Old Masters Academy

My Dream to Paint In the Style of the Old Masters

Artwork by Sylvie Logan

… Here and there, I started to buy some art supplies. I tried to paint in the style of the masters, but always came short. I even took a couple classes at the local college, but found that even the instructors didn’t know how to paint like the masters. Doing research, I realized that the old type of schooling, where masters would take apprentices under their wing and teach them their techniques was nearly non-existent. I almost gave up, until one day, almost by accident, I found the Old Masters Academy course. It was almost too good to be true!

Old Masters Academy review by Dorian Vincent Scotti

Dorian Vincent Scotti - artist Dorian Vincent Scotti

My very first painting caused quite a stir. Apparently it required a few hours work to clean off and resulted in my cradle being moved away from the walls of my first bedroom!

I was born in NYC, but grew up in Silvermine, CT, an artist’s enclave just outside New York. I have drawn and painted my entire life and began my college education as a fine arts major, but switched to graphic design after 2 years. I’ve been employed as a graphic designer for over 30 years and, while I have worked in almost every discipline in my industry, I have been primarily a publication art director. My work has won over 40 awards and been featured in numerous design publications…

The Old Masters Academy program took me back to basics and using the techniques of old masters, gave me a sounder grounding in process and confidence that when I start a painting I know how to take it where I want it to go.

I feel the need to paint like the Old Masters

Artwork by David J. Ford

… Eighteen months ago, for my 50th birthday, my sister treated me to a 4 day trip to Florence, Italy and when I saw the Masters and their beautiful artwork, in the galleries of Florence, I was completely hooked. I have always admired the old masters and their art in books and online, but to see their art up close and in person, was a true revelation, a re-awakening. You might even say I experienced my own renaissance!

I returned home with a strong desire to paint like the masters and promptly purchased oil paints, brushes and canvases as funds would permit. I have pursued oil painting since then, joining a local class and learning many techniques, but so far, I have not learned any of the true Renaissance art techniques and I am anxious to move in that direction now!

The snag is that I have this chronic disability which prevents me from attending full time classes and also prevents me from working consistently. An online, work at your own speed, course would be perfect for me and my lifestyle. …

how-to-draw-Old-Masters-start following my dreams practicing drawing and painting

I decided to start following my dreams – I started practicing drawing and painting

Artwork by Fabien Garcia

… That being said, during my childhood I kept earring there is no possibility of making a career out of art and that I should concentrate on other things.
Because of that I felt a bit lost growing up and I did not pursue art in a way I should have.

In 2016, I decided to start following my dreams I started practicing drawing and painting more seriously. I enrolled into an atelier style art school and I was that best thing I did. I have learned so much the past years but I have recently started oil painting and my mentor is not too interested in technical issues and classical art. In his opinion the artistic vision can overcome any technical issues. And this is were, even though I kind of agree with him, I feel today that I need to learn the old master’s basics and technics to be able to grow and become a better painter with less mental blocks and cleavages. …

My pursuit was to become an accomplished artist

Artwork by Tom Fleck

I am a graduate of the Columbus College of Art and Design 4- year Bachelor of Fine Arts program. Upon graduation, I began my formal career as an artist for advertising studios in Chicago and Atlanta. I continued on this path as a freelance artist for commercial art for 20 years with agent representation.

Art has always been a life-long connection for me. Every Saturday morning as a child, I would watch John Nagy’s TV show ” Learn to Draw”. I would have my drawing pad, pencils and eraser in hand trying to duplicate what I was watching and took every opportunity during the commercial break to catch up on the results. In the early years of grade school, I would be doodling or drawing in my notebook while my teacher would be lecturing. Some years later, at a High School class reunion a class mate told me that he still had some of my drawings that I had done in grade school – to say the least, I was very surprised yet flattered at his statement. My pursuit was to become an accomplished artist, and throughout my life it has been passion. …

I’m looking to be a better painter

Artwork by Alexandre Coxo

I am a young Portuguese painter and I look for the best way to create paintings that are capable of transmitting feelings and meanings.
As in my country there are no qualified schools of painting, at least as far as classical painting is concerned. That’s why I’ve been learning alone. …

Art is like travelling through our minds

Artwork by Angus Johnson

I have always enjoyed art from a very young age.
My grandfather turned a butchers shop into an art gallery.
And when we went to visit I slept inside the gallery. Staring into this large painting until sleep came….

Another time. We were travelling. And went to Paris. Yes I went back to the Louvre. Three times. Never long enough!
One of the galleries was closed. But I waited for the staff member to take my camera. So I could at least see the greats…..I waited 2 hours. …

Confessions of a self taught Artist

Artwork by Sharu Anjirbag

Art is Meditation – I paint for the sheer joy of painting.

I am guilty of having way too many ideas in my head and starting multiple projects at the same time.

Completely self taught, I have stumbled and struggled on my way to painting professionally but no one’s complaining – What a ride it has been! Over the years I have painted various subjects for a variety of clients in India and overseas and every single commission has been a Joy to work at. …

how-to-paint-Old-Masters-my biggest goal is to make art my prior source of income

One of my biggest goal is to make art my prior source of income

Artwork by Attila Kalman

I am a 32 yers old modest guy, who is searching for a deeper meaning in simple things.

Since I was a child I really loved drawing. I was making a lot of drawings of Mickey Mouse and The Lion King. I wanted to attain an art school but I was speaking myself out of it, because I thought that you could not make a living out of art making.

Since then I was working in 15 different industries and I was always feeling a huge gap inside of me. Then about 2 years I discovered painting and I felt that it was filling that gap in.

Now I’ve started studying at an Art University but I feel that the realistic painting that I want to learn will be a challenge. …

I have found my happiness

Artwork by Markus Floyd

Like many, as a child I enjoyed art. As I grew, I somehow was advised the idea that one must focus on ‘serious’ topics in life to get; becoming an artist was not an option for me.

After many years, I found myself sad and uninspired. Searching for a reason, I’d often run across recommendations to ‘follow your bliss” or “do what you love.” My problem was that I did not know what I loved.

One day I happened to run across local art classes and suddenly realized that all I want to do is art! I started with the old set of colored pencils, eventually moving to pastels, watercolor, etc.