Pascalstraat 17, 2014 KZ Haarlem
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APPLICATIONS OPEN

SPRING TRIMESTER DATES: 11 April to 24 June 2023
CLASS SCHEDULE: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 19:00 - 22:00
STUDY LOAD: 6 lesson hours per week, 66 instructed hours total (some additional homework is assigned outside of class)
INSTRUCTOR: Mischa Tranquilli
LANGUAGE: English
LIMIT: 12 students maximum
TUITION COST: € 560 (Tuition includes model costs, but does not include course materials. See materials list below.)
The foundation to painting from the model, this course places a strong emphasis on structure, constructive anatomy, and the depiction of convincing portraiture from direct observation.
 
Duration:  The full programme is three trimesters.

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Top - in class demonstrations by the instructor ;  bottom - student work

  • Course Description

    Drawing competently from a model is integral to the figurative artist's development. In this course, students study the fundamentals of drawing the portrait from life, starting with the drawing of constructive anatomy and progressing to fully rendered portraiture using charcoal, chalk, and pastel on toned paper. 

    In-depth demonstrations and examples are provided throughout the trimester, alongside extensive one-on-one instruction. Weekly sketchbook assignments are also given to be completed from home.

    First Trimester
    Students in the first trimester of the class repeatedly practice sketching the head from various angles in order to become proficient with a constructive drawing approach. The work completed during this term is less geared towards achieving "finished" portraits, and focuses primarily on understanding the head's morphology and structure. First-term students spend no more than three hours sketching a specific pose.

    Second Trimester
    In the second trimester, students refine their structure drawings of the head, beginning to transition to working in tonal values. Works in this trimester are still completed in graphite.

    Third Trimester & Continuing
    Advanced level students from the third trimester onwards are given a greater amount of time to draw each pose, switching from a constructive drawing approach to tonal mass drawing, in preparation to begin painting from the model. From this period on, students work in charcoal on toned paper.
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    All work in this class is taught using comparative measurements.

  • Course Materials (Trimester 1)

    ​​The following materials are required for participation in this course.
    ​
    Buying supplies at DARA?
    Items on the list marked * are available to buy at the atelier.


    PAPER:
    • A3 white drawing paper pad (minimum 25 sheets.) The paper should be 100 gsm or heavier, and not too smooth (no bristol board)
    • Pad of tracing paper (A3 or A4 size)

    PENCILS
    • * Faber-Castell HB graphite pencil. (At least one needed, recommended to bring several.)
    ​
    DRAWING TOOLS
    • ​* Grey kneaded eraser
    • Utility/crafting knife (see here)
    • * Sandpaper block (see here)
    • 1 Knitting needle
    • 1 roll of masking tape
    OPTIONAL MATERIALS:
    Not required for class, but recommended to bring:
    • Pencil storage case/toolbox
    • Portfolio case
    • Notebook for taking notes
    • Pencil extender
    • Mahl stick
    • Tombow Mono Zero precision eraser
    • Hand mirror

  • Financial Aid

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    Student Discount
    Are you 21 years old or younger OR are you studying full-time in a university or other accredited school during the trimester? 

    If so, you qualify for a 10% student discount off the cost of any part-time course at DARA.

    ​To claim the discount, please email a copy of a valid photo ID which includes your date of birth, or your current student card to info@dutchartatelier.com before the start of the trimester.

    Please note that the student discount is for part-time study courses, and does currently not apply for workshops.


    Funding For Creative Professionals
    ​    You may be eligible for funding for your studies at DARA from Werktuig PPO (permanente professionele ontwikkeling, or “continuous professional development”) if the following applies to you:
    • You are employed by a Dutch company or organization in the creative or cultural sector.
    • You are a self-employed freelancer in the Netherlands in the creative or cultural sector.
     
    How can I check if I am eligible?
    Businesses within the creative or cultural sectors are categorized by SBI code.
    The list of eligible SBI codes can be found here.

    How does this funding scheme work?
    Werktuig PPO finances one-third of the total cost of the course, with the remaining amount to be contributed by you or your employer.
    Are you interested in enrolling in multiple courses at DARA? Werktuig PPO offers a maximum contribution of € 2000 in funds per 12 months.

    How can I apply?
    Apply online at: https://werktuigppo.nl/
    Applications must be submitted by students. DARA is not affiliated with Werktuig PPO and cannot apply on a student’s behalf. Questions regarding this funding scheme may be emailed to info@werktuigppo.nl
     
    Can DARA students apply for the STAP budget?
    Not at this time.
  • FAQs about this Course
    Q: Is this course suitable for beginners?
    A: No, it's recommended that you are above beginner level and already have experience working from life. It's recommended to enrol in Cast Drawing before enrolling in this class.

    Q: Does this class teach the sight-size method?
    A: No, we draw using comparative measurements based on constructive anatomy.

    Q: Do students work from photographs?
    A: No, we work from real models. Working from photographs is not taught in any course at DARA.

    Q: I want to take this class, but I will probably have to miss some lessons. Can I still register?
    A: Please make sure you can attend at least 80% of the lessons before you sign up.

    For FAQs about DARA in general, click here.