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Fine Arts · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Realism & Representation Painting

Realism is not just copying a photograph; it is analyzing reality. This rigorous course teaches the Classical Atelier method. Students will learn to see nature as a collection of accurate values and edges. The curriculum focuses on “Sight-Size” measurement, color matching, and the slow, deliberate building of form through underpainting (Grisaille) and multiple layers of oil or acrylic.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Master the "Sight-Size" method for accurate drawing and proportion
  2. Understand the "Value Scale": Turning form using light and shadow logic
  3. Execute a "Grisaille" (Monochrome Underpainting) to establish structure
  4. Apply "Glazing" and "Scumbling" for optical color mixing and luminosity
  5. Render complex surfaces: Metal, Glass, Fabric, and Skin
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01History of Realism: Caravaggio to Photorealism
  2. 02The Setup: Lighting & Sight-Size Measurement
  3. 03Drawing for Painting: Accuracy is King
  4. 04Value Studies: The Notan
  5. 05The Grisaille: Painting in Monochrome
  6. 06The Ebauche: The First Color Pass
  7. 07Fat over Lean: Oil Painting Mechanics
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Edges: Soft, Hard, & Lost
  10. 10Color Matching: The Zorn Palette
  11. 11Glazing: Adding Color to Grisaille
  12. 12Texture I: Metal & Reflection
  13. 13Texture II: Glass & Transparency
  14. 14Texture III: Drapery & Fabric
  15. 15Finishing: Varnishing & Framing
  16. 16Final Project: The Master Copy or Still Life

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Master Copy or Still Life

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Classical Painting Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practice by Juliette Aristides
  2. Alla Prima II: Everything I Know About Painting by Richard Schmid
  3. Oil Painting Techniques of the Masters by Wendon Blake
  4. Light for the Artist by Ted Seth Jacobs
  5. Problem Solving for Oil Painters by Gregg Kreutz
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