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.
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.
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.
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.
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.