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The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art

Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art offers a rigorous training program in classical methods of drawing, painting, and sculpture, following the traditions of the great masters. Students can attend part-time or full-time and will receive instruction in a variety of subjects, including figurative anatomy, narrative thinking, and philosophy.

The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art

Upcoming Classes at The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art

  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Discover the secrets of starting a drawing with confidence and improving your technique in this intensive class at The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this course will teach you the basic principles of light, shadow, and shading. Take the first step towards creating stunning artwork with this one-time opportunity.

    Next start date: Thursday, Mar 28th, 7–9pm Eastern Time
    Price: $25
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  • Introduction to Écorché: Portrait Anatomy (Sculpture)

    Master the complex forms of the human face through the art of Écorché sculpture. Build a life-size anatomical sculpture of the human head, starting with a plaster cast skull and sculpting the unique facial muscles on top. Explore the anatomy of the head through lectures, textbooks, and hands-on practice in this immersive workshop.

    Next start date: Thursday, Apr 4th, 3–6pm Eastern Time
    Price: $600
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  • Drawing Improvement Through Bargue Copying

    Master the art of drawing and bring your skills to the next level at The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art. Discover the secrets of light, shadow, and form through the revered Charles Bargue master drawings. This hands-on class will sharpen your eye and teach you effective drawing techniques that will leave you amazed at your progress.

    Next start date: Thursday, Apr 4th, 6:30–9:30pm Eastern Time
    Price: $180
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  • Cast Drawing and Developing Drawing Accuracy

    Master the art of creating lifelike drawings in this hands-on class at The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art. Learn essential techniques such as block-in construction, accurate proportions, and capturing the effects of light. With personalized instruction and helpful tips, you'll gain the skills to bring your drawings to life.

    Next start date: Wednesday, Apr 3rd, 12–2pm Eastern Time
    Price: $300
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  • Introduction to Drawing for Teens

    Unleash your artistic potential and gain mastery in drawing techniques at The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art. Discover the secrets of capturing three-dimensional form with accuracy, creating powerful compositions, and understanding the effects of light. Join our Introduction to Drawing class designed exclusively for teens aged 13 to 17.

    Next start date: Friday, Mar 29th, 5–7pm Eastern Time
    Price: $25
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  • Classical Canine Portraiture

    Discover the rich history of canine artistry as you learn the techniques to create stunning, lifelike portraits of our four-legged companions. Join us at The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art for an immersive class that will teach you the secrets of classical canine portraiture. Unleash your creativity and bring these beloved animals to life on canvas.

    Next start date: Wednesday, Apr 3rd, 6:30–9:30pm Eastern Time
    Price: $290
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  • Accelerated Portraiture Drawing

    Unlock the secrets of portraiture at The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art. Discover the art of constructing the face, mastering proportions, and understanding the intricacies of the human skull. Develop your drawing skills and gain newfound confidence in capturing the essence of the human form.

    Next start date: Sunday, Mar 31st, 3–6pm Eastern Time
    Price: $35
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117 57th St 2nd Fl, Brooklyn, NY 11220
The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art
Sunset Park, Brooklyn
117 57th St 2nd Fl
Brooklyn, New York 11220

Directions:
We are conveniently located just a few blocks away near the 59th station off the N/R train and right next to the ferry stop for the South Brooklyn Ferry coming from Wall Street in Manhattan to Sunset Park Brooklyn. You can find parking right outside or at the Brooklyn Army Terminal next door.

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Description

Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art is committed to offering students a solid foundation in classical methods of drawing, painting, and sculpture though a rigorous schedule of traditional training. Students training at Decorus will follow in the traditions of the great masters of art, and concentrate on developing strong technical skill and control. They will learn how to infuse their work with a sense of narrative, and critical thinking essential to fine art and figurative realism today.

Our instructors are dedicated to creating better artistic construction and change in an atmosphere where artists can learn how to fuse technique, and figurative anatomy with an interwoven sense of narrative content, the eternal or universal, and philosophy. We are dedicated to transforming our students and to building the strongest artists possible.

Following the Classical Atelier method of training, students work through cast drawing, cast painting, figure drawing, and figure painting. Students at Decorus Atelier will find a dedication to the study of figurative anatomy, alla prima painting and indirect method painting in the tradition of the old masters.

Students are welcome to attend part time or full time. We work with each student to find the right balance and design a suitable course of study tailored to their individual needs. The Full Time program typically takes 4-6 total semesters of study (2-3 years) to complete the entire program depending on the dedication of the individual student. Students will work through a series of projects at their own pace in a friendly, supportive atmosphere mastering skills to build a solid foundation for creating highly realistic drawings and paintings.

Courses are offered throughout the year by various instructors in Figurative painting, drawing, sculpture, ecorche, anatomy, still life, perspective, plain air landscape, urban and architectural drawing and painting, cast drawing, painting, narrative thinking and philosophy. Master workshops, and open figure drawing/painting sessions are offered regularly.


