Texas Academy of Figurative Art
Copy of Charles Bargue 18th century drawing course by instructor Andrew Boatright. Graphite on paper.
2016 Summer Teen Workshop: July 11-22 OUR MISSION IS TO DEVELOP, EDUCATE AND TRAIN ARTISTS IN THE FIGURATIVE TRADITION, GIVING ARTISTS THE SKILLS TO FREELY EXPRESS THEIR OWN UNIQUE ARTISTIC VISION. For several decades now colleges and universities throughout the U.S. have departed from a traditional approach to art education and have emphasized self-
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expression and theory over the development of realist drawing and painting skills. In contrast, the Texas Academy of Figurative Art is part of a growing movement of private ateliers which offer education and training that is anchored in the timeless traditions of realist art while fully engaging in the contemporary realist movement. TAFA was founded in 2007 by Ron A. Cheek to offer an alternative art education to the local universities and colleges in the North Texas region. Our focus is specifically on education and training for artists who are interested in classically
based realism; however, the skills learned, have proven to also be a beneficial foundation to those pursuing careers in animation, gaming design and other computer generated fields of study. TAFA is the only academy of its kind in Texas that offers a progressive curriculum in figurative art – believing that visual art education should be built on a foundation of superior drawing and painting skills. We hold to the belief that realist figurative art is the foundation from which to enter other genres such as figurative compositions, still-life, portraiture, landscape, and even non-representational art.
TEXAS ACADEMY OF FIGURATIVE ART
Two week summer art training intensive Summer 2016
The Texas Academy of Figurative Art Is pleased to present the third annual two-week (Monday through Friday) Summer Teen Workshop, July 6-17. As interest in our school is growing, we have seen the appeal our curriculum offers to aspiring young artists. Our classicallybased curriculum offers High School students the opportunity to anchor their drawing and painting skills and assist them with portfolio preparation.
Examples of TAFA Teen Student drawings from 18th century Charles Bargue Drawing Course
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Course Objective: Students will complete: * 1 Old Master / Bargue Drawing * 1 painted still life * 1 self-portrait, or portrait drawing
Old Master Copies - charcoal on paper 16 year old student (below) - graphite on paper 13 year old student (left)
Course Curriculum Weeks 1 & 2 morning session Students will reconstruct one Old Master drawing and work from the 18th Century Charles Bargue Drawing Courseš. The emphasis is on accuracy, skillful technique, and representing form through line. This project will be completed on toned paper with pencil. 1.Gerald M. Ackerman, Charles Bargue, with the collaboration of Jean-Leon Gerome: Drawing Course, Paris, ACR Edition, 2003, 336 pp., incl. 196 plates of the Drawing Course.
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TEXAS ACADEMY OF FIGURATIVE ART
Still life (left) - oil on canvas - 16 year old student
Still life (below) - oil on canvas - 15 year old student
Week 1 afternoon session The focus in the afternoon session week 1 will be still-life painting from life. An indepth understanding of materials, mediums and pigments is also introduced.
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Portrait drawing - (left) 13 year old student - - charcoal and chalk on toned paper -
Portrait drawing - (below) 15 year old student - charcoal and chalk on toned paper
Week 2 afternoon session The focus of week two will be the study of portraiture through drawing a self-portrait, in charcoal and white chalk will also be added to the students’ curriculum as they progress.
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TEXAS ACADEMY OF FIGURATIVE ART
Director Ron Cheek Get Water - oil on Canvas Vanity, Vanity - oil on Canvas
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History of the School The Texas Academy of Figurative Art was founded in 2007 by Ron A. Cheek in Fort Worth, Texas. Prior to this, Cheek had been painting and teaching as adjunct faculty at local colleges and universities in the DFW area. Our studios are located at 415 South Main Street near downtown Fort Worth, Texas. We occupy the entire space and have north light studio bays from which students work. We also have a large model room and separate space for exhibitions and/or workshops. Prior to founding TAFA, Cheek studied at the Florence Academy of Art in Florence, Italy from 1997 to 2001. Upon returning to the United States, Cheek had the vision for beginning a similar program in Texas; however, the contemporary art scene in DFW seemed to favor more abstract and
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conceptional modes of expression. What we discovered after surveying students over several years is that many younger students felt both alienated and doubtful of this trend in art education. They knew that most colleges and universities had abandoned realist-based art education and many of those who already had a bachelor of fine arts also knew the MFA programs were focused primarily on conceptual expression and theory. In 2007 we began with a handful of local students who became aware of Cheek’s work and teaching and wanted to study realist drawing and painting techniques. For more information about the school and to download the application form for the summer workshop, visit our website at www.tafastudio.org
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TESTIMONIALS "TAFA has taught me more about drawing in six months than I had learned in my entire life. If you're serious about improving your drawing ability, this is the best place in Texas to do it." Ethan Zawadsky - TAFA student -Age 18 “TAFA has drastically allowed me to build upon my perception of drawing, which has indicated a clear progression in the realism of my artwork, Thanks a lot" Jose Sauto- TAFA student, Age, 15
Application Process On-line registrations is open now. Visit www.tafastudio.org to download the Teen Workshop Application. Cost is $850, plus $50 facilities fee (materials not included.) The application process will include a portfolio review along with a $285 nonrefundable deposit due upon acceptance to hold your space. Twelve students will be selected. For questions, you may call 817.727.2995 or 817.727.2996 or email tafastudio@me.com
“Too many people think that good drawing is the result of good genes or chance; however, the skills they teach at TAFA debunk this misconception. These skills work, and the proof of this is in the products TAFA students create.” Peter Bloch - High School Art Teacher, Founders Classical Academy “The Texas Academy of Figurative Art is the quintessential art school. The students are willing to work within the rigorous curriculum that is essential to developing a viable visual acuity.” (Post Modern Times - the Journal of Aesthetics and Art History -, Vol1.no. 2, pg.68)
Richard Davison - Texas A&M Instructor of Visualization
Schedule: Dates: July 11-22, 2016 (Monday-Fridays) Morning Session - 9:00am - 11:50am Lunch break -12:00 noon - 12:50 pm Afternoon Session - 1:00 - 3:55 pm
Address: 415 S. Main St. Fort Worth, TX 76104
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“Cheek has schooled himself and others in the old-master crafts of drawing, portraiture and the figure. His Texas Academy of Figurative Art, where artists are trained in the rigorous observation and technique of the classical tradition, is perhaps the first such institution in the state, a counterpart to Jacob Collins’s important Grand Central Academy in New York City. - See more at: http://www.nccsc.net/gallery/roncheek#sthash.9dyG1svK.dpuf
Frederick Turner - Founders Professor - The University of Texas @ Dallas
Copy of Charles Bargue 18th century drawing course by Shelly Hubel, Pencil on paper.
Texas Academy of Figurative Art Summer Teen Workshop: July 11-22, 2016 www.tafastudio.org 415 S. Main St., Fort Worth, TX 76104 817.727.2995
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