General Questions

WHAT IS TAUGHT AT DARA?

At DARA, we are dedicated to teaching figurative drawing and painting in the European academic tradition, with an emphasis on working from observation (meaning, directly from life - not from photos.) The disciplines we teach range from portraiture and figurative work, still life, landscape, and the study of historical methods and techniques.

Our courses are centred around building a strong technical foundation in the fine arts, using a balanced visual approach that combines optical assessment with conceptual understanding. Our aim is to continue the legacy of classical fine arts education in order to provide professional-level training to our students, which in turn empowers artists to explore their creative vision to the fullest potential.

WILL I LEARN TO DRAW / PAINT FROM PHOTOS?

No, copying from photos is not in line with DARA's philosophy or teaching approach.

In our Trimester Programme and Bootcamps, students either work from direct real-life observation, or from a reproduction of a master's work. In our Workshop programme, some visiting instructors may discuss strategies to utilise photos as reference material without copying directly; however, the straightforward copying from a picture is not accepted within any course taught at DARA.

DOES DARA TEACH THE SIGHT-SIZE METHOD?

No, we do not. Our stance on the sight-size method is that it might have some limited benefits for complete beginners, but we consider other methods more useful.

CAN STUDENTS OF ANY AGE APPLY?

Classes are open to students ages 12 and up. Mature and respectful conduct, along with a serious commitment to learn, is expected from students of any age in order to participate.

Students under 18 years old: DARA must receive written permission from your parent or legal guardian in order for you to enroll. Please be advised that some classes may contain nudity (either models who pose nude, or copying after master works which depict nudity.) Maturity and professionalism is expected from all students.

WHICH LANGUAGES ARE USED IN CLASS?

English is the main language spoken for group discussions, demonstrations, or lectures in the classroom. A working fluency in English is needed to participate in courses at DARA. When individual feedback is offered in Dutch or other languages, this is indicated on the course page. 

DOES DARA OFFER ANY ONLINE CLASSES?

All courses are instructed in person at our studio. We do not have any plans to offer online classes at this time.

DO I RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE AFTER COMPLETING A COURSE?

You receive a Certificate of Completion if you meet the following requirements:

• Workshops & Bootcamps: You must have maintained an attendance rate of 80% or more throughout the course.
  

• Trimester Programme: Most trimester courses are divided into modules, and passing each module requires you to meet certain criteria. This includes completing specific assignments up to DARA's standards, and demonstrating a passing level of technical proficiency and conceptual understanding of core concepts. You must fulfil these criteria and maintain an attendance rate of 80% or higher to receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the trimester. If you did not pass the module, but you require confirmation of your attendance in order to receive funding from a third-party, please contact the office.

CAN I BRING MY PET TO DARA?

No, pets are not allowed. If you have a working service animal, please indicate this in your application form, or otherwise contact the office.

CAN I BRING MY FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER TO CLASS?

No, classes are only open to registered students. In order to maintain a comfortable, safe, and focused class environment for all of our students, instructors, and models, we do not permit non-registered guests to join lessons.

If someone will drop you off and/or pick you up from class, he or she is kindly requested to stay in the entrance / lounge area while classes are in session.

Your friends or family members are more than welcome to accompany you to events at DARA such as open days, exhibitions, or borrels.

Applications Questions

HOW DO I ENROL IN A CLASS?

Workshops & Bootcamps
Registration for workshops and bootcamps are open to all on a first-come, first-served basis. The recommended level for participants is indicated on the course page, but there are no stringent entrance requirements. You may register by navigating to the course page and clicking on the "Register" button to fill out a brief online registration form. If the course is already full, your name will be added to a waiting list.

Trimester Programme
Registration for our Trimester Programme is application-based and has stricter entrance criteria. You may apply by navigating to the course page and clicking on the "Apply" button to fill out the online application. You will need to submit examples of recent drawings or paintings to give instructors an idea of your current level, and indicate your motivation to study academic art.

DARA does not determine eligibility for courses based upon the number of years you have studied elsewhere, but solely based on the level of technical skill demonstrated in your work according to our standards. If this level does not meet the course's entrance criteria, we will indicate which course(s) we believe to be more suitable.

Note: If you are a continuing student in our Trimester Programme and you were not able to complete the objectives of your course module, we may suggest you to take a more foundational-level course first before repeating the module again.

