LAAFA Sessions Thread

#1

Welcome to the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art’s Studio Sessions Program. We have structured the program to give you, the student, a more clear and concise sampling of classes, and to assist in creating a curriculum that is suited for you. These classes are perfect for the dedicated art student that is unable to attend our Full-time Atelier Program, but wants serious art instruction from our highly qualified faculty.

The Studio Sessions Program is geared toward the working arts professional, part-time student, and recreational artist. These classes are conveniently offered weekdays, weekends, and evenings to fit your busy schedule.
We offer beginner-to-advanced level classes to meet the requirements of virtually every student. Choose from the type of study you would like to pursue, be it Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Illustration and Workshops. Once you choose a category, the classes are listed in the order that LAAFA would suggest you take them.

Which class is right for me?

Within each category the courses are numbered in order of difficulty, the lower numbers being less advanced. For example, in the Drawing Section, Introduction to Drawing is #100, while Advanced Life Drawing is #160. This way you can determine the classes you should attend and in the order that will offer you maximum results. There are no pre-requisites for the Studio Sessions Program, so if you feel that you have surpassed certain classes, feel free to move along. If you would like assistance in determining which courses to take, we will gladly help you - with no obligation.

Instructor bios can be found at our website at http://www.laafa.org

Sample Instructor Work:

Sean Cheetham - Class 925 5-Day Portrait Painting Workshop

Stacy Kamin - Class 200 & 208 Beginning/Intermediate Painting in Oil from Still-Life

Rick Morris - Class 210 Fundamentals of Painting & Class 112 Figure Construction

Dan Thompson - 5-Day Academic Drawing & Painting

Randy Bantog - Class 110 Beginning Figure Drawing

Sherrie Mcgraw - 5-Day Painting with a Concept

Steven Assael - Portrait Demo Thur. Aug 2nd, 6pm-9pm

#2

Very cool. :thumbsup: Will Vilppu be teaching there soon?

#3

Hello Artists and Friends of LAAFA,

We just wanted to let you know about an On-line Chat and upcoming Workshop with Acclaimed Artist and Instructor Dan Thompson. If you are interested in chatting with Dan and hearing about his interesting techniques and approach to painting and teaching, log onto www.myamericanartist.com. On the home page you will see the link to register, it’s free. Register and then come and join the chat tomorrow, Wednesday, June 13th at 3pm EST and 12pm PST. You can also view a step-by-step Painting demonstration, by clicking here.

Dan Thompson will also be joining us here at LAAFA for a five day Portrait and Figure Painting workshop in July. The dates are, Thursday-Monday, July 19th-23rd. Dan will also be doing a Drawing and Painting demo. here at LAAFA, dates to be announced. I have listed a couple images and more info. about the workshop below. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to study with one of the great Figurative Artists of our generation.

Check out the info. on the workshop below!

Workshop Title: #928 Portrait And Figure Painting from Life

Instructor: Dan Thompson

Dates: Thursday - Monday, July 19th-23rd

Time: 10am-5pm

Cost: $695

Register now: Space is limited. 818.708.9232 or www.laafa.org

Class description:

Dan Thompson’s “Painting the Figure and Portrait from Life” workshop will focus on several problem areas for the contemporary figurative painter from life. Breaking the process of painting and drawing down into phases, rather than steps, and prioritizing the approach, the first theme will be seizing the energy and vitality of the model’s pose. This will be followed by a strong push toward perceptual drawing and painting, and the search for a proportional, engaging pattern while forming the design elements. Implying structure in the shapes by challenging empirical knowledge with a theoretical form sense will expand the dialog toward a new principle. The structural aspects will be honed through a drawn or grisaille painted study of the human head. A portrait demonstration will also be conducted within the workshop. The light key, the harmony of color, will build on top of the previous phases, and thereafter emphasis will be placed on the long pose. Within this long pose, a “putting it all together” session will be developed in paint, charcoal or pencil. One on one discussions, as well as studio talks and critical feedback of each participant’s work, will simultaneously take place.

“Great Art begins with a solid foundation. Build your foundation with us.”

Best Wishes,

Matthew Marchant

Director of Education

LAAFA/Atelier

818.708.9232

contactus@laafa.org

#4

Mission Statement for “The Axis of Art”

The Axis of Art is a satire, but it is rooted in definite seriousness. The definition of Axis is a “Principle line of development, movement, and direction. The Axis of Art is a call to action for the figurative art world.

Development: The Los Angeles Academy is dedicated to developing artists, well equipped for the challenges of being a visual communicator in today’s technological culture. We are developing the skills necessary to blossom in all fields of visual media and communication.

