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  AWARD MQF LEVEL 5    /    Get Qualified (70% Refund) 

Classical Realism: Fine Art in Drawing and Painting

Acquire professional skills in fine arts

Program Overview

This unique fine art program provides the professional artistic ‘skill-set’ necessary towards becoming an established artist.

Divided into 4 modules or as we like to call them ‘courses’ (since students can subscribe for each module individually or as a whole) with the 1st 2 modules providing students with a comprehensive understanding and skills of representational art (the ‘Foundation program’). Starting with Drawing and followed with the Watercolour Painting course and workshops —  this foundation program offers a versatile and comprehensive learning experience for new students.

During the consecutive 3rd and 4th modules (also referred to as the ‘Classical realism program’) students will delve deep into figurative art inspired by the Classical Masters’ timeless approach towards life-like Realism. Students will learn the principles, process and techniques needed for expertise in realistic expression in figurative drawing and oil painting..

All lessons during the Classical components of the program are structured and based on the Atelier methods- in the academic tradition of L’Académie des beaux-arts and modern schools of realism.

Who is this program best suited for?

This course is very well designed for motivated students with little to no prior academic knowledge or artistic technical experience. It is also great for those involved within neighbouring artistic and creative industries (such as tattooing, restoration etc…) who wish to become more confident and skilled in technical art with special focus on Classical Art techniques and processes.

This art program is based on various specialized workshops which aim to provide the student with an comprehensive artistic skill-set spanning different materials and across different academic subjects (from object to landscape painting to figurative art).

Study mode: Project-based (exam free)    |    Duration: 225 hours
Total hours of Learning (incl. lectures, project work, assessments and self study): 1,125hrs
Entry requirements: Motivated students with good English communication. No prior skill, experience or knowledge required
Download course Syllabus

What will you Learn after this course?

This course is a combination of learning through lectures as well as hands on practical experience through a series of workshops and design tasks.

We will discuss theory, ideology, technique and process exposing yourself to a broad spectrum of subjects to help find your voice as a designer and prepare you for the professional world.

You will work in-class as well outside class hours for the completion of course projects and final piecework (during self-study and practice hours)

During the Foundation program (Modules 1 & 2) students will have the opportunity to:

✓ Learn the Foundations of Drawing and watercolour painting: from shading techniques, still-life and perspective to basic anatomy and portraiture;

✓ Become knowledgeable about colour theory and painting principles, process and techniques during Watercolour and painting modules

During the Classical Realism parts (Modules 3 & 4) students will have the opportunity to:

✓ Discover new ways of perceiving design in different contexts, together with new techniques and methods of expressing art.

✓ Acquire solid painting skills during the Watercolour painting module in: Perspective, colour theory, basic anatomy, portraiture, still-life and landscape.

✓ GAIN intuitive skill and learn how to use and manipulate the creative and logical processes of the brain and visual-system to render exceptional and aesthetically pleasing works of art.

✓ Learn the use of Limited and Grisaille oil palettes while obtaining knowledge about colour theory;
✓ Acquire profound knowledge and skills about mechanisms underlying of figurative art: human proportions, anatomy and structure.

✓ Obtain trade secrets and insight of creative and artistic ability uniquely taught by professional artists.

✓ Specialize in classical drawing and oil painting and gain advanced knowledge about figurative art inspired by 20th-century classical way of painting theory, style and philosophy, as initiated by the Renaissance approach towards composition beauty, harmony and completeness.

By end of this Award the student will acquire professional knowledge and skills across drawing, watercolour and oil painting enabling the student to produce high-quality works of art and build a professional portfolio to be able to start working in the creative and fine arts industry.

Easels and learning theory booklet will be provided.

Other personal-use materials and resources will be communicated by the tutor and are to be purchased.

