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Classical Drawing Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practice
Ateliers have produced the greatest artists of all time—and now that educational model is experiencing a renaissance. These studios, a return to classical art training, are based on the nineteenth-century model of teaching artists by pairing them with a master artist over a period of years. Students begin by copying masterworks, then gradually progress to painting as their skills develop. Classical Drawing Atelier is an atelier in a book—and the master is Juliette Aristides, a classically trained artist. On every page, Aristides uses the works of works of Old Masters and today� s most respected realist artists to demonstrate and teach the principles of realist drawing and painting, taking students step by step through the learning curve yet allowing them to work at their own pace. Unique and inspiring, Classical Drawing Atelier is a serious art course for serious art students.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 6, 2012
A pleasant introduction to the traditional training in art that has been revived in the private studios and ateliers in Europe and North America. Unfortunately, for the beginner, aside from the beautiful illustration, very little is actually said that is meaningful. This, I think, is because of the language used, which is very particular. The atelier system of classical training, as the author says, has long suffered decline because of the predominant and common attitude of the art schools to treat art as something gushing out from the soul, rather than a technical science. It's a little bit of both. What the classicists are trying to get through is that students must be taught to stand before they can walk or run. And their prop for standing up is made up of the work of the great masters of the last several centuries and the mammoths of antiquity.
As I said, a good introduction. This is not a study for the half-hearted. These classicists have a knowledge of anatomy that could put a medical doctor to shame (maybe). And the average atelier training of four years is more intensive that science and arts students could expect. But then, it produces results. This is enough. Read the book; it isn't long. A little bit of the old with the new.
As I said, a good introduction. This is not a study for the half-hearted. These classicists have a knowledge of anatomy that could put a medical doctor to shame (maybe). And the average atelier training of four years is more intensive that science and arts students could expect. But then, it produces results. This is enough. Read the book; it isn't long. A little bit of the old with the new.
June 6, 2012
Beautiful pictures accompany concepts in words, not a practical book with step-by-step illustrations.
Though, the information in the book is useful for those already have had basic skills on drawing. I would like those who still at the door of the realm of drawing to pick up other books like or , is good too. And if you already draw well, have a passion on the subject also, pick up the book, and you will find something useful here.
Though, the information in the book is useful for those already have had basic skills on drawing. I would like those who still at the door of the realm of drawing to pick up other books like or , is good too. And if you already draw well, have a passion on the subject also, pick up the book, and you will find something useful here.
September 6, 2011
I've been reading many, many books about drawing, and coming to the conclusion that the atelier system that Aristides promotes in this book (she is the founder of one herself) is THE way to learn classical academic drawing techniques. For those who can't get to an atelier, or can't give up their lives to go work at one for a few years, this is an introduction to the concepts taught. I was hoping for more practical exercises, or suggestions for further instruction to self-teach, but her point is just that: that drawing needs to be taught by a master to an apprentice. Lovely drawings in the book illustrate her text nicely.
June 18, 2011
This book is breathtaking.
(Okay, I might be a little biased since I helped a bit with the editing-but marvelously done Juliette!)
(Okay, I might be a little biased since I helped a bit with the editing-but marvelously done Juliette!)
February 17, 2016
Reminds me of a beautiful glossy magazine full of advertisements. I do agree with the methods and discipline set forth in the book but this could not be used for instruction.
November 20, 2020
This book was very useful to me in helping to understand the basics of atelier drawing and as an introduction to how to draw ‘technically correctly�. Aristides provides both philosophical and historical context (to which I’d however critically like to add; ancient Greek and Roman art wasn’t ‘just� rediscovered after the Middle Ages; it was preserved by Arab people without whom the Renaissance could not have taken place, practically speaking) and practical drawing guidance.
Frankly the entire concept of atelier training in the modern context was new to me and I’m very glad to have learned about it; I feared that all formal art training in our time focuses on abstract and modern art. How thrilling it was to find out that copying the masters, drawing and painting casts and focusing on the human figure are actually cornerstones in this movement that is gaining so much in popularity. I attentively devoured the book in days and am eager to start drawing according to the principles outlined.
Frankly the entire concept of atelier training in the modern context was new to me and I’m very glad to have learned about it; I feared that all formal art training in our time focuses on abstract and modern art. How thrilling it was to find out that copying the masters, drawing and painting casts and focusing on the human figure are actually cornerstones in this movement that is gaining so much in popularity. I attentively devoured the book in days and am eager to start drawing according to the principles outlined.
