Art Classes, Courses and Workshops in Warrington
Workshops and Courses
Our mission statement
The principles taught at the Realist Academy are based on traditional art techniques. Even if you just learn the basics, you will see an improvement in your work. We have structured the programme to accommodate beginners as well as professionals looking to improve their skills. The goal of this course is to cultivate a confident approach backed up by some sure footed knowledge. Learning the right habits are key to developing a solid working practice which could improve your skills well beyond your current ability.
Shop for Portrait Referance Photos
“Drawing trains the eyes, practising drawing trains perception to a high degree and sets the foundation for painting – when the student has mastered perception of form, he is able to switch to colour”.
Charles Bargue
One year part time study
This is a part time study course that teaches the complete process as taught on a full time course.
We encourage self reliance because at some point you will have to face the challenges of portrait painting in your own time.
Learn the secrets
The secrets of Portrait Painting were almost lost due to mainstream institutions abandoning the tradition over 100 years ago.
Lucky for us there were a handful of artists willing to pass on the craft and keep this tradition alive.
Build your skills with tuition
Art classes are kept to a maximum of 10 people allowing more time to be spent with each student.
Louis believes in leading from the front. If a student is struggling with their work he is willing to guide them out of any difficulty.
” I have thoroughly enjoyed my year on the Realist Academy painting course. I realised that I needed expert help to improve my portrait skills and the course really delivered. As a complete beginner I felt comfortable with the well structured approach taught by Louis. Assignments done each week were essential in practicing the skills learned in class. I’m really proud of the portraits I have managed to produce during the course and one of them won first prize in an art exhibition. Something I would never have dreamed of a year ago! I would recommend the course to anyone wishing to improve their portrait skills or learn from scratch.”
Judith Booth
” As someone who has followed many online art tutorials on Youtube & Patreon I can honestly say that The Realist Academy is by far the best! The main reason being the excellent critique of work which Louis gave throughout the live Zoom classes. This made an enormous difference to how quickly and effectively our drawing and painting skills improved. He has an exceptional ability to spot angles, tones & colours that need adjusting & continually guided us back onto the correct path.Louis also is a very good demonstrator with clear description of what he was doing and excellent close up photography of his palette and canvas.Working on the same portrait in a small group has great benefits as we learned form each other’s critiques as well as our own.I would highly recommend Louis Smith & The Realist Academy if you are serious about learning the skills of drawing & painting in oils. I personally found the 40 week course hugely challenging but infinitely rewarding!”
Dawn White
CONTACT
If you have any questions about our courses or workshops, don’t hesitate to call or message us
we’d love to hear from you!
