Rise in Demand for Traditional Fine Art Skills

Post-A level students who want to develop their art skills often consider a foundation degree in art, then discover that many courses at established art schools don't provide the technical skills. These skills provide the bedrock on which a life in art can be built, for personal enjoyment or professional success.

Acclaimed sculptor James Napier set up LARA in 2008 after frustration at not being taught fundamental technical drawing skills while studying at a top London art schools. "A musician wouldn't think of performing in public without understanding how to play their instrument. It's no different for a fine artist," he said. "I wanted to draw, paint and sculpt confidently, but that's not what established London art schools were teaching, and still aren't, so I went to Florence. The Italian city was the epicentre of the atelier-method of art, where you learn the technical side of drawing: the core skill for all serious representational artists."

James is know for his sculpture of 'The Abandoned Soldier', created in 2007 for a BBC TV Programme and which featured on one of the plinths in Trafalgar Square.

LARA is a well-resourced, professional studio. Tutors teach fundamental drawing, painting and sculpture skills and over the last seven years it has taught well over 1000 full and part-time students.

James added: "We teach those who want to learn to draw, paint and sculpt confidently. From those wanting to build a successful career in the art world, to others seeking to enjoy art and enhance their personal lives."

LARA's first ever exhibition will be held at The Mall Galleries, London from November 30 until December 4.

London Atelier of Representational Art (LARA) 

LARA has taught fine art skills to over 1000 students. The unique emphasis of the school is working directly from life models. The tutors, all artists in their own right, teach the essential concepts of proportion, line, gesture, form and light to best master expression of the human form.

http://www.drawpaintsculpt.com