WHY AM I SEEING AN ERROR MESSAGE WHEN I TRY TO UPLOAD PHOTOS OF MY WORK TO MY APPLICATION?

An error message will be returned if image files are too large. Images must be 3 MB or smaller. Please do not email the office large image files.

HOW DO I KNOW THAT DARA RECEIVED MY APPLICATION?

An automated confirmation email is sent to you when your application is submitted. If you do not see this message in your inbox, please check your Junk/Spam folder in case it was filtered there.
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If you did not receive any confirmation email at all, then DARA did not receive your application. Please ensure that you enter your correct email address when submitting your information.

WHEN WILL I HEAR A REPLY ABOUT MY APPLICATION?

Applications are reviewed and responded to within 5 working days, though we do our best to respond sooner if possible. Please check your Junk / Spam folder if you do not see a reply from us within this time frame.

I RECEIVED AN ACCEPTANCE LETTER - DO I HAVE TO DO ANYTHING ELSE?

• Review all your acceptance documents. You should have received an acceptance letter, course programme, materials list, and a proforma invoice for tuition fees. Please review these materials thoroughly so that you are fully prepared for class.
• Reserve your place. Your bill indicates the dates when each instalment of tuition fees must be paid in order to reserve your place in the class.
• Check the supply list. Allow yourself enough time to secure any items you need before the course starts.
• Add the studio's email to your safe sender list. Important announcements and other correspondence from DARA are sent by email. Please ensure that you are able to receive it.
• Do you live outside of the Netherlands? Check whether you need a visa before traveling to the Netherlands. If so, it is advised that you file your application at the appropriate Dutch Embassy or Consular Office as early as possible.
• Keep the studio updated if any of your important information changes.
• Prepare to arrive to the first lesson on time and with the correct materials.
• Read our Studio Policies.
  

Payment Questions

HOW MUCH DOES TUITION COST, AND WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Please visit our Tuition Fees page for current fees for all study programmes.

Tuition fees always include:

• Storage space for artwork and supplies for the duration of the course;
• Basic studio equipment (easels, stools, and drawing boards);
• Live model fees;
• Coffee, tea, and light refreshments served during all hours;
• (Workshops Only) Complimentary light lunch served daily;
• (Workshops Only) End-of-workshop borrel (light drinks & snacks) on the final evening of lessons.

For most courses, the expectation is that students will supply their own drawing and painting materials. If any materials are included with the tuition fee, this will be indicated on the materials list. Accommodation, airfare, and other travel expenses are not included.

​Tuition fees are subject to annual increase.

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO PAY?

To reserve your space in the course, a portion of the tuition fee must be made within a specified time period after you receive your acceptance letter.

If there is more than one month before the start of the course, you can secure your place in class by paying a deposit within 14 days of your acceptance letter. You may opt to pay one half of the tuition fee as a deposit, and the other half one month before the course begins; or, if your course allows monthly billing, you may split the tuition fee into up to 6 monthly instalments. Available payment plans will be outlined in your proforma invoice.

If there are 4 weeks or less before the start of the course, you will need to pay the tuition fee in full within 5 working days in order to keep your place in the class secure. The tuition fee must be received before the first day of class.

If your place in the class is not secured by paying within the deadlines specified above, DARA considers this a cancellation. We can no longer guarantee availability in the course, and reserve the right to offer the space to someone else if the class has a waiting list.

WHAT IS DARA'S REFUND POLICY?

Policies when you would like to credit your tuition fee towards another class
A request to credit a tuition payment towards a different course is considered a transfer. Transfers are permitted under the following circumstances:

1) There is a sufficient amount of advance notice before the start of the course you were initially accepted into:

• Workshops: There are more than 6 weeks before the start of the original workshop;
• Bootcamps: There are more than 6 weeks before the start of the original bootcamp;
• Trimester Programme: There are more than 4 weeks before the start of the trimester. If transferring to a different trimester course, note that it is only possible to transfer to another course within the same trimester. It is not permitted to cancel and keep a payment on hold for a future trimester. Registration is only open for one trimester at a time - please refer to point 2 below.

2) You will transfer to a specific course which is currently open for registration at DARA. If the registration period has not opened to students yet, e.g. you cancel for the fall trimester and want to credit your tuition fees towards the spring trimester which will only be open for registration in several months, this is not an option. We are not able to keep tuition fees on hold for a hypothetical course at some unfixed time in the future.

