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    A STUDIO space in haarlem FOR ARTISTS DEDICATED TO THE STUDY 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

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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. Like learning a new language, technical skill is the essential vocabulary that every artist needs in order to successfully express his or her creative vision.
COVID-19 UPDATE: As of 1 June 2020, DARA has re-opened to students and visitors. Please note that all visitors must comply with certain conditions before entering the building, in accordance with health and safety measures set by the Dutch authorities. For more information, please visit our Coronavirus Protocols page.

study opportunities

PART-TIME PROGRAMME

​Skill-based atelier training, evening & weekend classes.

3-month courses offered during the Fall, Winter, and Spring. Perfect for motivated artists looking to balance a busy work or university schedule with the opportunity to pursue serious fine arts training in figurative drawing and painting.​

WORKSHOP PROGRAMME

Short, intensive master classes jam-packed with classical art instruction.

2- to 5-day master classes in figurative drawing and painting. Perfect for artists seeking to rapidly hone their skills in a short period of time. A unique opportunity to study in the Netherlands with classically trained artists from around the world.

what people are saying about dara:

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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."
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    - Jessica Grenouilleau
    Part-Time Student
  • "Fantastic and very enthusiastic colleagues. Mischa Tranquilli and Thomas Langeveld taught my first-year students the basics of model drawing with patience and determination. If you want to learn how to draw from observation, I can heartily recommend Dutch Atelier of Realist Art in Haarlem!"
    - Sanne van Tongeren
    Owner of Figura, Dutch Academy of Figurative Sculpture
  • "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."
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    - 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."
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    - Nico Pecht
    Part-Time 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 are good teachers to develop me further."
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    - Jan Timmer
    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

frequently asked questions

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 training from new applicants. We only ask for a sincere commitment towards the pursuit of skill-based artistic study. Please note that our courses are technical in nature, in tandem with our core philosophy of the importance of "technique before style." What we offer is intended for artists who wish to attain a high level of technical skill in the realms of representational drawing and painting.
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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 most courses. Courses 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.