Movement: The figurative art revival movement is something we take seriously. Without solid art training all visual communication suffers. Figurative Art is the principle development tool for study. If one can truly understand and accurately depict the human form, they are able to apply it to any form. With fundamental training lacking in today’s art education arena, we are joining with a few other schools around the country, to bring it back to the forefront!

Direction: As we head into the future of Art in this country, we do so with great expectations! LAAFA is one of the schools still dedicated to fundamental academic traditions and we move forward in the direction of true artistic achievement!

LAAFA is developing resources for art students and we hope to have a fully operational Art resource center “The Axis of Art”, by the end of this year! So if you are looking to develop your skill set and be a part of the movement Join “The Axis of Art”.

Rick Morris

Sean Cheetham

Steven Assael

Nathan Fowkes

#5

Hello! Welcome to LAAFA!

Visiting artist Dan Thompson is returning to LAAFA and instructing a 5-Day Figure Drawing Workshop from Friday-Tuesday, October 10th-14th, 10am-5pm

We are also pleased to announce that sculptor David Simon and the DSG ‘(David Salow) Gallery’ are holding an informal discussion of his work on Saturday, December 1st 7:30PM. The DSG Gallery is located at 977 N. Hill Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

For other information on upcoming workshops, sessions classes, and the atelier program please visit our homepage at www.LAAFA.org

#6

Heres our list of Session Classes(Part Time Classes) for the Summer Term:

Classes start July 28th. If you are interested in taking any classes or workshops next term call us up at 818.708.9232! And check out our website www.laafa.org!

#7

5-Day Figure Drawing Workshop 10/10-10/14/08 with Dan Thompson
The Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art
“Renowned artist Dan Thompson will again join the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art to present techniques in charcoal Drawing from Life. Dan will be teaching techniques of Figure Drawing from Life. This is a five-day intensive workshop which will emphasize human anatomy in a classical drawing, establish the forms, proportions and essence. Dan will Lecture and demo each day. During the workshop, student’s will work from the model.”

[b]Instructor: Dan Thompson

Day: Fri.-Tue., Oct. 10th-14th
Time: 10am-5pm
Student $:595
Non-Student $:595
Weeks: 5 Days
Hours: 30
Start Date:Fri.-Tue., Oct. 10th-14th[/b]



Dan Thompson will also be doing a four-hour formal drawing demonstration on Saturday, October 11th. The cost for the demo is $30
http://www.danthompsonart.com

If you would like to attend, register as soon as possible before the workshop fills up! To register call 818.708.9232!
http://laafa.org/sessions/calendar

#8

#110 - Beginning Figure Drawing
Instructor: Alex Alvarado
Time: Sunday, 10am-1pm
Cost: $395


For all students who want to begin figure drawing but are not sure how to approach it. Students will learn how to approach a figure drawing from the very beginning stages. They will also focus on producing an image that reads well in space.

#125B - Analytical Figure Drawing A and B
Instructor: Kirk Shinmoto
Time: Wednesday, (Analytical Figure Drawing A)11am-2pm or (Analytical Figure Drawing B)11am-5pm
Cost: Analytical Figure Drawing A-$420
Analytical Figure Drawing B-$650

We will begin with the basic construction of the figure. Understanding gesture as well as volume and proportion will be the emphasis. Poses will range from 2-10 minutes. As the concepts of value and shape are discussed, poses will range from 20-60 minutes. The course will culminate with a two-week pose. During which the process of creating a finished drawing will be introduced. This will include value compositions as well as discussion of design and the focal point.

#226B - Figure Painting A and B
Instructor: Aaron Westerberg
Time: Monday, (Figure Painting A) 11am-2pm or (Figure Painting B)11am-5pm
Cost: Figure Painting A- $420
Figure Painting B-$650

This is an introduction to direct oil painting using a limited palette and painting from the live model. We will focus on the transition of skills learned in life drawing – edges, values, drawing, and composition; and how they relate to and are included in oil painting. Paints, mediums, supports and other fundamental painting concepts will be discussed. Students will have five hours to spend on each painting. The last four weeks will consist of two 2-week poses and will be 10 hours each.

#238B - Alla Prima Figure Painting A and B
Instructor: Ignat Ignatov
Time: Friday, (Alla Prima Figure Painting A)11am-2pm or (Alla Prima Figure Painting B) 11am-5pm
Cost: Alla Prima Figure Painting A-$420
Alla Prima Figure Painting B-$650


This course will consist of painting demonstrations, and lectures covering the important elements of painting, such as value, color, and edges, as well as composition and design. This class will also cover the limited palette and the amazing advantages that it offers. Students will paint from the model each session and will receive individual instruction and critiques.