February 21, 2010
Zelf heb/had ik heel veel twijfels over "het nut" van academisch tekenen in deze tijden van fotografie en multimedia.
Tekenen is al zo lang "bevrijd" van natuurgetrouwe (bij)bedoelingen. Toch is dit een aanstekelijk en verleidelijk mooi boek, als pleidooi voor "kijken en dan tekenen" en een herwaardering van het (naar levend) model tekenen.
Dit boek leert je natuurlijk niet tekenen (wat het ook niet pretendeert) wel geeft het sporen van métier en via voorbeelden van de grote meesters, krijg je inzicht in wat academisch tekenen zou kunnen zijn.
Als je echt wil leren tekenen, zijn er andere en betere boeken die je op weg helpen, en moet je vooral heel veel tekenen (en de boeken laten voor wat ze zijn).
Als "ervaringsdeskundige" kan ik wel meegeven dat academisch en klassiek tekenen verslavend werkt, maar de kans is groot dat je wil "afkicken" om je eigen stijl (terug)te vinden.
Dit boek is natuurlijk ook een een pleidooi pro domo, want de klassiek opgeleide schrijfster/kunstenaar Juliette Aristides geeft les aan een academie die in het teken staat van oefenen naar model en het kopiëren van de klassieke meesters.
Tekenen is al zo lang "bevrijd" van natuurgetrouwe (bij)bedoelingen. Toch is dit een aanstekelijk en verleidelijk mooi boek, als pleidooi voor "kijken en dan tekenen" en een herwaardering van het (naar levend) model tekenen.
Dit boek leert je natuurlijk niet tekenen (wat het ook niet pretendeert) wel geeft het sporen van métier en via voorbeelden van de grote meesters, krijg je inzicht in wat academisch tekenen zou kunnen zijn.
Als je echt wil leren tekenen, zijn er andere en betere boeken die je op weg helpen, en moet je vooral heel veel tekenen (en de boeken laten voor wat ze zijn).
Als "ervaringsdeskundige" kan ik wel meegeven dat academisch en klassiek tekenen verslavend werkt, maar de kans is groot dat je wil "afkicken" om je eigen stijl (terug)te vinden.
Dit boek is natuurlijk ook een een pleidooi pro domo, want de klassiek opgeleide schrijfster/kunstenaar Juliette Aristides geeft les aan een academie die in het teken staat van oefenen naar model en het kopiëren van de klassieke meesters.
December 29, 2014
Juliette Aristides is a strong proponent for the renaissance of traditional atelier training for artists. This book gives an excellent overview of the techniques, practices, and themes of classical atelier art training which began to die out at the end of the 19th century.
This large format book is well done in every way with illustrations of master drawings and contemporary atelier student drawings. Aristides includes useful illustrations to help the reader understand and visualize the topics being discussed.
While this is not really intended as an instructional book for beginning students, it will at a minimum provide inspiration and motivation to pursue excellence in drawing. I'm in agreement with the author that students should seek out professional instruction to help learn these techniques. Formal training will accelerate learning and provide a supportive environment for developing these techniques and training the student to "see" in every sense of the word.
A lovely book and worth the time for anyone interested in atelier technique and history.
This large format book is well done in every way with illustrations of master drawings and contemporary atelier student drawings. Aristides includes useful illustrations to help the reader understand and visualize the topics being discussed.
While this is not really intended as an instructional book for beginning students, it will at a minimum provide inspiration and motivation to pursue excellence in drawing. I'm in agreement with the author that students should seek out professional instruction to help learn these techniques. Formal training will accelerate learning and provide a supportive environment for developing these techniques and training the student to "see" in every sense of the word.
A lovely book and worth the time for anyone interested in atelier technique and history.
November 26, 2012
This is an excellent overview of the world of Atelier's. The author presents all of the relevant material related to the concept of studying in this manner. There are many wonderful examples of artwork throughout, including many fine pieces by the author. I would have liked to see more "step by step instruction", but the included information was a solid foundation for anyone interested in the Atelier experience.
May 13, 2013
The author explains important aspects of drawing in the classical sense: idea, line, value, and form. There is a discipline to learning to draw well. And if one would ever aspire to be a good painter they must first learn to draw excellently. Filled with beautiful images and text this is a wonderful introduction to the practice. I highly recommend it.
