Old Masters Academy

How to paint like the Old Masters using modern materials

art classes

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Nostalgic whipped cream memories

Artwork by Marianne Schilstra

My name is Marianne Schilstra, 53 years of age, married with a farmer and I live in the northern part of The Netherlands. Since my childhood, I like drawing and painting. But due to life circumstances, there was not always time for it and I was’t allowed to join the Art Academy by my parents unfortunately.

I’d like to learn more skills like painting how the Old Masters did it.
I really love your painting and drawing academy and the way you teach art online. And who wouldn’t want to get a chance to win this wonderful Old Masters course. …

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I have never had any painting classes before this course

Artworks and story from Alexandra Martins

Hello Natalie! 

It has been a while since I started this online oil painting course, but my job (I’m a military) has taken a turn and I haven’t been able to paint much. Anyway, I’ll return home soon, I hope, and I’m already pulling my sleeves up to continue this course, can’t wait to be able to do that!

I have never had any painting classes before this course and I’ve already learned a lot from it.

I have decided to send you my artworks for critique.

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Lifelong art interrupted

Artwork by Maria Wegorzewski Grotek

Art was gifted to me when I was born. I have been drawing since age 4 – I was never able to continue my art classes because I could not afford them.

I have been creating art over the last 50 odd years on and off – some I entered into competitions and won some I sold to friends some I just kept.

I have picked up bits and pieces of instruction but life obligations prevented me from mastering techniques that I wanted to use to create my work. …

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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! . …

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I want to learn how to paint like old masters

Artwork by Dipali Deshpande

My formal education is Mechanical engineering. After working for few years in corporate sector I gave up due to some personal reasons. But apart from doing my responsibilities I wanted to do something for myself, something that I could enjoy.

While helping my son in his art projects I realised this is it. Art is the thing I enjoy most and gives me mental peace. So I started painting as an hobby. But I didn’t realise when this hobby converted into my passion.

Being a self taught artist sometimes I took more long and wrong turns in my art journey. I was looking for a guide who could teach me in traditional way. But in India where focus is on Indian modern, getting proper traditional art education is quite difficult.

I joined two art classes but learned nothing than modern or guess work. To be frank, I was not satisfied with my progress. So while searching for traditional drawing techniques I came across drawing academy course. I thoroughly enjoyed Diploma in traditional drawing techniques under the guidance of of Vladimir and Natalie. Today I can draw with confidence and classical approach just because of that course.

I have started participating in group shows. I am very thankful to drawing academy for giving me new identity.…

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With Brush in Hand, You’ll Never be Lonely

Oil Paintings by Elizabeth Tucker

I started painting and drawing in my late 40’s after my husband, out of the blue, gave me an easel. It went in to the basement. Then he gave me money for art classes. OK….Why not give this a try. I’d always worked with my hands and loved art history so in I dove. It was life changing.
I quit my job and took classes and have never looked back.

I am completely drawn toward a traditional approach and went to a traditional art school but I didn’t learn grisaille and other aspects of old master style painting. It was mostly alla prima. What I learned after school I got from books and on-line.

Art is a MAJOR part of my life. I paint and draw almost every day and I teach painting and drawing. I also run an art group which has over 40 members. What I want to learn are methods that I can not only practice but become completely fluent in so I can pass those traditions on to other students. …