Reviews of The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art

(4.9-star rating across 143 reviews)
  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Reviewed by Iktan A. on 3/24/2024
    The experience for my grandson was excellent! His progress was made all the better due to his professor who explained throughly where he could expand his knowledge. I’m looking forward to set up additional classes for him.
  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Reviewed by Sharise S. on 3/11/2024
    Very informative and beautiful space, makes you motivated to draw and feel out your own skills. James the instructor was so kind and made my sister and I feel right at home and help with drawing pointers. Best art class by far with demonstrations and kind words thay push us to be better.
  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Reviewed by Albert D. on 3/7/2024
    James was among the best teachers I’ve ever had - patient, passionate, and devoted. Was such a pleasure to take his class!
  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Reviewed by Abigail D. on 3/5/2024
    Incredible time! James genuinely works with each individual and meets them where they are at. I am an absolute beginner and felt comfortable leaning into the process and thoroughly enjoyed opening myself up to a new skill set!
  • Classical Drawing By Candlelight

    Reviewed by Jakob S. on 3/1/2024
    Amazing! The instructor is inspiring:) and givers one on one attention to you. Highly recommend
  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Reviewed by Aeden Z. on 2/19/2024
    Passionate teacher, generous with time, answered questions
  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Anonymous review on 11/21/2023
    Great class - learned a lot in just one session, instructor is very passionate about his work and helping others to reach their potential. It’s a cool, welcoming space as well.
  • Accelerated Portraiture Drawing

    Anonymous review on 11/20/2023
    I can't say enough about how amazing my first class was. James was extremely friendly, intelligible, and genuinely dedicated to helping me exceed. I left the class feeling motivated and excited to learn more.
  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Anonymous review on 10/10/2023
    James was amazing from the beginning of the class to the end. This is my first time taking drawing classes, I didn't know what to expect, but it was a small group and everyone was friendly and so talented working on their own pieces of art, I learned a lot. I was supposed to stay only two hours but James let me stay longer. I recommend this class, take it, you will not regret!
  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Anonymous review on 10/1/2023
    James is highly knowledgeable, and provides a relaxed, welcoming environment for all who attend.
  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Reviewed by Gabriela S. on 9/26/2023
    Wonderful class! Prof. James is very dedicated and experienced.
  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Reviewed by Michael L. on 8/10/2023
    I loved working with James - he is very generous with his time and clearly has a passion for both teaching and art. It is a very unique space and program that he has set up, simply a one-of-a-kind experience. I will be coming back!
  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Reviewed by Helaina G. on 8/4/2023
    If you’re interested in learning how to draw- I’d highly recommend this class. James is really good at creating a welcoming environment, is obviously super knowledgeable and most importantly for me at least- really good at giving targeted, transferable and immediately actionable feedback in a firm but positive way. I really felt like he was looking closely at my work and really tailoring advice. The value honestly far exceeded the price and I’ve definitely paid more for less.
  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Reviewed by Amna A. on 7/28/2023
    The class was great! I am a total beginner with drawing and was able to learn a lot in just one class! Everyone at the school was kind and helpful
  • Accelerated Portraiture Drawing

    Reviewed by Alex C. on 7/17/2023
    Knowledgeable instructor and intimate and friendly environment.
  • Accelerated Portraiture Drawing

    Anonymous review on 7/11/2023
    Really thorough informative class that is tailored to your skill level. I learned so much in the few hours of class and left energized and motivated to continue learning more. The instructor’s passion is contagious! Can’t wait to come back.
  • Accelerated Portraiture Drawing

    Anonymous review on 6/29/2023
    A fascinating and informative class! James takes his time to cater to the needs of his students and is enthusiastic about sharing his vast knowledge. Overall, a wonderful experience!
  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Reviewed by Maia K. on 6/20/2023
    James was enthusiastic about the class. I told him what I want to learn, and he was trying to teach me as much as he could. I could def tell he is so good and amazing at his artwork so I would def take another class going forward. highly recommended
  • Accelerated Introduction to Drawing

    Reviewed by Diego M. on 6/16/2023
    The class was beyond my explanations. Professor James is very knowledgeable and talented in his craft. Highly recommend!
  • Accelerated Portraiture Drawing

    Reviewed by Cynthia G. on 5/30/2023
    Fantastic class. I learned more in this one class than all my years taking art growing up. Highly recommend.
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Review Summary by CourseHorse

Students praise the classes at The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art for helping them hone their artistic abilities. Students felt inspired and motivated to pursue their artistic talents and proudly call themselves sculptors. The classes are described as a mix of beginners and advanced students, with a small class size that allows for individual attention from the knowledgeable and patient instructor, James. Students appreciate the welcoming and friendly environment, and many express their excitement to continue learning and return for more classes. Quotes: 1. "This class was honestly an inspiration. It allowed me to pursue artistic abilities I didn’t know I had. Abilities we all have and maybe just haven’t nurtured enough. I am proud of what I made and proud to call myself a sculptor now." 2. "James is very hands on, not afraid to criticize but also very motivational." 3. "Really thorough informative class that is tailored to your skill level. I learned so much in the few hours of class and left energized and motivated to continue learning more. The instructor’s passion is contagious! Can’t wait to come back."

Teachers at The Decorus Atelier of Figurative Art

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