TRIMESTER PROGRAMME
Course Guide
Courses at DARA are categorised into Tiers, according to difficulty level and admissions requirements. Learn more about Tiers and find the syllabus for each Trimester Course here.
Trimester Programme: Course Guide
Here, you can find a comprehensive overview of all courses currently offered in our Trimester Programme.
Some helpful terms to better understand our programme:
Tiers
Courses are categorised into different tiers according to their level of difficulty. The most foundational level is Tier 1, and the most challenging is Tier 4. This is a bit of a rough estimate, as higher modules within a lower tier class might be more challenging than the first module of a class in the next tier up.
Modules
Courses are broken down into "modules," which are distinct phases of the curriculum. Each module takes at least one trimester to complete, but it will take longer if you do not pass it in one attempt. You can read more about modules here.
Some helpful terms to better understand our programme:
Tiers
Courses are categorised into different tiers according to their level of difficulty. The most foundational level is Tier 1, and the most challenging is Tier 4. This is a bit of a rough estimate, as higher modules within a lower tier class might be more challenging than the first module of a class in the next tier up.
Modules
Courses are broken down into "modules," which are distinct phases of the curriculum. Each module takes at least one trimester to complete, but it will take longer if you do not pass it in one attempt. You can read more about modules here.
Tier 1: Drawing Foundations
Scope | Courses in this Tier are focused on learning the basic foundational principles of academic drawing. Drawings made from life are either from very simple objects, or are focused on sketching rather than high-level rendering. Students may also draw from printed reproductions of academic drawings by old masters.
Diploma Credits | Completion of three course modules in this tier are required if you are pursuing a Foundational Drawing diploma.
Entrance Requirements | There are minimal requirements, other than a motivation to learn. This tier is suited to all levels from disciplined beginners and up.
Diploma Credits | Completion of three course modules in this tier are required if you are pursuing a Foundational Drawing diploma.
Entrance Requirements | There are minimal requirements, other than a motivation to learn. This tier is suited to all levels from disciplined beginners and up.
Tier 2: Intermediate Drawing / Painting
Scope | Courses in Tier 2 are focused on building a strong foundation in drawing from life. Students will draw from complicated subjects, including sculpture or difficult still life objects, but ultimately from objects which are stationary (i.e. not from live models.)
In this tier, students study concepts and skills pertaining to academic rendering in graphite & charcoal at a high level.
Introductory painting courses in which students paint master copies are also accessible at this tier.
Diploma Credits | Completion of three course modules of Cast Drawing are required if you are pursuing a Foundational Drawing diploma. Completion of Techniques of the Early Impressionists is only eligible for a diploma if you pass at the Tier 3 level (click on the syllabus for more information.)
Entrance Requirements | Students should be able to demonstrate a good command of the basic academic drawing principles which are studied at the Tier 1 level.
In this tier, students study concepts and skills pertaining to academic rendering in graphite & charcoal at a high level.
Introductory painting courses in which students paint master copies are also accessible at this tier.
Diploma Credits | Completion of three course modules of Cast Drawing are required if you are pursuing a Foundational Drawing diploma. Completion of Techniques of the Early Impressionists is only eligible for a diploma if you pass at the Tier 3 level (click on the syllabus for more information.)
Entrance Requirements | Students should be able to demonstrate a good command of the basic academic drawing principles which are studied at the Tier 1 level.
Cast DrawingTotal Modules: 3
Studio Lessons: 66 hours per trimester Total Study Load: ~88 hours per trimester (estimated 2 hours per week on independent study) |
Techniques of the Early ImpressionistsTotal Modules: 1*
The featured painter / school of painting changes every two trimesters. Studio Lessons: 50 hours per trimester Total Study Load: ~77 hours per trimester (estimated 2 hours per week on independent study) This course is accessible to both Tiers 2 & 3 |
Tier 3 Drawing: Figurative Drawing
Scope | Courses in Tier 3 are dedicated to applying academic drawing skills towards the challenging study of drawing from live models. This Tier focuses on the study of artistic anatomy, academic rendering, and basic pictorial composition of drawing the figure or portrait, exclusively from life.