3) The course that you would like to transfer into has places available. If there are any eligibility requirements, you meet all of them. Please note that there are entrance requirements in place for our Trimester Programme which do not apply to Workshops or Bootcamps.

4) If there is a price difference between the two courses, such that the tuition fee of the course you wants to transfer into costs less than the original course, DARA will refund the difference in tuition fees up to €300. Any amount left over is retained by DARA.

If these conditions are not met, course transfers are not possible. Please refer to DARA's Cancellation & Refund policy below.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

• Sketch Session / Event Cancellations

Cancellations made more than 24 hours ahead of the sketch session, lecture, or other event are fully refunded. After this time, it is not possible to reschedule or receive a refund.

• "Cool-off" Period

If you cancel your course enrolment within 14 days of your initial tuition payment,* you are fully refunded, regardless of the amount of time between the cancellation date and the start of the course.**

* "Initial tuition payment" means the first payment made towards the course fee. For example, if you hose to pay in monthly instalments, the initial payment refers to the first instalment.

** If the course already started and the cancellation falls within the "cool-off" period, then you are still required to pay the total cost of services rendered. This is calculated by the number of lessons that were completed at the time of the cancellation, regardless of whether or not you attended class. The remaining balance is refunded.

• Full Refund

> Trimester Programme: The cancellation is made more than 8 weeks before the start of the trimester.
> Bootcamps: The cancellation is made more than 8 weeks​ before the start of the course.
> Workshops: The cancellation is made more than 6 months before the start of the workshop.*

* Why 6 months? There are significant expenses and efforts involved in coordinating the visiting artist's travel, accommodation, etc. and DARA needs to know well in advance if the workshop has sufficient student numbers to run.

• Partial Refund*:

If you cancel when there are more than 4 weeks before the start of the course or trimester, DARA retains 50% of the total cost of tuition. If you paid an amount greater than 50% of the tuition fee, the difference is refunded to you. Please see exceptions, below.*

• Cancelling when there are fewer than 4 weeks before the start of the course*:

If you cancel when there are fewer than 4 weeks before the start of a course, you are not eligible for a refund except in the circumstances outlined below. You may not credit your tuition fees to a different course at this late stage.

* When does DARA make an exception? DARA will waive our standard policy and refund you in full if another person is available to take your cancelled space before the course starts. We will do our best to make this happen, but cannot guarantee that this will always be possible. Refunds are processed 14 days after the alternate student's tuition fees have been paid. If we are unable to fill the cancelled space before the course starts, then our standard policy written above applies.

Cancelling or withdrawing from class after the course begins:
If you withdraw from a course at any time after it begins, for any reason, you are not eligible for a refund. Crediting tuition fees towards another course is also not allowed at this time. Absences from class are neither refunded nor made up in a private lesson at the instructor's expense.

ARE THERE ANY DISOUNTS OR OTHER FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS?

Yes! Please visit our Discounts & Financial Aid page for more information about subsidies and other offers available for your study programme of interest.

Artist Materials Questions

WHAT SUPPLIES DO I NEED TO BRING TO CLASS?

Easels, stools, and drawing boards are always provided. Any other supplies needed to participate in class are generally at the student's expense. These items stated on the course page, under the "Materials" section. This list is also provided to you in PDF format upon acceptance.

CAN I BUY EVERYTHING I NEED AT DARA?

Yes, we have a small supply store in the studio with most required materials available for sale.

​If there are items on the supply list that we do not carry, this is indicated in the PDF materials list sent to accepted students. For such items, we include an overview of recommended art supply stores in Haarlem and surrounding cities where items can be purchased.

WHY ARE ITEMS LIKE BRUSHES, PENCILS, ETC. NOT INCLUDED FOR STUDENTS?

DARA is a professional institution offering vocational training for working artists seeking career development, or those who are aspiring to enter a creative profession. At this level, it is expected that students already own basic tools such as oil paints, brushes, etc. and will continue to use these tools after the course ends.

(Note that if you are a beginner who is not sure if this is the right field for you, our courses which are appropriate for the beginner level generally have a very minimal supply list.)

We also understand that every artist has their own preference about which paint brands, brushes, palette type/shape, etc. works best for them.

