Certificate Programs

The second year course consists of constructing a three dimensional model of the human skeleton in oil-based clay on a wire armature, then adding muscles individually onto one side of the skeleton. The end result is a 90 cm, 3D anatomical model of the human body in anatomical position that simultaneously displays the boney structures of the skeleton and the muscular forms which lie over them in life. The third year Dynamic Ecorché class is a more in depth study of anatomy. Moving beyond the fundamental anatomically static figure, the students will create a posed ‘dynamic’ figure (or for shorter term projects a body part) with muscles on both sides in order to fully understand the biomechanics of the body and how the morphology (forms of the body) change with tension and movement. The skeleton is constructed using Dr. Paul Richer’s scientific canon of proportion.

The practice of ecorché sculpture fosters an haptic understanding of the spatial relationships between the three dimensional structures of the human body. Students are encouraged to use this understanding to begin constructing figures from their imagination in their sketchbooks or in clay. The process of constructing the human body from knowledge and imagination will help students to tap into the visual memory they are developing through drawing, painting, and sculpting from life on a daily basis. The prerequisites for entry are attendance for a full year of artistic anatomy lectures at the Florence Academy (or a comparable program), proficiency at ecorchè drawing, and at least one years experience in life drawing or sculpting from life. Therefore the course is generally open only to advanced students (2nd year and above). First year students will only be considered on an individual basis if they have previous experience. There is a modest course fee and cash materials deposit (separate from school tuition) for the entire year that includes instruction, use of studio space, use of the armature and clay, use of reference materials and occasional model fees (cost is subject to change). There are 15 spaces available in the course offered annually beginning each Fall Term.

The course introduces students to masterpieces of European and American art. We take an in-depth look at masters like Michelangelo, Rembrandt and Velasquez and also explore the work of lesser-known artists like Bastein-Lapage, Carpeaux, or Kollowitz. Art history lectures are coordinated with the Humanities seminars. In our study of classical literature and the Bible, for example, we look at the texts and the images they inspired.

The course uses The Florence Academy of Art’s extensive database of high quality digital images with a focus on the process of picture making: How does an artist use line, value, color, brush-work, narrative, and symbolism? What images or techniques did he learn from his teacher or other masters? How did his style and subject matter develop? What is the relationship of form and content in his work? A basic historical framework and relevant biographical details is included, however, names and dates matter less than inspiration. Students are asked to consider what is beautiful in the works they admire and are encouraged to debate the place of naturalistic painting and sculpture in the world today. Hopefully this will enable them to take the best of the tradition and use it to support their personal visions when they become professional artists.

Lectures offered in recent years:

Drawing the Human
Figure Greek Sculpture and Its Influence
The Bible and Painting
Renaissance Architecture
Leonardo’s Art and Science
Michelangelo and Renaissance Sculpture
Bellini, Giorgione, and Titian
Caravaggio and Ribera
Reynolds-Discourses on Art
Rembrandt
Velazquez
Bernini and Baroque Sculpture
Carpeaux, Rodin, and Claudel
American Impressionism
Russian Painting
Kroyer, Edelfelt, Zorn
Sargent and Sorolla
Bastien-Lepage and Naturalism
Goya, Schiele, and Munch
Painting, Poetry and Music