Mode of Study: PARTTIME

COMMENCEMENT DATES:

Weeks starting: 9th October 2023; 22nd January 2024; 17th June 2024; October 2024

DAYS & TIMES:

Course 1: Drawing – Mondays 7:30PM-9:30PM

Course 2: Watercolour – Wednesdays 7:30PM-9:30PM

Courses 3 & 4: Classical Realism (Cycle 1 & 2) – Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30PM-9:30PM

Duration: circa 50-55 weeks (Total sessions: 225 hours)

Christmas Break: Dec 24th 2023- Jan 6th 2024
Easter Break: 9th- 22nd April 2024
*Course schedules are subject to change from time to time without prior notice. Sessions may change during public holidays*

Assessment:

Project-based

Institute:

MAD Institute

Learning mode:

Hybrid and/or Class-based

Qualification

MFHEA Malta Further and Higher Education Authority

The ProfessionalSkills Fine Art program is an MQF Level 5 Award (45ECTS) titled ‘Award in Classical Realism in Fine Art Drawing and Painting’ by National Commission for Further & Higher Education. The Award certificate will be presented to delegates upon successful attendance of all modules and completion of relative assessments (Projects). This continues to confirm the industry relevance of our programs.

Program Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Realist Drawing in Pencil and Charcoal

The 1st module from this 4-part award program lays the most important foundations of drawing in pencil and charcoal. Students will start from the basics leading towards more sophisticated techniques, processes and principles. During this 1st module or ‘beginners drawing course’ as we like to refer to it students will acquire knowledge, skill and confidence during the below different sessions and workshops:

  • Shapes using Different Shading Techniques
  • Still Life Drawing
  • Charcoal Drawing from Photo
  • Reductive Method Still Life
  • Mixed Media Still Life
  • Technical Bargue Drawing
  •  Facial Structure

Module 1: Award in – Foundations of realist drawing in pencil and charcoal (Exit Award) | MQF level 5 | 6 ECTS 

Lectures/sessions: 30hrs — Total hours of learning including sessions/workshops; self study; assessments and project work (150 hrs)

Learning mode options:    Class-based   /   LIVE online   /  Hybrid 


Entry Requirements: No prior experience or knowledge is required. Good English communication (speaking and understanding).

Module 2: Watercolour Foundations and Techniques

During this 2nd module we explore the medium of watercolour and learn the basics on how to paint using a variety of techniques and methods.

Lessons and workshops during this module include:

  • Introduction to Watercolour Techniques
  • One Object Still Life Painting
  • Warm and Cold Colours Value Landscapes
  • Still Life Painting
  • The Secret of Layering and Absence of Colour
  • Focal and Bleeding Exercise
  • Light and Reflections
  • Intro to Landscape Painting
  • Charcoal and Watercolour
  • Watercolour and Ink workshop
  • En Plein Air (Outdoors painting) workshop *

Module 2: Award in-Watercolour Foundations and Techniques (Exit Award) | MQF level 5 | 10 ECTS

Lectures/sessions: 50hrs — Total hours of learning including sessions/workshops; self study; assessments and project work (250 hrs)

Learning mode options:    Class-based (in-person)   /   LIVE online   * Hybrid *
*This module includes ‘en plein air’ (outdoors) sessions. En plein air sessions are are held outdoors and strictly in-person.


Entry Requirements: No prior experience or knowledge is required. Good English communication (speaking and understanding).

Module 3: Classical Realism in Drawing and Oil painting (Cycle 1)

This 3rd module in this 4 part sequence introduces not only the techniques of realist drawing and oil painting but also the underlying principles of figure drawing.

Structured into 2 progressive cycles; 1st the Intensive Realist Drawing course secondly the Classical Oil Painting course you will delve right into the Classical Masters’ timeless approach towards life-like Realism. During these intensive workshops that follow you will learn the principles, process and techniques needed for expertise in classical realism for realistic expression in drawing and oil painting –  inspired by the Renaissance artistry and was later re-surfaced by the Classical Masters in the late 19th to 20th century.

All subsequent workshops during these upcoming Modules 3 & 4  are structured and based on the Atelier methods- in the academic tradition of L’Académie des beaux-arts and modern schools of realism.

Different methods will be used throughout different parts of this course, which aim to provide a holistic understanding of the different principles in Classical Realism. Lessons in Classical Drawing will consist of essential techniques from inside the Atelier. The simple use of line, shape, form, light and shadow will become the basis of the first few lessons. In addition, a thorough understanding of colour and optics will be our focus during the later parts of the course in dealing with Classical painting.