CAN I SUBSTITUTE AN ITEM ON THE SUPPLY LIST WITH SOMETHING ELSE?

Consult with the studio first, before the start of the course.

CAN DARA PURCHASE SUPPLIES FOR ME TO PICK UP LATER?

If there is an item you would like to purchase at our studio, we can place it on reserve for you. Otherwise, we cannot place an order on your behalf at another art store.

CAN I KEEP MY SUPPLIES AND ARTWORK AT DARA?

Yes, during the course / trimester in which you are enrolled. All students are given a designated storage space to keep supplies, drawings, and paintings for the duration of the term.

When your enrolment period ends, you must take your belongings home with you or pay a fee to have your belongings shipped to you. Our space is limited. We do not agree to store items for anyone other than currently registered students, and we accept no responsibility for anything left in our building once a student is no longer enrolled. Please be respectful and do not treat our studio as if it should be a free storage facility.

Travel to DARA

CAN I PARK MY CAR AT DARA?

Yes. On Zuider Emmakade, the street where DARA is located, there is 24/7 free parking.

For more info, click here to see which areas in Haarlem are in paid parking zones, and areas where you may park for free.

HOW CAN I REACH DARA WITH PUBLIC TRANSPORT?

Nearest bus stops / train connections:

• Haarlem Schouwtjesbrug (lines 80, 680) 3-4 minute walk to DARA, connection to Heemstede-Aerdenhout train station;
• Haarlem Florapark (lines 50, 250) 8 minute walk to DARA, connection to Haarlem train station;
• Haarlem Centrum/Houtplein (lines 3, 50, 80, 346, 356) 14 minute walk to DARA, connections to Haarlem train station & Heemstede-Aerdenhout train station

Visit Connexxion for up to date info about bus routes & schedules.

​Are you visiting DARA from abroad? Please note that local bus drivers do not accept cash for bus fare. It's advisable to purchase your ticket in advance of your trip, or be prepared to pay the driver with a bank card. At the bus stop, stick out your hand as the bus is approaching to indicate to the driver that you want to board.

I LIVE OUTSIDE OF THE EU / EEA / SWITZERLAND. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE I APPLY?

• Do you need a visa?

​​If you are a citizen of a country that has not signed a visa-free agreement with the Schengen Area member states, you will need a short stay visa (in Dutch: visum kort verblijf or VKV) to enter the Netherlands. You must apply for this type of visa yourself at the Dutch Embassy or Consular Office that serves your country of residence.

​Check whether you need a VKV here.

• Plan ahead if you need a VKV (Short Stay Visa)

You can apply for a VKV starting from 6 months ahead of your travel. From the time of your appointment at the Dutch Embassy or Consular Office, your visa application will typically be processed within 15 days; however, this period can be legally extended up to 45 days. 

Further, it may take time to book an appointment and gather all necessary documents to support your application, such as proof of accommodation during your stay. You can view all required documentation here.

It is therefore advised that you plan ahead, and are prepared to apply for the visa as early as possible.

• Travel requirements for visa-exempt nationals

Presently, nationals of visa-free countries (such as the United States, Canada, etc.) are able to travel to any country within the Schengen Area, such as the Netherlands, for up to 90 days out of a 180-day period with only a valid passport.

In the future, there are discussions of additional travel requirements which could be implemented in the last quarter of 2026. This is known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). When implemented, travellers will need to apply for ETIAS prior to arrival in the European Union. ETIAS will be linked to your passport and is valid for three years (or until your passport expires), and travellers will be able to apply online for a fee of €7.

At the time of this writing (November 2025), ETIAS is not in operation and there is not yet a fixed date as to when it will begin. Please visit the official ETIAS website for up-to-date information.

• Study duration

If you do not have nationality in a country within the European Union, European Economic Area, or in Switzerland, DARA is not currently able to sponsor you to study in the Netherlands for a period that exceeds 90 days out of a 180-day duration.

Unless you have legal residency status in the Netherlands through your work or relationship with Dutch citizen or permanent resident, there is unfortunately no circumstance in which you can attain a long-term visa to study at DARA at this time. If you are planning on applying for multiple courses, or otherwise combining your study at DARA with a longer trip in Europe, you must ensure that your travel dates are within the maximum legal duration of 90 days out of a 180-day period.