#118 - Head Drawing
Instructor: Nathan Fowkes
Time: Monday, 7pm-10pm
Cost:$450


  This course will provide each student with the necessary understanding and experience to draw the human head with authority.  Each session will consist of a lecture or demonstration that will guide students step by step through the process of drawing from a live model.  The traditional elements of life drawing will be emphasized including the structure and planes of the head, the values of light and shadow, edges, portrait composition and drawing techniques.  The course will also include exercises and assignments aimed to help students greatly hone their portrait drawing skills.

#112 - Figure Construction
Instructor: Richard Morris
Time: Tuesday, 7pm-10pm
Cost:$420


We will begin with the basic construction of the figure. Understanding gesture as well as volume and proportion will be the emphasis. Poses will range from 2-10 minutes. As the concepts of value and shape are discussed, poses will range from 20-60 minutes. The course will culminate with a two-week pose. During which the process of creating a finished drawing will be introduced. This will include value compositions as well as discussion of design and the focal point.


#225 - Alla Prima Portrait Painting
Instructor: Sean Cheetham
Time: Monday, 7pm-10pm
Cost: $450

This class will focus on learning to paint a portrait from life.  The Instructor will be going over composition, drawing, likeness, organizing your palette, color mixing, value, edges, and producing a completed portrait. This will consist of one and two day costumed or semi- nude poses. Students can work in any media. Instructor will be working in oil

If you are interested in taking any of these classes, register as soon as possible because they fill up fast! To register call, 818.708.9232!

#9

[b]We are having our 2nd Annual Atelier Student Show! Our First and Second year students will be showing their most recent work.If you are interested in seeing what we do here at LAAFA, and want to support some great young artists, come and check it out!

The Opening Reception will be Saturday, October 25th from 7pm-10pm at Gallery Nucleus! We had our first show last year at Gallery Nucleus and it was a success! We are really excited to showcase our talented students once again… So come on out and show your support. Check out a list of the exhibiting artists and some of their work below.

Artists Showing:
Alex Alvarado
Alexandria Douziech
Brandon Harris
Daniel UrbachDiego Mendoza
Edward Georgian
Eric Pedersen
Josh Hardie
Kin Lok
Margaret Ouchida
Mariana Camarena
Patrick Astilla
Sandy Combs
Sean Streeter
Stephen James




Don’t miss it!

[/b][left]What: 2nd Annual LAAFA Atelier Student Show
[/left]
[b][b]
Where: Gallery Nucleus
210 East Main St
Alhambra CA 91801
STORE 626.458.7482
GALLERY 626.458.7477

When: Saturday, October 25th 7pm-10pm[/b]

Hope to see you there![/b]

#10

“The Right Medicine”- A collection of self-portraits, drawings, sketches, watercolor, and oil paintings.

Please join us for the Opening Artist’s Reception
Saturday, Nov 15th, 2008 from 5pm-9pm

2 Day Exhibition
Saturday: Nov 15th 2008 5pm-9pm
Sunday : Nov 16th 2008 1pm-5pm


From more info about the gallery show:
call 818.512.6090

#11

Bill Perkins was awarded with a BFA with honors 1980, Art Center College of Design. After graduating, Bill pursued a career in fine art and established gallery affiliations in California, New Mexico and Arizona. In 1983, he and three other artists established the Plein-air Artists of California. In 1985, the Monterey Peninsula Museum of Art featured a show for them based on their painting journey through Italy, France and Spain. His paintings have been exhibited at the Springfield Museum in Utah, and with the National Watercolor Society. Bill has been a member of the Plein-air painters of America since 1985. In 1986, Bill began his film career at Walt Disney Feature Animation, while continuing to develop his fine art skills on the side. He is recognized by Who’s Who in Art Education in California and has taught at Art Center College of Design, Associates in Art as well as his current stint at the
Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art.

[SIZE=“3”][B]

Instructor: Bill Perkins

Day: Fri.-Sun., Nov. 14th-16th
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: $350
Weeks: 3 Days
Hours: 15
Start Date: Fri.-Sun., Nov. 14th-16th
[/B][/SIZE]







If you are interested in taking this workshop give us a call at 818.708.9232!

#12

Shawn Barber will be teaching a 5-day Figure/Portrait and Photo Reference Painting Workshop Wed. Dec 17th- Sun. Dec 21st from 10am-5pm.

