Figure Academy
An intensive 2-5 week summer program at Visual Art Institute in South Salt Lake.
*Figure Academy is open to both teen & adult students. We offer tuition assistance opportunities.
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Upcoming Sessions | About Figure Academy | Frequently Asked Questions
upcoming sessions
About Figure Academy
Learning to draw and paint the human form is both challenging & rewarding! The process of working from live models sharpens observational & technical skills in a way nothing else can. With the guidance of excellent instructors, Figure Academy students can grow dramatically in their understanding of concepts like gesture, anatomy, proportion, space, perspective, light, shadow, value & color. Daily in-depth critiques help students engage in each other’s work and give each artist personal direction for future practice.
“My fondest memory of studying at VAI was Figure Academy! I loved it so much that I went every year I could. Nothing else helped me grow as much as an artist as my time there.”
-Elise Finlinson, former student at Visual Art Institute
Figure Academy classes give students a chance to practice drawing and painting with a wide variety of mediums. Projects include the use of materials like charcoal, oil paint, pastel, watercolor, and more. Every class day encourages creative problem-solving, experimental mark-making, and focused observation.
Students who come to Figure Academy create a large collection of artwork in a short period of time. Within a few weeks, they will have made dozens of quick-sketched gestural drawings, and completed several longer-pose figure drawings and paintings using different techniques & mediums. The concentrated amount of practice that happens during Figure Academy yields incredible artistic growth and confidence boosts for our students.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is the environment like in a Figure Academy class at VAI?
A: Figure Academy classes are calm, focused, friendly, and respectful. Students work independently, observing the model from their position in the room and concentrating on accurately reproducing what they see. Instructors move around to work with each student, offering observations and support throughout the day. End of day critiques are constructive and encouraging.
Q: Are models clothed, partially clothed, or nude at Figure Academy?
A: Our Figure Academy models wear flesh-colored undergarments, so that students can see the important anatomical elements which provide structure to the human form. Some class days may include clothed models, or even costumed models.
Q: Do students who come to Figure Academy need to have a lot of prior drawing & painting experience?
A: Figure Academy is for students ages 12+. Those who register for Figure Academy should have familiarity and a strong interest in drawing & painting people, but do not need to be highly experienced. Though we do take many short breaks and a lunch break, Figure Academy is intensive and classes last several hours. Students should be engaged in their projects, and able to stay focused and working while the model is on the stand.
Please contact us with any questions at info@visualartinstitute.org, or call our office at (801)474-3796.