CAN DARA HELP ME WITH OBTAINING A VISA?

The only type of visa that students are currently able to attain for study at DARA is a short stay visa, or VKV in Dutch (visum kort verblijf.)

The VKV must be applied for by you personally at the appropriate Dutch Embassy or Consular Office in your country of residence. DARA cannot apply for this type of visa on your behalf. However, we can provide documentation certifying your enrolment in our courses to support your application.

WHAT ACCOMMODATION IS AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS WHO TRAVEL FROM FAR AWAY?

Accommodation is not provided by DARA, and students are responsible for organising accommodation during your stay. Our recommendations:

Hotels Nearest to DARA

• The Niu Dairy - most economical rates
• Hotel Raecks
• Boutique Hotel 't Vosje
• Carlton Square Hotel Haarlem

These locations are all within approximately 15 to 20 minutes walking distance from DARA.

Hotels Near the Train Station
A stone's throw from Haarlem Station:

• Hotel Lion d'Or

Hotels in Haarlem Centrum
Located in the historic centre of Haarlem, near the Frans Hals Museum and Teylers Museum:

• Ambassador City Centre Hotel
• Amrâth Grand Hotel Frans Hals
• Haarlem Hotel Suites

Hostels

• Hello I'm Local

Short Term Rentals

• AirBnB
• Pararius
• Kamernet
• Huurwoningen
• Huislijn

You might also check housing groups on Facebook in Haarlem and surrounding areas. More information about rental contracts and tenants rights in the Netherlands can be found here.

WHAT IF I CANNOT TRAVEL WITH WET PAINTINGS AT THE END OF MY COURSE?

​Trimester Programme: There are designated days at the end of each trimester when your work and belongings need to be picked up from the studio. This information is indicated to everyone before the trimester begins. If you are unable to take a wet painting, etc. home at this time, you must consult with the office before the trimester ends to see if other arrangements are possible.

Short Courses (Workshops / Bootcamps): If you are unable to take your paintings (or other items) home with you at the end of the course, DARA can ship your belongings to you for a fee. We use PostNL for all shipments (both domestic and abroad). Shipping costs are at the student's expense, and can be calculated here.

• Before the end of the course, let a member of staff know that you would like your belongings to be shipped to you. A waiver of liability must be signed, which states that DARA only retains responsibility of your belongings while they are stored in our care; we are not financially responsible if the package is lost or damaged during transit.*
• At the studio, we will weigh and measure your items. A staff member will help you to print a shipping label on the PostNL website, which will requires you to submit a list of the weight, dimensions, and estimated value of all items if you are shipping outside of the country. Here, you will input your delivery address, contact details, and pay PostNL's shipping fee.
• DARA charges an additional service cost per package, which covers the cost of packing materials, labor, and transport to a shipping facility. Rates start from €25 for small parcels, and increase to €35 for medium and large parcels. (Check PostNL parcel sizes here.)
• Shipments are sent out on the last weekend of every month. If your shipment includes a painting which is still wet, your shipment will be rolled over to the next month.

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* Liability: PostNL offers insured delivery for both domestic and international shipments, which compensates up to 5500 EUR in the event of damage or loss. Insuring the package is at the student’s expense.

Trimester Programme Questions

WHO IS THE TRIMESTER PROGRAMME SUITABLE FOR?

The Trimester Programme is currently DARA's main academic training programme in traditional drawing and painting. This study is intended for artists who are seeking professional vocational training to either enter a career in the fine arts, or expand their professional skillset. Students who have a strong passion for studying the arts, yet may not wish to turn it into a career, are also suitable for enrolment provided that they demonstrate a sincere work ethic and commitment to academic study.

Trimester courses require patience and long-term, consistent dedication. This programme is about pushing students to achieve technical excellence in traditional drawing and painting, which we believe serves as the foundation for creative development. Trimester courses require a high level of discipline, and in certain classes, you can expect to spend 40 hours or more on a single drawing or painting. If that sounds off-putting, this programme will likely not be the right fit. But if you're like us, and an environment of serious academic study with likeminded artists is just what you are looking for: welcome!

Trimester courses are accessible for a range of skill levels, including beginners. Please refer to the class requirements on each course page to see if the class level is right for you. Courses are generally offered during weekday evenings and weekends to accommodate university study or work schedules. The general age range of trimester students is between 20 to 45, though we accept students ages 12 and up.

