Old Masters Academy

How to paint like the Old Masters using modern materials

become a painter

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My dream was to become a painter like Leonardo da Vinci

Artwork by Valentina Minniti

Long story short, since early infancy I had been dedicating to drawing. For the little girl I was at the time, copying what I could see around me was a silent yet invigorating activity, and as time went by I started to flicker with the idea of studying figurative art. My dream was to become a painter like Leonardo da Vinci.

However, for a 13-year-old girl family’s support is very important and I was talked out of such prospects since “drawing is just a hobby!”, “it is so silly”, “you’d better grow up!” and so on. So I dropped drawing and dedicated to completely different studies and interests. …

… I am constantly struggling with such issues, but I know now I want to be a figurative painter and drawer, and am currently learning about old techniques and materials, with a special insight on Leonardo and Jan Van Eyck’s oil painting techniques. …

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The woman who didn’t know she could become a painter!

Artwork by Cath Stevens

I am a very happy French woman of 55 years old. I am an accountant in my husband’s real estate business. I have 3 children, a 28 years old son and twins, 24 years old daughter and boy.

For the past two years, I have participated in competitions and exhibitions. I won several awards and sold some of my work. It encourages me a lot to continue to progress. Now, I would like to learn how to make portraits and study composition in paintings.
I discovered Old Masters Academy on Instagram. What Natalie Richy does is exactly what I like. I am very admirative. …

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Becoming a Contemporary Master

Portrait by Stella Han

My first dream was to become a painter when I was five. As I grew older my passions became varied, yet they were always art related; whether it was being an art teacher, comic artist, or illustrator and so on. I had my first opportunity to learn painting when I was in the 2nd grade, however after two sessions, it was unfortunately cancelled due to low enrolment.

My second artistic opportunity came when I was in the 9th grade. At first I was ecstatic, though soon enough I became disappointed. The teacher merely directed me in how to trace and lacked any traditional skill training. The fees for the class became too much for my parents, and again I was forced to leave.

By the time college rolled around I had to create and manage my portfolio all by myself and luckily I was accepted in School of Visual Arts in New York. I was truly excited to learn ‘real’ art. Once again, it was a discouraging experience because my painting professor told me: “Skills don’t matter.” All I learned from there was to paint and draw without any direction. The only feedback I received from my professors was: “That’s good.” I yearned to learn more about how the old masters created their stunning works, and wanted to discover their rigorous methods and skills; however I simply couldn’t find the answers to my questions. …