A white bust sculpture of a woman with braided hair, placed on a windowsill with brown and pink drapes, two bowls filled with seashells, and sunlight coming through a nearby window.

Overview

Learning to draw in a traditional and academic manner means training the eye just as much as the hand. At Spiral Studios, our curriculum is built on the classical methods used by master artists throughout history. These time-tested techniques help students observe more closely, measure with accuracy, and translate what they see onto paper with clarity and confidence. Our goal is to guide you in developing strong foundational skills that support every stage of your artistic growth.

We begin with the basics: the handling of line, the study of proportion, and the capture of gesture. From there, you will practice describing contours, observing how form turns in space, and using light and shadow to give drawings depth and weight. As the student progresses through the program, and has acquired a strong understanding of drawing, oil painting will be introduced.

We begin with the essentials of drawing—line, proportion, and gesture. These core principles allow you to understand structure, movement, and the underlying forms within your subject. As you progress, you will practice contour drawing, studying how shapes shift and turn in space. From there, you will learn how light and shadow define three-dimensional form, creating depth, atmosphere, and visual weight. Once you have developed a solid command of drawing, oil painting is introduced, giving you the opportunity to apply your skills to a richer and more complex medium.

The ability to see the relationship of shapes and the resulting values and atmosphere as accurately as possible is the foundation of any art taking the visual world as a starting point; the more understanding you have, the larger your vocabulary, aesthetic choices aside.

By the end of your studies, you will have developed not only sharper drawing and painting skills but also a deep understanding of the visual language that supports all forms of art.
Drawing, once learned in this way, becomes a steady ground on which further artistic growth can stand.

Class Schedule
 Classes are held three days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., allowing students ample time to practice, observe, and receive individualized guidance.

Curriculum Overview
 Our comprehensive program includes:

  • Landscape, still life, and portraiture

  • Study of materials, tools, and classic techniques

  • Development of critical observational and analytical skills

  • Structured exercises that support technical mastery

Program Structure
 Spiral Studios maintains a flexible yet focused environment.
Students may determine the length of their study, with a minimum enrollment of one trimester. The school is open to anyone who feels the call to strengthen their craft and commit to a serious, traditional approach to drawing and painting.

 


Core Program