Shawn Barber has his B.F.A. Ringling College of Art; A.A.S. Cazenovia College. Paintings held in private collections throughout the United States, Canada, Asia, Europe and Australia. Shawn has taught drawing, painting, illustration and the business of art for 8 years at various art schools around the U.S. He has also lectured and given painting demo’s around the world. His critically acclaimed series of paintings ‘Tattooed Portraits’ reflects the contrast between figurative painting, art history, tattoo culture and the joy of painting. As a successful commercial illustrator for 10 years, Shawn’s clients include American Airlines, Converse, Target, Verizon T-Mobile, Gatorade, Subway, Atlantic Records, Scholastic, Elektra Records, The Grammy Awards, T.E.D. Conference, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone magazine, Maxim, GQ, and Sports Illustrated, among others.

[b]5-Day Painting Workshop

Instructor: Shawn Barber

Day: Wed.-Sun., Dec. 17th-21st
Time: 10am-5pm
Cost $: 695
Weeks: 5 Days
Hours: 30
Start Date: Wed.-Sun., Dec. 17th-21st[/b]

If you are interested in taking this workshop, call us at 818.708.9232. Must register before Dec. 10th

#13

5-Day Figure Painting Workshop 1/2-1/6/09 with Steven Assael

Steven Assael is one of the most inspirational and original masterful realist draftsmen/painters of our time. His poignant renderings of the details of life’s struggles leave the viewer agape at not only their own immortality, but also at the detailed imagery he creates. Add to that his warm personality, and you have the makings of an incredible artist and instructor. The Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art is proud to welcome back this incredible artist to share his legacy. (A full bio is available at www.stevenassael.com.)

[b]Instructor: Steven Assael

Day: Fri.-Tue., Jan.2nd-6th
Time: 10am-5pm
Class #: 921
Cost $: 795
Weeks: 5 Days
Hours: 30
Start Date: Fri.-Tue., Jan.2nd-6th[/b]

If you would like to register, call 818.708.9232. Please register before December 20th.

#14

Glenn Vilppu will be teaching a 3-Day Figure Drawing with Ink and Waterbrush Workshop at Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art Jan 16th-18th.

The traditional us of pen, ink and wash by Renaissance and Baroque masters, such as Michelangelo, Rubens and Guercino using modern fountain pens and water brush.
[B]
Instructor: Glenn Vilppu

Day: Fri.-Sun., Jan. 16th-18th
Time: 10am-5pm
Class #:726
Cost $: 350
Weeks: 3 Days
Hours: 18[/B]

If you would like to attend this workshop, call 818.708.9232. Please register before Jan 6th!

#15

5-Day Figure/Portrait Painting Workshop 1/16-1/20/09

In this class, Christopher teaches a method of geometrical analysis of the model that develops in the student an understanding of the principles of light and shade and the ability to create the illusion of three-dimensional volume and solidity. Pugliese puts a strong emphasis on demonstration and encourages students to start the week by drawing and slowly progress towards painting as they absorb concepts.

[B]Instructor: Christopher Pugliese

Day: Fri.-Tue., Jan. 16th-20th
Time: 10am-5pm
Class #: 908
Cost $: 695
Duration: 5 Days
Hours: 30
Start Date: Fri.-Tue., Jan. 16th-20th[/B]
[B]

If you are interested in taking this workshop, call 818.708.9232! Please register before Jan. 10th![/B]

#16

We wanted to invite you to our Open House, this Saturday, January 10th from 11am-4pm. There will be an Open uninstructed live model workshop, free to all who attend. Space is limited so arrive early to ensure a spot.


The Open House is an opportunity to get counseling on your artistic direction and course of study, as well as get a feel for LAAFA and what we really do as a school. Some of our current faculty will be in attendance to answer questions about their courses and their approach to teaching. We will have free refreshments and a raffle for a free workshop! Come in, visit, and study with some of the best Figurative Artists around!!!

We are taking registrations for our Winter 2009 quarter and space is limited, so call soon to register! 818.708.9232… We hope to see you Saturday!

Parking is located in back of the school*

#17

That’s some unbelievable talent…totally unbelievable.

