the school

Canvas Method is an atelier with a purpose to nurture artists and lead them to produce representational art that holds up critically within the contemporary art world.

The unique structure of Canvas Method offers artists an opportunity to build and develop their practice in an encouraging and rigorous environment, surrounded by the artistic community and supported by new ways of thinking about art.

All levels are welcome from beginner to advanced. The end goal is to produce world-class artists who are able to produce technically impressive drawings and paintings that hold up conceptually within the contemporary art world.

Many artists struggle to progress in their painting and drawing abilities at a fast-enough pace and often feel isolated and stuck in the development of a body of work.

We provide a welcoming and nurturing environment that not only pushes your representational abilities beyond what you thought possible, but also encourage new ways of thinking about art making and how to express your thoughts in both a poetic and intelligent manner.

Within a group class format, the instructor works with you at your own pace, offering technical and creative guidance, as you work from the live model, well-lit photographs, master copies, and plaster casts, using a wide range of drawing media.

We focus on painting and drawing from life, from photo and from copying master paintings. The school hires professional live models, as well as provides a wide range of still life objects and color prints of master paintings for study purposes.

Ongoing lectures and demonstrations are integrated into the curriculum, offering thorough and focused exploration of subject matter pertaining to the course.

For more information, see class descriptions here and weekly schedule here.

You have the option to study as much or as little as your schedule allows, as we offer classes all day – from 10AM to 9:30PM, seven days per week (see weekly schedule), plus weekend workshops (see workshops). This allows you to advance at a rapid pace.

By offering ongoing classes throughout the day and night, you can progress quickly and be part of an engaged community of artists. ☛ Class registration is ongoing and you may join any time of the year.