New York Academy of Art

You’ve taken classes in drawing, painting from the figure, perhaps anatomy or composition… now what? It’s time to express yourself as an artist! Do you have a Las Meninas or a George Washington Crossing the Delaware waiting to come out? Make that painting of your dysfunctional family, your ‘complicated’ work situation, your daughter’s idiotic Santacon adventure, the pleasures of your subway commute… or any multi-figure narrative that’s been bouncing around in your head and would look great on your apartment – or a gallery - wall. In this 12-week class you’ll create your own composition based on your idea, initially painting from your head without photo references. We will use a guided meditation technique to explore color, background and portraiture unique to your artistic vision. Models will be available as the painting progresses. Classes will usually start off with a brief lecture exploring the ways in which contemporary and historical artists have tackled their narrative subject matter, including the use of metaphor and allegory. We’ll also have some group crits so you can get valuable feedback as the painting progresses. At the end of 12 weeks you’ll have a finished – or mostly finished! - ambitious multi-figure painting.