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welcome to dara

The Dutch Atelier of Realist Art is a private art studio in Haarlem dedicated to the study of contemporary realism. We offer skill-based instruction that centers around achieving a high level of ability in drawing and painting through direct observation.

Our instructors are classically trained professional draftsmen and painters who share a common philosophy towards figurative arts training. At DARA, we believe an authentic classical education is founded on a high level of technical achievement, developed through the deliberate and rigorous imitation of nature.

While we teach a variety of different approaches in our courses and workshops, ranging from 17th century to 20th century academic methods, this philosophy is at the core of all that we offer at DARA.

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programmes

Skill-based atelier training, evening & weekend classes.

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PART-TIME STUDY

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

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Short, intensive master classes led by international figurative artists.

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WORKSHOPS

2- to 5-day workshops in figurative drawing and painting, ranging from taster courses for beginners to master classes for experienced artists. A unique opportunity to study in the Netherlands with classically trained artists from around the world.

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student testimonials

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• "Beautiful place, lovely people and very inspiring vibe. Looking forward to take more lessons."
  
  - Jenya Kuzmenko, workshop student 2020
• "The atmosphere of the studio is great and the teachers are very driven, passionate and skilled both at creating art as well as running these courses. They are also very good at tailoring information for you, no matter your skill level. If you want to learn any realistical drawing methods, definitely check them out."
  
  - Jeffrey Heemskerk, part-time programme student 2020
• "Ik heb met mijn dochter de Alla Prima Portrait Painting workshop met Giulia Bucciarelli gevolgd. Zo veel geleerd in een week. Prettige sfeer, heerlijke lunches, wij komen zeker terug!"
  
  - Liesbeth Hartsinck, workshop student 2020
• "I enjoyed being there and learned a lot. It is a place to go for those who want to seriously draw pictures and even turn it into a profession. I strongly recommend it."
  
  - Kancer Ezeroğlu, part-time programme student 2020
• "Great materials, great atmosphere, great fellow students, sufficient time and... a great instructor: ingredients for getting the best out of every art student."
  
  - Arthur Oster, workshop student 2020
• "Very skilled teachers who are passionate about what they do. I can recommend this school to anyone wanting to improve their figurative drawing/painting skills."
  
  - Monique Jansen, part-time programme student 2020

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