#18

#122 Sketching the Figure Sergio Sanchez Tues. 7pm-10pm

In this course the student will focus on the study of the head and figure through a series of gesture poses. The Instructor will offer weekly in-class lectures and drawing demonstrations. Students will be introduced to the many facets of sketching the figure; line, mass, form, edges, lighting, etc. Students will be taught a series of shorthand’s for describing the figure to read three-dimensionally. $445

http://www.sergiosanchezart.com/

#200 Intro. to Still-Life Painting with Arpi Azaryan Thur. 7pm-10pm

This class will emphasize careful observations, beautiful brush strokes, lighting to create form, control of values, color and edges. The students will learn how to form ideas instead of just painting objects. The class will offer demonstrations and individual instruction for the student who is beginning to paint in oil.$395

#266 Portrait and Figure Painting with Joseph Todorovitch Wed. 11am-5pm

We will paint a figure or portrait from life and discuss choices for setting up the pose, composition, color harmony, lighting, pacing, and bringing the painting to a decent level of resolve. We’ll also discuss the language of describing paint in order to better understand our mixtures. Joseph will demonstrate his approach by painting along with the students, to better illustrate his ideas. Previous drawing experience is highly recommended.$650

http://www.wendtgallery.com/wendtgallery/artists/josephtodorovitch/

Intro. To Portrait Painting A (10am-1pm)$420 B (10am-4pm)$650with Stephen Schirle

This class will focus on learning to paint a portrait from life. The Instructor will be going over composition, drawing, likeness, organizing your palette, color mixing, value, edges, and producing a completed portrait. This will consist of one and two week costumed or semi- nude poses. Students can work in any media. Instructor will be working in oil.

http://www.seriks.com/

#255 - Atelier approach to Painting the Figure with Andrea Mosley Sun. 10am-4pm

Learning to paint from the model with emphasis on the artists improved command of gesture, proportion, block-in, control of edges, light, value, and color. A long figure pose session for all students. $650

#360 - Portrait Sculpture with David Simon Thurs. 7pm-10pm

This class will provide the student with a systematic approach to modeling a life-size portrait in clay. The use of calipers and triangulation will be emphasized in order to achieve an accurate portrait of the model. The use of photography and its application as reference for portraiture will be discussed. $445


http://www.davidsimonart.com/

#109 - Figure Quick Sketch with Kirk Shinmoto Wed. 7pm-10pm

The main objective of this class will be to develop a “visual vocabulary” that will allow one to quickly analyze, interpret, and depict the human form. Emphasis will also be placed on capturing the “life” and individuality of the subject. Students will develop an overall “process” for quickly analyzing and breaking down the complex forms of the body, gain a sensitivity to movement and rhythms found throughout the body, understand the major forms of the body and how they work together as whole, and to build a “visual vocabulary” used to rapidly and efficiently develop ideas. $420

http://www.dangerousllama.com/main.html

#230 - Landscape/Plein Air Painting with Eric Merrell Sat. 9am-1pm

With the great California outdoors as inspiration, students focus on learning to duplicate the exact light of day, interpret the landscape into meaningful shapes and color patterns, and how to capture the essence of the world around them. Each week the class meets at a different location, with the first course meeting on campus. Please Note: You will be required to drive to various locations, and occasionally pay parking fees and park fees as part of this course. $375

http://www.ericmerrell.com/

#072B - Costumed Figure Workshop Uninstructed Sun. 10am-3:30pm $200($150 students)

In this uninstructed workshop we will have a costumed model. With a different theme each week.

To view our whole list of classes www.laafa.org/sessions/calendar

If you are interested in any of these classes or any other class we offer, call 818.708.9232. The new quarter starts Monday Jan 19th.

#19

Nathan Fowkes will be teaching a 1 day Composition Workshop Saturday April 11th from 10:00am-6:00pm at Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art! The cost for the workshop is $140. 

 Nathan Fowkes is a veteran Fine Arts instructor and entertainment artist with numerous film credits and a decade long tenure at DreamWorks Feature Animation. He brings to this workshop his expertise and experience in composition for the creation of dynamic images.


The workshop will include:

· Lectures on the fundamentals of effective picture making.
· Discussions on the creation of mood and environment.
· Principles for organizing complex scenes into pleasing arrangements.
· Strategies for solving compositional problems quickly and effectively.
· Composition exploration exercises.
· Painting from a costumed model.


If you are interested in taking this extremely informative workshop, call 818.708.9232. Space will be limited, so register before April 2nd.

#20

Nathan Fowkes will be giving a lecture- “Student to Professional” at Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art April 6th, 7:00pm-9pm. $35.

Your goal of reaching a professional level of artistry doesn’t have to be years away. In this very special 2-hour workshop, DreamWorks studio artist and Fine Arts instructor Nathan Fowkes will share ideas on how to:

 - Gain the most skill and artistry in the shortest amount of time possible.

 - Set up your studio and supplies for the greatest amount productivity.

 - Create reference files that will intensely aid study and inspiration.
 - Make creating artwork so much fun and so convenient that you can't resist doing it in every spare moment

If you would like to register for this inspiring lecture, call 818.708.9232. Space is very limited, so register before Feb. 28th.