc., etc. The tutors are well educated in the fine arts, and they were very patient. I am thankful for their input..

The reason why I think it is necessary to do the Old Masters course, is because it will provide a solid foundation for any artist. They are the best to learn from! . …

3 Comments

I wanted to be an artist for as long as I could remember

Artwork by Len Jagoda

… Finally an artist. Once the commitment was made, the passion and desire returned. Knowing that the absence of formal art training would never be totally overcome; I decided to build a foundation with sculpture and drawing. Form, shapes and values, but no color, not yet. After a little over a year of this self imposed limitation a level of self satisfaction was achieved and it was time to add color. I wanted to paint in oils but felt intimidated by the medium and the lack of education.

I made the decision to work in pastels first to get the feel of colors and how to use them. Working in pastels began around 2009 and I eventually realized a level of proficiency with that medium. I believed that I was ready for oils. I started working in oils (part-time) four years ago and now realize how much more the lack of training impacts on someone using this medium. I am self taught in sculpture and pastels but have taken a few workshops in oil painting. Those workshops help, but so much is missing in fundamentals which is costing time, and preventing me from reaching an acceptable standard. I need to fill the education void. …

1 Comment

A new mini-career for myself

Artwork by Alexis Chontos

Although I’m not a grandmother, and only 71 (Grandma Moses – aka Anna Mary Moses – started painting at 76), I have long been interested in art and in painting. I enjoy visiting art museums and, by close observation of the paintings, try to learn something new about the creation process at every visit. For example, I’ll study how water and waves are handled by particular artists, or I’ll study how the drape of fabric is handled, etc.

As the years have gone by, I have developed an increasing interest in art … the creative process, marketing, appraisal, collecting, and so much more! Being interested in painting, however, and actually having time to paint, though, are two different things. Working full time for most of my life allowed me only occasional opportunities to take “adult learning” classes now and then, which provided me with brief snatches of time to paint. As time goes on, I have increasingly become interested in painting and beginning a new mini-career for myself. I very much welcome a new learning opportunity! …

1 Comment

I’m a self taught artist, who continues to learn

Artwork by Michael Barilla

I’m a self taught artist, who continues to learn and challenge myself. I’m a full time fire fighter. I’ve always loved art and have always been able to draw, paint and do pottery. I’m always looking to learn and be inspired by others to improve my own work.

My biggest challenges are getting values correct, and skin tones. I do my best to work through these challenges. Sometimes I succeed, and sometimes I fail, but I never give up. I just start the painting again and work through it.

I want to learn everything. I know that is some what of a canned answer, but it’s true. I have so much to learn in every aspect of art, that I just can’t name one thing.

From what I’ve seen, I think Old Masters Academy is amazing. I would love to have the opportunity to be able to par-take in a small lesson from one of their accomplished artist. …

Leave a Comment

I want to paint my muse

Artwork by Telmo Lourenço

I am a military but art has always been my hobby. My dream is to make it a full time job in two years after serving my country.

I know I have a lot to improve, but I believe that with very hard work I will get there. I’ve always draw but I want to learn oil painting and I don’t have an art school in the city I live in. This is a great difficulty for me because I want to study art and I don’t have a place to do so. Internet ends up being my only source of knowledge for now…

My muse has always been my wife, I have made dozens of sketches, some good, some bad, but now I want to step up to the next level – oil painting, and make beautiful pictures of her. …

Leave a Comment

I was born with a gift for art

Artwork by Maria Wegorzewski-Grotek

I was born with a gift for art – adults said it would be my vocation and my art would help people see beauty in this world full of turmoil.

I painted, drew my whole life but had no formal training. I looked at pictures and drew. I did have a great art teacher in high school and she entered me for a scholarship at 17 to a prestigious art college and I won.

My parents refused to sign permission I was a girl I did not need education – my life was to get married, have babies and be a housewife – not a painter or artist that was a degenerate profession and I would go to hell. …