Old Masters Academy

How to paint like the Old Masters using modern materials

techniques of the old masters

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One day without paint on my brushes and fingers is a wasted day

Artwork by Rajagopalan Ravindran

I‘m known to all as Ravi, am 61 years old, and live in the region of Lower Saxony in Germany.

I‘m somewhat at the crossroads of my life, my wife had gifted me a „gift voucher“ to a local Art Course 4 years ago, ( Oct. 2014), since then my passion for Art has been stoked and kindled in me. In my normal daily life, I‘m dealing with figures „a number person“, hence, I‘m surprised at myself about my new found love for beautiful pictures, visions and the world of Art !

Art has become a very important part of my daily routine. One day without paint on my brushes and fingers is a wasted day. I love to see the development and progress in an oil painting, give it a few hours and watch the change and then proceed onwards.

My greatest challenge in art is to be able to see through, visualize, perceive and understand the techniques of the old masters and geniuses, like the great Michelangelo Buonarroti, Leonardo da Vinci and Dürer (my special buddies!). I want people to look at my art paintings or drawings and be able to comprehend immediately my intention of Artwork without lots of words or explanations … my goal in each of my art paintings is to try to Evoke Beautiful Divine Emotions and Inspirations … an Artwork Painting should be able to speak a million words … to the intimate eyes of the beholder viewers ! …

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The Old Masters Secrets Today

Oil Paintings by Tom Lunzer

Since I was in college back in 1981 I wanted to know the glazing techniques of the old masters.

At the age of twenty I was already a pretty good oil painter but I still had a lot to learn and felt that knowing more about the technical aspects of oil painting like the old masters possessed would be a benefit to the quality of my work.

There where books available but learning technique from a book really is not ideal. A master oil painter knowledgeable of the old world techniques to tutor me is what I really wanted. There where non in my area that I could find and couldn’t afford one outside of my college fees anyway.

Later after I left college I did find an excellent oil painting teacher Eddwin Meyers who was teaching private courses in photorealism. He was a student of the fantastic Patrick Betaudier who lived outside of Paris France and unfortunately passed away in 2008. Eddwins teachings where invaluable to my becoming a very confidant oil painter.

The techniques that were used in the course was the Alla Prima method so there was not much done in the area of glazing and although my work was strong I really still wanted to know more about the old masters glazing techniques. …

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For me, art is a vocation

Oil Paintings by Shana Smith

My name is Shana Smith and I’m an artist and teacher living in Chicago.

I’m a figurative artist specializing in sacred art in the Catholic tradition. For me, art is a vocation.
My hope it to reveal the beauty of my faith through work and invite others into the mystery.

I’m always trying to research sound painting methods in the tradition of the old masters as I feel that this will give more power and depth to my work. Also as an art educator in a Catholic high school I am always looking for ways to better connect my students to the heritage of the Church’s art through studio projects, which also drives me to learn more about old master techniques. …

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I decided to devote myself to making art

Painting by Carinnes Dumont

Hi art-lovers,

Four years ago (I was then 53) I considered to devote my life to the art, my children had moved, and I was alone. After long consideration, I decided to leave my home, children and family, friends, my familiar life, and devote myself to making art.

Soon, however, all kinds of difficulties arose, so I had to stop my studies in the local academy of my new residence. Chronic fatigue caused my self-confidence to be completely gone. Stubbornly I continued drawing and painting, I refused to let go of my passion, the only thing that could color my gray days.

I started the Carravagio as an exercise for my daughter, but I have to leave it unfinished. Without professional help I’m afraid to mess it up: I feel a lack of good education. …

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Painting by Arjumand Qazi

For the love of Old Masters

I have always loved to draw sketches and paint. I have never had any formal training except for some pointers by a wonderful artist and art teacher who now lives in Australia.

My passion was always to try and replicate from the paintings of old masters like Greuze, Ruben and other wonderful artists of their time. Here I am sharing one of such efforts which is proof of my desire to paint like these great artists.

Having had this dream for doing more in this field I somehow remained engaged in several left-brained activities like having a full time job and several social sector initiatives in my country i.e Pakistan, hence couldn’t do what I always wanted to do, i.e. Paint! …