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    A STUDIO SPACE FOR ARTISTS DEDICATED TO THE STUDY AND ADVANCEMENT OF CONTEMPORARY REALISM

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    ​LEARN figurative drawing & painting from Classically trained artists and Instructors

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    study in Historic Haarlem: the city of frans hals

about
The Dutch Atelier of Realist Art is a private art institution in Haarlem, the Netherlands founded on the basis of advancing the academic tradition of figurative drawing and painting.

study
Our studio philosophy is based around the belief that a solid art education should be skill-based, focused strictly on the teaching of objective technical proficiency, and this informs the way each of our classes are instructed.

instructors

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Visiting Instructors
Each of the professional artists instructing our part-time courses and workshops are classically trained artists and graduates of leading academic fine arts institutions.

Gallery

Get a glimpse inside our studio and see examples of the type of work our students have completed.

CONTACT

Want to schedule a visit to our studio, or request more information? Here's how!

welcome to dara

The Dutch Atelier of Realist Art is a private art studio in Haarlem for artists seeking to achieve a high level of ability in representational drawing and painting. Our motto, "Technique before Style," reflects our philosophy that a proper art education is one that is based around the development of objective technical skills and excellent draftsmanship.

gallery

student guide

instructors

featured

PLEIN AIR LANDSCAPE PAINTING with BRIAN SMYTH

Plein Air Landscape
5-DAY MASTER CLASS with ​BRIAN SMYTH
12 - 16 August, 2019
Join us this summer for the unique opportunity to paint landscapes en plein air with classically trained artist and instructor Brian Smyth. With the beautiful and atmospheric city of Haarlem as a backdrop, students will spend 5 days outdoors painting the historic and picturesque canals, streets, squares, and surrounding landscapes.

Brian is an award-winning Irish artist, and a former instructor and graduate of the world-renowned Angel Academy of Art, Florence. In addition to working as a visiting instructor at the Dutch Atelier of Realist Art, he currently teaches a wide variety of courses in classical drawing and painting at the Classical Art Atelier in Ireland.

Interested in studying with Brian? Sign up today!
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity! There is still availability for students who act quickly to enroll Brian's workshop this August. Fill out our brief online application and sign up today.

workshops / master classes

Our workshops and master classes are highly intensive week-long courses that complement our part-time figurative drawing and painting programme. At DARA, we offer the unique opportunity to study with classically trained, award-winning artists from around the world.
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See All Workshops >

upcoming WORKSHOPS

Painting The Portrait & The Clothed Figure
5-DAY MASTER CLASS with GIULIA BUCCIARELLI
8 - 12 July, 2019
Introduction to Portrait Painting
5-DAY MASTER CLASS with TOBIAS BERMAN
21 - 25 October, 2019
The Flesh Tones Workshop

​5-DAY MASTER CLASS with TINA GARRETT
3 - 7 August, 2020

part-time programme

Our part-time programme consists of evening & weekend classes designed to teach the fundamental skills of realist drawing and painting. Courses are offered on a basis of three-month trimesters, and students may enroll in any course of their choosing at the start of the Fall, Winter, or Spring trimesters.
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See All Fall 2019 Courses >

FEATURED courses: FALL 2019 Trimester

Drawing & Painting From Plaster Casts
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PART-TIME FALL COURSE with THOMAS LANGEVELD
Tuesdays & Thursdays 19:00 - 22:00
Copying From The Old Masters: Caravaggio & Rembrandt
PART-TIME FALL COURSE with THOMAS LANGEVELD
Saturdays 10:30 - 15:00
Portrait Drawing Fundamentals
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PART-TIME FALL COURSE with MISCHA TRANQUILLI
Tuesdays & Wednesdays 19:00 - 22:00

frequently asked questions

Learn more about us

Q: Do I need to have any former experience to study here?

A: Although students will find it helpful to have completed prior artistic study before coming here, we do not require any former artistic training from new applicants. However, our classes are intensive and are designed for artists who wish to attain a high level of technical skill in the realms of representational drawing and painting. As such, students at DARA are expected to share our core philosophy of the importance of "technique before style," and to show a sincere commitment towards their pursuit of skill-based artistic study.
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Q: What languages are classes offered in?

A: Because we have students and instructors of all different nationalities, English is the primary language used in our classes. Classes that are offered in both Dutch and English, or in other languages, are always indicated in the course description.
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q: Can i visit the studio in person?

A: Yes, absolutely! Please contact us to schedule an appointment first.

testimonials

WHAT OUR STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY

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  • "This is the figurative art instruction I was longing for. Teaching is clear, to the point, and a very nice atmosphere. THE classical atelier training in all its beauty."
    Jessica Grenouilleau
    Part-time Student
  • "I learned more in 1 lesson from Thomas and Mischa than in my whole high school period (drawing as a final exam). There is a pleasant atmosphere and techniques are taught in a good way."
    Inger van Hoogstraten
    Part-Time Student
  • ​"Very nice and sweet people who know how to draw and paint. Really recommended to follow lessons, it really brings you a step higher."
    Nico Pecht
    Part-Time Student
  • "Good and clear lessons!"
    Esther Schlebos
    Workshop Student
  • "I started at the Dutch Atelier of Realist Art since November with lessons from Mischa and Thomas. I enjoy learning and seeing again according to the classic methods. Both good teachers to develop me further."
    ​Jan Timmer
    Part-Time Student
  • "Super fine teachers and top atmosphere!"
    Sannie Botschuyver
    ​Part-Time Student
  • "I started at Dutch Atelier of Realist Art since the beginning of October. Even though I am not a beginner, I started with much enthusiasm and learned a lot again. If you really want to learn how to draw and paint in the traditional way, and if you do not have a problem attending lessons in English, then you are at the right address!"
    Clasien Pols
    ​Part-Time Student