Diploma Credits | Completion of six course modules in this tier are required if you are pursuing an Advanced Drawing diploma.
Entrance Requirements | Students must be able to demonstrate a solid grasp of academic drawing principles, and be well experienced in drawing from life (i.e. not from photos.)
Diploma Credits | Completion of six course modules in this tier are required if you are pursuing an Advanced Drawing diploma.
Entrance Requirements | Students must be able to demonstrate a solid grasp of academic drawing principles, and be well experienced in drawing from life (i.e. not from photos.)
Academic Figure DrawingTotal Modules: 3
Studio Lessons: 66 hours per trimester Total Study Load: ~88 hours per trimester (estimated 2 hours per week on homework) |
Academic Portrait DrawingTotal Modules: 3
Studio Lessons: 66 hours per trimester Total Study Load: ~88 hours per trimester (estimated 2 hours per week on homework) |
Tier 3 Painting: Oil Painting Foundations
Scope | Courses in Tier 3 are dedicated to building a strong foundation in academic oil painting. Paintings made from life are from stationary subjects, such as sculptures or still life objects. Students may also paint from printed reproductions of paintings by old masters.
Diploma Credits | Completion of six course modules in Tier 3 or Tier 4 painting are required if you are pursuing a Classical Painting diploma. You can decide for yourself where to focus your studies. A maximum of three credits may be earned from Techniques of the Early Impressionists.
Entrance Requirements | Students must be able to demonstrate a solid grasp of academic drawing principles. For courses other than Techniques of the Early Impressionists, students must be well experienced in drawing from life (i.e. not from photos.)
Diploma Credits | Completion of six course modules in Tier 3 or Tier 4 painting are required if you are pursuing a Classical Painting diploma. You can decide for yourself where to focus your studies. A maximum of three credits may be earned from Techniques of the Early Impressionists.
Entrance Requirements | Students must be able to demonstrate a solid grasp of academic drawing principles. For courses other than Techniques of the Early Impressionists, students must be well experienced in drawing from life (i.e. not from photos.)
Techniques of the Early ImpressionistsTotal Modules: 1*
The featured painter / school of painting changes every two trimesters. Studio Lessons: 50 hours per trimester Total Study Load: ~77 hours per trimester (estimated 2 hours per week on independent study) This course is accessible to both Tiers 2 & 3 |
Cast PaintingTotal Modules: 3
Studio Lessons: 66 hours per trimester Total Study Load: ~88 hours per trimester (estimated 2 hours per week on homework) |
Still Life PaintingTotal Modules: 4
Studio Lessons: 66 hours per trimester Total Study Load: ~88 hours per trimester (estimated 2 hours per week on homework) |
Tier 4: Figurative Oil Painting
Scope | Courses in Tier 4 are dedicated to the challenging study of painting from live models. This Tier demands strong technical proficiency in both drawing and painting.
Diploma Credits | Completion of six course modules in Tier 3 or Tier 4 painting are required if you are pursuing a Classical Painting diploma. You can decide for yourself where to focus your studies.
Entrance Requirements | This tier has the strictest admission requirements. Students should be able to demonstrate a strong command of academic drawing ability from life, particularly with respect to drawing live models. Students should also understand the basics of painting in oils.
Diploma Credits | Completion of six course modules in Tier 3 or Tier 4 painting are required if you are pursuing a Classical Painting diploma. You can decide for yourself where to focus your studies.
Entrance Requirements | This tier has the strictest admission requirements. Students should be able to demonstrate a strong command of academic drawing ability from life, particularly with respect to drawing live models. Students should also understand the basics of painting in oils.
DUTCH ATELIER OF REALIST ART
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