WHEN IS THE TRIMESTER PROGRAMME SCHEDULED?

Classes are scheduled on a basis of 11-week trimesters during the Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons. New students can begin at the start of any trimester. Please check the application schedule on the Trimester Programme page to see course dates, and when you can apply for the trimester you wish to start.

WHAT IS 'EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION'? AM I ELIGIBLE?

Early Bird registration is intended to support our student community, specifically those students who wish to continue from one trimester to the next. One week before registration for a trimester opens to the general public, we have an "Early Bird Registration Week," where current students and applicants on the waiting list aregiven first priority to apply and secure a space in the next trimester. If accepted, early birds are eligible for a small discount as our way of showing gratitude for your continued enrolment.

You are not eligible to apply as an Early Bird if:
1) You are a new student, and you were not on the waiting list for the current trimester;
2) You were a student at one point in the past, but now you are not currently enrolled in DARA's Trimester Programme.

In this case, you will be able to apply during the General Registration period.

WHERE SHOULD I START? CAN I ENROL IN ANY CLASS I WANT?

Some courses have pre-requisites which you need to meet to be considered eligible to enrol. This is indicated on the course page.

We do not determine eligibility based on the number of courses you have completed elsewhere, or the years you have been active as an artist; we base eligibility upon the technical skill demonstrated in the work uploaded to your application, according to our standards.

We strongly recommend all new students to DARA to start with Introduction to Classical Drawing. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in core concepts and technical skills which are necessary to succeed in all other courses we offer, and has the least stringent entrance requirements.

WHY DO SOME COURSES SAY THERE ARE DIFFERENT MODULES? WHICH MODULE DO I TAKE?

Almost all courses in our Trimester Programme are intended to be completed over multiple trimesters of study, divided into distinct Modules. As students advance from one module to the next, you will progress to assignments of increasing complexity. In each course description, an overview of each module and a general estimate of how many trimesters it will take to complete the full curriculum is indicated.

You do not automatically pass a module at the end of each trimester. Your work will be evaluated each term to determine whether you have completed the required assignments of the class, and to gauge whether your demonstrated technical ability and understanding of core concepts indicates readiness to proceed to the next module. If you do not meet this criteria at the end of the trimester, your instructor will either propose that you repeat the module or switch to a more foundational-level class.

The more advanced the class, the stricter the passing criteria.

IF I MISS SOME CLASSES DURING THE TRIMESTER, CAN I MAKE THEM UP LATER?

You may book a studio pass to work uninstructed at DARA outside of class hours. We also strongly encourage you to join the open sketch sessions, especially if you are enrolled in a portrait or figure class and you miss lesson time with the model.

For most classes, there are online resources available for you to download, along with suggested homework exercises that you can refer to outside of class. Please note that absences during the trimester are not refunded, and will not be made up in a private lesson at the instructor's expense.
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It is expected that students will maintain an attendance rate of at least 80% during the trimester. If you know ahead of time that this will not be feasible for you, please refrain from applying.

IF I WITHDRAW FROM CLASS DURING THE TRIMESTER, DO I RECEIVE CREDIT TO TAKE THE COURSE LATER?

No, there are no refunds or credits to other classes if you withdraw for any reason after the trimester has started. We strongly encourage you to be sure that you are interested in DARA's teaching methods and are able to attend the full trimester before enrolling. If you are paying in monthly instalments, and there are some instalments due to be paid at the time you cancel, billing will still continue for the full term.

DO I GET A DISOUNT IF I ENROL IN MULTIPLE TRIMESTER COURSES?

Yes, you do! Please visit our Discounts & Financial Aid page for more information about what you can save when you take multiple trimester classes.

Workshop Questions

WHO ARE WORKSHOPS SUITABLE FOR?

Workshops are intended for artists seeking professional development in the fine arts. Registration is generally open to anyone on a first-come, first-served basis. As a general rule of thumb, you will benefit most from a workshop if you already have a good foundation in traditional drawing and painting.

If you are a complete beginner, or you are not sure if this is the right field for you, our bootcamps are more likely to be a better fit.

WHEN ARE WORKSHOPS SCHEDULED?

