Old Masters Academy

How to paint like the Old Masters using modern materials

Art Competition Archive

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… in the hope of becoming a true fine artist

Artwork by Aline Lotter

At the age of 78, I have been trying for 13 years now to hone my skills in the hope of becoming a true fine artist.

In the beginning I was still a practicing tax lawyer, trying to do both art and law, but art became so important to me that it crowded out all other pursuits – I had to retire from the law. I’ve been taking classes and workshops by the dozens. I’ve been having a great time. But, despite my talent and efforts, I have not been able to “break through” or reach that pinnacle of achievement where I can call myself, confidently, a Fine Artist. …

… Vote for me because I don’t have as much time as the others to get this done right!

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Now I want to create art

Artwork by Robin Croker Poole

I graduated from college with a BA in Art History. I have always been very passionate about art. I worked as an art consultant and was an assistant gallery manager.

Now I want to create art. I want to learn everything about creating art. I loved the methods of the Old Masters. I love how drawing and painting come together. I love how much effort and time went into making these great works of art.

My artistic challenges are mostly finding a local art teacher who does not teach alla prima, organizing the process of painting, and brushwork. …

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The Old Masters are my inspiration

Artwork by Clive Roberts

As I approach the end of a corporate career I am rediscovering my love of drawing and painting. A 30-year gap and so many wasted hours not learning or honing my skills in visual arts. This has now changed for me.

I attended art school for a short time at 18 but life took me on a different journey and I am now only feeling the inner pull and motivation to dedicate myself fully to becoming a better artist.

As I see it now the truth and beauty in a work of art is found in a strong core set of skills which become the foundation for more creativity and attractive composition and subjects. You can not achieve the latter without the former. How can you reflect the mood and emotion of a subject if proportions are wrong, your technique is flawed, or the treatment of light is poorly executed, and colours are bland and incongruous? …

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I wish I could paint like the Old Masters, not a Copy Cat….

Artwork by Jonah Lin

My career path is a graphic designer. In the art school, all I learned is how to produce artwork mechanically, from a photo or a copy.

In the field of jobs, I start learning how to use computer software, to manipulate the image, to adjust color, contrast, or using a software plug-in to create a simulated oil painting, pencil drawing instantly. But… in deep of in my heart, I screamed to myself: “You’re not a true artist.”

In the art museum, I am not only aways admire the Renaissance old masters painting and sculpture, but also it makes me wonder, what is the secret, to achieve those masterpieces, how long it will take me to learn. I want to learn their skills, but at the same time, I feel that it’s a Mission Impossible. …