Old Masters Academy

How to paint like the Old Masters using modern materials

Art Competition Archive

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I’m finally discovering why I’m here and what my purpose in this life is

Paintings by Holly Shoptaw

Hello! My name is Holly and, in my fourth decade of life, I’m finally discovering why I’m here and what my purpose in this life is.

My purpose is to illustrate my visions and simply provide something that relays a message and sparks a strong emotion in those who view my art.
As a new painter, I feel my paintings still seem flat and lack depth. However, painting takes me to such a wonderfully peaceful, blissful meditative state that my hope is to learn how to create a painting with exceptional depth…a painting that can pass on the feelings I felt while creating it.

Old Masters Academy is an innovative way for for people to learn classic and technical methods of painting without the HUGE expense of a formal art education. …

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Craving to learn

Oil Paintings by Mildred Yrlenia Lopez

Art is a universal language. That’s why I don’t feel inhibited in this environment.

My English is not the best but I do speak via art. I’m a 50 years old housewife, an empty nester that finds joy in painting. I love the old masters, I’m fascinated by their works and their lives, the circumstances that limited and challenge their art.

I’ve loved oil painting since I’m a little girl. When I was younger there was not any formal graduate level program in my country (Dominican Republic) so I’ve never had the chance to study formally.

I’ve had a couple of art teachers that thought me privately and I’m thankful to them for the opportunity of learning theory of colors, the use of brushes and other things in the relaxed environment of a house studio but I need more. There’s a lot to learn. …

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This course is just what the doctor ordered

Paintings by Bill Thoms

I’ve always been artistically inclined, and have been drawing since I can remember.

I have continued to draw over the years and promised myself I would continue to create when I began working full time. Unfortunately, finding time to develop skills over the years has been a challenge.

I have gotten to a point where I need to start making again, I just need to. …

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I started drawing to improve my technical design skills, but I had no idea I’d enjoy it this much!

Artwork by Alara Deniz

I’m currently working towards finishing my mechanical engineering masters degree while working part-time. I started drawing fairly recently in order to improve my technical design skills, but I had no idea I’d enjoy it this much! Drawing is a form of meditation for me. It doesn’t only make me a happier person, but it also makes me a better engineer by teaching me to be a better observer.

I’ve been drawing with ink and charcoal for the 14 months, and I’d been feeling a bit intimidated by the idea of painting until recently. I tried watercolor before. Although I appreciate it very much, I want to create more depth and texture, hence I want to learn oil painting. …