The Foundations Program

Designed for the beginner-level art student, this program provides 18 hours of instruction per week and is structured to include six classes in one six-week session. Through a carefully curated curriculum, you will develop essential skills in drawing, painting, and composition while exploring core principles such as anatomy, perspective, and color theory. Work with an advisor to customize your course selection to fit your schedule, skill level, and artistic goals. Choose from a variety of Live-Online and In-Person classes, including figure drawing, still life, landscape, portraiture, sculpture, and more.

No special application is required, please contact the Continuing Education Department at [email protected] for more information or to register.

  • Includes full access to the Academy’s extracurricular offerings, from artist talks with major art stars to panel discussions featuring an impressive range of critics, curators, and art world figures.

  • Students in the Foundations Program receive a Certificate of Completion along with a Letter of Completion that lists the courses included in their Foundations Program.

FAQ

  • What is the Continuing Education Foundations Program?

    The CE Foundations Program consists of a grouping of Continuing Education classes rolled into a 6-week foundational program that is customized to suit individual needs and goals. Students can choose from any In-Person or Live-Online CE classes offered remotely via Zoom.

  • Which courses are included and how are they chosen?

    Any of the currently offered 6-week, Live-Online or In-Person CE courses can be taken and are selected based upon the student’s particular interests and goals. We can work with you individually to create a course load that reflects what you want from the program. We offer a wide variety of courses including sculpture, figure drawing and painting, landscape painting, still life, watercolor, and many more.

  • Is there an application process? How do I get in?

    No. It is a non-matriculated program – meaning there is no application process, anyone can join. Simply contact the Continuing Education department [email protected] to begin your registration.

  • When does it start/end?

    You can join the program at the beginning of any session and will complete it within the 6-week duration.

  • How much does it cost?

    The tuition for this program is a flat rate of $1,800.

Who should sign up?

The CE Intensive program is great for people who:

  • Have a short period of time but want to get a solid amount of technical training in.

  • Are interested in developing a portfolio or improving their skills in a particular area.

  • Students who are interested in experiencing the quality education that the New York Academy of Art has to offer.

  • High school/Independent art teachers who need training and skills to take back to their programs and therefore require a broad range of classes.

  • Recent high school graduates who are looking to build a solid portfolio to apply to an undergraduate institution.

  • Students who have been regularly taking CE classes and gradually increasing their commitment/course load. They may already be halfway there and want to fully engage in a program that offers a little more structure.

  • Students who want to improve quickly within a short period of time by reaping the benefits of cross-pollination of ideas and techniques.

  • Working artists who want to expand their expertise – perhaps you are a painter who wants more sculptural training or a draftsperson who wants to become more adept in the world of color theory and painting.

  • Artists who have been out of the world of academia for a while and want to re-engage in the technical skills training it offers.

  • Anyone who is apprehensive about making the full commitment required for the certificate/degree programs but still wants to immerse themselves in a strong foundations program.

Achieve your artistic potential

Join us to discover traditional skills and contemporary practice