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 1Trimester 2Trimester 3
Bargue DrawingBargue DrawingCharcoal Cast
Bargue DrawingCharcoal CastLive-Model Work
Live-Model WorkLive-Model Work

Year 2

Trimester 4Trimester 5Trimester 6
Cast PaintingCast PaintingCast Painting
Live-Model WorkLive-Model WorkLive-Model Work
Portrait PaintingPortrait PaintingPortrait Painting
Still Life

Year 3

Trimester 7Trimester 8Trimester 9
Still LifeStill LifeComplete Unfinished Projects
Live-Model WorkLive-Model WorkLive-Model Work
Portrait PaintingPortrait PaintingPortrait 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.

2023-2024 Academic Year

Fall Trimester  September 25 – December 7, 2023

Winter Trimester  January 8 – March 22, 2024

Spring Trimester April 15 – June 21, 2024

2024-2025 Academic Year

Fall Trimester  September 23 – December 6, 2024

Winter Trimester  January 7 – March 21, 2025

Spring Trimester April 14 – June 21, 2025

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 triennial student show creates the opportunity to learn the complexities of preparing for, hosting, selling, and receiving feedback on work.

Enrolment may take place at the start of any trimester. Application deadlines are as follows:

Application DeadlinesTo start the Three-Year Diploma Programme in the Academic Year 2023-2024 & 2024-2025
March 1, 2023 / 2024Fall Trimester 2023 / 2024
June 1, 2023 / 2024Winter Trimester 2024 / 2025
October 1, 2023 / 2024Spring Trimester 2024 / 2025