Three-Year Diploma Programme
Painting and Drawing
Why choose this programme?
Unlike the majority of ateliers and Realist academies today, and right from the first year of studies, the Angel Academy features Pictorial Composition and Design and the Procedures and Techniques of Oil Painting and teaches how to synchronise this with 21st-century Classic Realism.
This was the method of the great academic painters of the 19th century – Bouguereau, Gérôme, Leighton, Alma-Tadema, Ciseri, to name just a few – and is the complex principle on which their paintings were built.
This full-time diploma programme offers a precise methodology that systematically develops students’ skills. Classes are led through a progression of exercises and courses to master shape, proportion, tonal rendering, colour, texture, the illusion of three dimensions and composition; as well as how to imbue the painting with a feeling of life.
With us, you will also be taught the techniques used by the Old Masters, effectively employing the compositional principles of colour and design; studying and executing the progression from underpainting to overpainting; and bringing vivacity to Representational paintings and drawings.
Moderate class sizes and passionate teachers enable personalized instruction that leverages the unique assets and style of each student.
This programme includes instruction on the selling of Realism in today’s market and how to navigate the business side of art. Topics covered include: exhibiting, galleries, financing, pricing, market research, and promotion.
A diploma is awarded to students who successfully complete the three-year programme.
Time can be spent beyond the Diploma Programme to further develop an inventory.
What will I learn?
Year 1
| Trimester 1 | Trimester 2 | Trimester 3 |
| Bargue Drawing | Bargue Drawing | Charcoal Cast |
| Bargue Drawing | Charcoal Cast | Live-Model Work |
| Live-Model Work | Live-Model Work |
Year 2
| Trimester 4 | Trimester 5 | Trimester 6 |
| Cast Painting | Cast Painting | Cast Painting |
| Live-Model Work | Live-Model Work | Live-Model Work |
| Portrait Painting | Portrait Painting | Portrait Painting |
| Still Life |
Year 3
| Trimester 7 | Trimester 8 | Trimester 9 |
| Still Life | Still Life | Complete Unfinished Projects |
| Live-Model Work | Live-Model Work | Live-Model Work |
| Portrait Painting | Portrait Painting | Portrait Painting |
During the three years of the programme, students will be taught anatomy and morphology, and with Maestro “Pictorial Composition and Design”.
The complete programme of study is three years (each year is divided into three trimesters). Some students may continue into a fourth year as being a personalized programme students do differ with the speed at which they move through the programme.
2024-2025 Academic Year
Fall Trimester September 23 – December 6, 2024
Winter Trimester January 7 – March 21, 2025
Spring Trimester April 14 – June 20, 2025
2025-2026 Academic Year
Fall Trimester September 22 – December 5, 2025
Winter Trimester January 5 – March 20, 2026
Spring Trimester April 13 – June 19, 2026
How can I know more?
All courses are taught in English and typically include an international student body. The Diploma Programme has benefited from the perspective of over 30 different nationalities.
A student exhibition is organised every three years to allow students to gain experience in all aspects of exhibiting work.
Enrolment may take place at the start of any trimester. Application deadlines are as follows:
| Application Deadlines | To start the Three-Year Diploma Programme in the Academic Year 2024-2025 & 2025-2026 |
| March 1, 2024 / 2025 | Fall Trimester 2024 / 2025 |
| June 1, 2024 / 2025 | Winter Trimester 2025 / 2026 |
| October 1, 2024 / 2025 | Spring Trimester 2025 / 2026 |