Most workshops are scheduled from late spring to early fall. Standard class hours are 9:30 to 16:30, with a lunch break from 12:30 to 13:30. Workshops are generally organised for a duration of 3 to 5 days (18 to 30 hours), though we do offer a few longer intensives of 10 days (60 hours) each year.

WILL A WORKSHOP OFFERED THIS YEAR ALSO BE AVAILABLE NEXT YEAR?

We cannot make any guarantees that workshops led by visiting instructors will be offered again the following year.

WHEN WILL DARA ANNOUNCE THE WORKSHOP SCHEDULE FOR NEXT YEAR?

The workshop schedule for the next upcoming year is published in autumn. We do our best to publish the course roster in October or November. Organising each year's programme and coordinating instructor schedules takes time, and delays may happen; patience is appreciated.

DO I GET A DISCOUNT IF I TAKE MORE THAN ONE WORKSHOP?

Yes, you do! Please visit our Discounts & Financial Aid page for more information about what you can save when you take multiple workshops.

Bootcamp Questions

WHO ARE BOOTCAMPS SUITABLE FOR?

Bootcamps are comprised of short and intensive courses intended to quickly advance students' technical skills in drawing or painting, with the specific goal of preparing new students for more rigorous study in our Trimester Programme.

Drawing bootcamps are accessible for the beginner level, including complete beginners. Painting bootcamps are suitable for beginner painters who have a basic foundation in drawing.

If you are curious about DARA, or perhaps not sure if academic fine arts study in general is the right fit for you, bootcamps are a great option to get started - affordable, and without requiring a high level of commitment.

For regular students of DARA, bootcamps are also a great way to keep your skills sharp during the summer break in between trimesters!

WHEN ARE BOOTCAMPS SCHEDULED?

Bootcamps are offered during the summer, in between DARA's spring and fall trimesters. Classes are held during the evenings and weekends. Registration opens in early spring.

DOES THE BOOTCAMP PROGRAMME CHANGE EACH YEAR?

Our Bootcamps are crafted around our Trimester Programme - considering areas where students are commonly facing challenges, and where we should better help students prepare. New courses may be developed each year to suit these needs.

DO I GET A DISCOUNT IF I TAKE MORE THAN ONE BOOTCAMP?

Yes, you do! Please visit our Discounts & Financial Aid page for more information about what you can save when you take multiple bootcamps.

Open Sketch Sessions

CAN ANYONE PARTICIPATE IN AN OPEN SKETCH SESSION?

Yes, the only condition of participation is that all of DARA's studio rules are followed.

Sessions with clothed models: Open to all ages.

Sessions with nude models: Participants age 18+ may join.

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

Please visit this page to see which upcoming sessions are available. Add the calendar dates you want to your shopping cart, and then proceed to checkout. You must sign up in advance in order to join.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Easels, stools, and drawing boards are provided. You are responsible for bringing all other drawing or painting supplies. Please note that unless you are a current student, you may not leave any of your supplies in the studio afterwards.

HOW LONG IS EACH SESSION?

Each session is 3 hours in total. The model poses for 25 minutes at a time, with a break of 5 minutes in between. At the halfway mark, we take a longer break of 10 minutes. The session moderator will set the pose and call the breaks.

CAN I TAKE A PHOTO OF THE MODEL FOR MY PERSONAL USE?

No, recording photos or videos of models is not permitted. If your reason for wishing to take a photo is because you have trouble seeing the model from a distance, please select one of the seated easels stationed next to the model stage.

Please review all rules for working with models at the DARA studio.

CAN I BRING A FRIEND WITH ME?

You may book 2 (or more) spots in a session for a friend to draw with you, but anyone who is not a registered participant is not allowed to join.

HOW MANY POSES WILL THE MODEL HOLD DURING A SESSION?

Short Pose Sketch Sessions: Poses range from 1 minute to 25 minutes.

All other sessions: The model holds one pose for the full 3 hours.

IF I HAVE TO CANCEL, DO I GET A REFUND OR CAN I RESCHEDULE?

You can reschedule for free OR receive a full refund if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance of the session.

ARE THERE ANY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE?

If you book a session when there are more than 48 hours in advance, you receive a €2,50 discount.

When you join your first session, the moderator will give you a sticker card where you can keep track of the number of sessions you have attended. Each session grants you a sticker. After 10 stickers, hand in your card to earn a session completely free!