Workshops during Module 3 include:

  1. Charles Bargue
  2. Still Life Drawing
  3. Figure Drawing
  4. Master Copy Painting
  5. Cast/Still life Painting
  6. Full Figure Painting

Module 3: Award in- Classical Realism in Drawing and Painting Cycle 1 (Exit Award) | MQF level 5 | ECTS 14

Lectures/sessions: 70hrs — Total hours of expected learning including sessions/workshops; self study; assessments and project work (350 hrs)

Learning mode options:    Class-based 


Entry Requirements: Successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 OR students with a good portfolio of technical art (drawing and painting)

Module 4: Classical Realism (Cycle 2)

This instructive programme aims to introduce not only the techniques of realist drawing and oil painting but also the underlying principles of Portrait Drawing & Painting.

All lessons are structured and based on the Atelier methods- in the academic tradition of L’Académie des beaux-arts and modern schools of realism.

Different methods will be used throughout different parts of this course, which aim to provide a holistic understanding of the different principles in Classical Realism. Lessons in Classical Drawing will consist of essential techniques from inside the Atelier.

Workshops during this 4th Module include:

  1. High Chroma Painting

2.  Trompe L’Oeil

3. Cold and Warm Watercolour Effect Still Life Painting

5. Full palette Portrait Drawing & Painting

Module 4: Award in- Classical Realism Cycle 2 (Exit Qualification) | MQF level 5 | ECTS 15

Lectures/sessions: 75hrs — Total hours of expected learning including sessions/workshops; self study; assessments and project work (375 hrs)

Learning mode options:    Class-based 


Entry Requirements: Successful completion of Module 3

After Full successful completion of all 4 Modules student will be awarded:

Award in Classical Realism in Fine Art Drawing and Painting | MQF Level 5  | 45ECTS

Program Funding Options

GET QUALIFIED SCHEME

Students following the ‘Award in Classical Realism in Fine Art Drawing and Painting’ study programme can apply for the Get Qualified Scheme which will enable them to benefit from a tax credit of 70% of the costs incurred (ie. €1,155 will be refunded back for this Full Award course).

For more details on this scheme visit >

TRAINING PAYS SCHEME (TPS)

The scheme offers assistance in the form of a training grant to aid participants with costs relating to training. Eligible candidates satisfying a list of criteria can benefit from a 75% rebate on direct training cost.

Learn more about this scheme >

Places are limited and classes tend to become fully booked

Enroll
Upcoming Commencement Date: June 2024

Schedule

Mode of Study: PARTTIME

Commencement dates: Weeks starting: 9th October ’23; 22nd January ’24; 17th June ’24

Days & Time:

Course 1: Drawing – Mondays 7:30PM-9:30PM

Course 2: Watercolour – Wednesdays 7:30PM-9:30PM

Courses 3 & 4: Classical Realism (Cycles 1 & 2) – Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30PM-9:30PM

Duration: circa 50-55 weeks (Total sessions: 225 hours)

Christmas Break: Dec 24th 2023- Jan 6th 2024
Easter Break: 9th- 22nd April 2024
*Class schedules are subject to change during public holidays*

Entry Level Requirements

  • All Levels. No prior knowledge or skills required
  • Good English communication (speaking and understanding)

Course Fees

Course Fee: 1,650 euros

Flexible payment options available – contact us


Earn an Official Award
This is an internationally recognised certificate.

Frequently asked questions

Certificate VS Qualification: What's the difference?

With our Certificate VS Qualification learning option you are flexible to choose your own mode of learning & study.

Certificate option (Informal Learning): You may opt for the Certificate learning-mode if you wish to attend the course for your own leisure or for personal development. A Certificate of Participation & Skills acquired is awarded upon successful completion based on favourable attendance and project completion. This certification will be recognised as Informal Learning.

Qualification option (Formal Learning)You may choose the qualification option for professional and accredited recognition to your learning. An Official qualification certificate will be awarded to upon successful completion of all course assessment and project criteria.

An extra fee is reflective of the extra assessment, project & placement hours.

This industry recognised qualification continues to confirm the relevance of our industry-designed study programmes.

