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General Description

At The Florence Academy of Art, drawing is considered the foundation for all artistic disciplines. This course strengthens the student’s ability to understand and draw three-dimensional form, focusing on accurate representation of the human figure while building the visual vocabulary necessary for further study. Designed specifically for affiliates of The Institute for Classical Art and Architecture, this workshop focuses on drawing the figure from life while engaging directly with Florence’s architectural heritage through on-site sketching of major historical monuments.

Students are introduced to the academic method of figure drawing used in the 19th-century French ateliers, including the sight-size approach, which trains the eye to observe with precision and translate forms successfully. These principles are applied both to the live model and to architectural subjects encountered in the city.

Students draw from the live model each morning and sketch architecture on location in the afternoon. During the workshop, they produce two sustained figure drawings in different media—one in charcoal on white paper and one on toned paper with charcoal and white chalk—while also developing a complementary body of architectural studies. Daily individual critiques support students in achieving accuracy, clarity, and a fully resolved drawing.

A series of 4 guided visits to museums in Florence allows students to understand the value of the city as an extension of the classroom, while sketching on-site in some of the most suggestive and famous locations in the city. They gain an understanding of the role and meaning of disegno as a living characteristic of Florence and learn how to interact with historical works of art to guide and inspire their own practice.

Beginning – Intermediate – Advanced levels welcome.

This workshop is open to ICAA Affiliate members only. Maximum enrollment is 12 students.

Medium & Materials

Graphite, charcoal, and white chalk

All materials are included in the tuition fee. Students will find their supplies waiting for them in their studio upon arrival in Florence.

Estimated cost of materials: EUR 200

What’s Included

  • 60 hours of instruction in English (FAA and ICAA Faculty)
  • Individual critiques
  • Guided tours of Florence’s museums and monuments: Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, Duomo, Santissima Annunziata, Orsanmichele
  • Extended access to the studios and school facilities after class until 9 pm
  • Access to the on-campus FAA Cafe, open to students to purchase breakfast, lunch, and afternoon aperitivo
  • List of housing recommendations

Faculty

FAA

Dasha Belokrylova is a Russian painter with an English education who discovered her dedication to art at 16. After studying in London, she moved to The Florence Academy of Art in 2015 to pursue traditional techniques, training in sight-size, anatomy, and oil painting. She graduated in 2018 and stayed on as an artist-in-residence, later becoming a Principal Instructor in the Intensive Drawing and Sculpture Drawing Programs. Inspired by mythology and fairy tales, Dasha merges the human figure with imaginative, fantastical elements, creating portraits and paintings rich with personal narratives.

Gabriel Schwaab, a French sculptor and draftsman, discovered his passion for drawing early, inspired by his artistic ancestors, Gustave Michel, a sculptor. After studying at École Émile Cohl in Lyon, he refined his skills at The Florence Academy of Art, where he initially focused on painting before fully dedicating himself to sculpture. There, he deepened his mastery of figurative art and traditional techniques. He graduated in 2023 from the sculpting program and was awarded a Graduate in Residence position. He now serves as a Principal Instructor at the academy while creating unique sculptures.

Andrew Waller was born and raised in East Hampton, New York. He studied illustration at The Fashion Institute of Technology, earning a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree. Andrew then studied painting at various ateliers around New York City. In 2019, he enrolled at The Florence Academy of Art, and in 2022 was selected as a Graduate in Residence. Andrew is the Director of the 1-year Foundation Program and a Principal Instructor in the Drawing & Painting Certificate Program. He is also a valued member of the academy’s workshop faculty.

ICAA

Martin Burns graduated from the University of Notre Dame’s School of Architecture in 2017. As a fellow of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art, he specializes in the development of coursework in field drawing. Burns also works as an artist and plans to pursue postprofessional graduate work in architectural history and research.

Steven W. Semes was a practicing architect for over 30 years before joining the Notre Dame faculty in 2005. Author of two books and numerous articles, Professor Semes is particularly interested in the recovery of the classical language of architecture and the impact that this recovery has on changing approaches to the conservation and interpretation of cultural heritage sites. His current research in this area focuses on the issue of defining appropriate new architecture in historic settings.

Location

ADDRESS: Via Aretina 293 – Florence

* If the workshop or session is fully booked you may apply to be placed on our waitlist. Should we have a cancellation or a place becomes available, we will contact you.