NOTE: Students have 30 days from course commencement to upgrade their mode of study (from Certificate to Qualification). No other or later changes will be possible. Other general Terms & Conditions apply.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid under the Get Qualified scheme. Students who attend any of the eligible study programmes can apply for the Get Qualified Scheme upon successful completion which will enable them to benefit from a tax credit of 70% of the costs incurred.

The Get Qualified scheme is only eligible for Accreditation courses. Certificate level courses are ineligible for funding.

For more information about Funding & Scheme options visit >

I'd love to enrol but my budget is limited. How can I go about this?

ACM offers students the chance to schedule 3 interest-free payments which gives them the freedom and flexibility to invest in their studies and still do the things they love.

EasyPay Scheme – Students may also opt for the EasyPay plan for longer instalment payments. For more info visit here

Funding – Students also have the chance to get 70% of their course fees back thanks to the Get Qualified Scheme.

In which countries will my certification be recognised?

MAD is a licensed Higher and Further Education Institute by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). Our courses are all accredited by the NCFHE with relevant MQF Levels and ECTS Credits which allow our courses to be recognised in Malta and within the European Union.

What our students are saying

Its a very interesting seminar, and the way it was explained the Golden Ratio it looks very simple and very important.

After attending the Golden Ratio course with Stefan PriehybaCharles Zammit

Amazing seminar and workshop on the Golden Ratio with Stefan Priehyba. Well done to the team for your professionalism. It was highly enlightening and i thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to more.

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Thank you AKartistry for the professional organisation. The topic was inspiring and truly interesting, we had a pleasant time.

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Thumbs up for Graphic Design course! Very professional.

Dennis KasapGraphic Design and Branding student | 16/12/2019

My daughter really loves attending her lessons with ms Kelsey. I also attended 2 adult courses one with Kelsey and with Stefan.Great tutors I am very happy and thankful for offering us with such great courses!

Carmen AgiusAfter attending the Beginner Art programme

Thanks a lot, I'm very grateful for attending your workshps Štefan Priehyba Camilleri, was a great experience and very interesting. You really have a good way of explaining and delivering such knowledge. And also a big thanks to Kelsey and Andrei of Art Classes Malta too for making it happen. 🙂

Raisa BusuttilAfter attending the Golden Proportions course

I am truly enjoying coming to the course , I adore your work ! 😍Thank you for the experience you share with us!. Many thanks 😘

Gina Laura SalibaAfter attending the Watercolour beginner's course

Loved every second going to these lessons. Its hard to find such intelligent and skilled teachers here in Malta! Please keep organizing more courses for us adults.

Raymond BorgAfter attending the Beginner Art programme and Big Scale Anatomy course

I truly recommend Art Classes. Kurt Bullock is an excellent teacher. Enjoyed every second of the course. Highly recommended

Krista BugejaAfter attending the Calligraphy and Lettering course

Great tutors, would recommend to anyone that wants to develop their drawing and painting skills or just spend some time doing what they enjoy.

Alison RogersAfter attending the Classical Realism and Big Scale Anatomy courses

For those art lovers out there, Art Classes provides the right environment where you can indulge in learning about real art. If you’re hooked on classical and fine art, this is the place to be.

Paul FarrugiaAfter attending the Classical Realism Introductory course and the Life Portrait Painting specialization course

It was an amazing workshop! looking forward to the next 🙂

Sephora BaldacchinoAfter attending the Golden Proportions

Thank you 😊 Great opportunity. Loved every moment. 💚Ready for more😊😊 hope to work with you all very soon. Xxx

Stephanie CalascioneAfter attending the Golden Proportions

Art Classes Malta is a very good and professional school in Malta. I loved the courses of Painting and Classical Realism. The tutors were amazing and the level and depth of these courses is unparalleled locally. I have enrolled for another course in Interior Design.. looking forward for this new experience as well!

Eman BusuttilAfter attending the Beginner Art programme and Classical Realism course

Nice environment, smiling people, valuable teaching. Lovely!!

Roberto PrestigiacomoAttended the Classical Realism course

I'm enjoying the Interior Design class! Ritianne is great, and very sweet! Thank you!

Maria MauriziAttended the Interior Design and Architecture course

Nice enviroment, great availability, interesting selection of courses and excellent attitude of the teachers 🙂

Natália MartišovičováGraphic Design and Branding student | 10/02/2020