June 12, 2020
This isn't an instructional book in a sense of how-to-draw step by step. Rather, it's insightful on the subject of the classical approach. The information displayed in this book can push an intermediate artist forward on making a successful piece of art; not focusing only on the technicalities of drawing but also on the aesthetic aspect of it. I was loving every single word of this book.
February 3, 2010
Wonderful introduction to the atelier system. The art history and design discussions were fascinating and the artwork -- from both historic and contemporary artists -- was a joy to examine.
February 11, 2017
Excellent book with beautiful pictures, very useful for my figure class!
December 3, 2018
I was disappointed to see it was a book about art and artists and drawing, and not a book inviting the reader to draw himself. Although highly professional, it is also arrogant.
Another weak point was the repeating on the same points various of times.
But the strong parts of this book is the way it gives you the ability to see art in a new and more deeper way, and the last chapter is what I was actually looking for, specific lessons and techniques.
Another weak point was the repeating on the same points various of times.
But the strong parts of this book is the way it gives you the ability to see art in a new and more deeper way, and the last chapter is what I was actually looking for, specific lessons and techniques.
March 22, 2024
This book is like treasure trove for aspiring artists! The traditional atelier approach, combined with Juliette Aristides' expertise, offers a promising path for serious art students. With its focus on classical techniques and guided progression, it's sure to be a valuable resource for anyone looking to hone their drawing and painting skills.
September 3, 2019
I know a lot of people liked this book but I actually did not finish it and ended up returning my copy. I found it pretentious and it failed to grab me at all. I'll engage with a heavy text but this one was not a hit.
May 14, 2021
Beautifully written and demystifies the art of drawing.
Great book. Beautifully written with beautiful drawings. Learned a lot. The lessons were written simply and clearly and demystify the art of drawing. Looking forward to read her other books.
Great book. Beautifully written with beautiful drawings. Learned a lot. The lessons were written simply and clearly and demystify the art of drawing. Looking forward to read her other books.
June 24, 2023
GREAT BACKGROUND INFORMATION
From reading this book, I really gained a great deal of understanding. I really appreciate the classical drawing methods thought in ateliers. I would never of gained this kind of understanding had I not read this book
From reading this book, I really gained a great deal of understanding. I really appreciate the classical drawing methods thought in ateliers. I would never of gained this kind of understanding had I not read this book
October 25, 2023
"Classical Drawing Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practice" is a masterful guide that bridges classical art techniques with contemporary practice. Juliette Aristides provides a comprehensive exploration of atelier methods, emphasizing the importance of foundational skills. This book serves as a valuable resource for artists looking to hone their craftsmanship and develop a deep understanding of traditional drawing methods within a modern context. Aristides' approach is both insightful and inspiring, making it a must-read for those dedicated to refining their drawing abilities.
August 20, 2019
Really enjoyed this one. Reminded me a bit.
March 20, 2021
In the eyes of beholder
The position of the body was obstacles for me for a while this book puts me in the road .just love it .thanks
The position of the body was obstacles for me for a while this book puts me in the road .just love it .thanks
July 19, 2022
Highly technical and instructive. I found so many great lessons here. A lot of the drawings are worth copying as execises. Must read for anyone interested in furthering their drawing skills.
July 27, 2022
Great reminder of things to keep in mind in order to elevate your drawings.
July 25, 2023
I really enjoyed reading about the history of classical drawing, but I wish Aristides had a bit more of an engaging voice. It was a bit dry.
September 16, 2023
I devoured this book! The storyline was so engaging that I lost track of time while reading. The author's talent for crafting an enthralling narrative shines brightly here.
January 15, 2024
What contemporary art schools are missing.
April 28, 2011
Was a very informative book on Art subjects, deserves a rating of 4/5... It first begins by the principles of the atelier, the first "real" Part touches on design, line, value and form, The second focuses on most important drawing subjects, the figure, the cast, so on, The only reason it gets a four is that it offers too little practical exercises, I would have loved to see just some instruction on how to actually use the medium of charcoal.
September 30, 2016
This book is quite okay. they have some good tips. When you read this book you find that you read more in dept about the classical techniques and period. The way they translated there views into the art they represented at that time. For example da Vinci, Michelangelo etc. There are two books in the serie.
February 25, 2014
I expected more from this book. Mostly it is wisdom like advise for this atelier method, which has a quite dubious philosophy. Also there everything is very high level. This could be a good thing, but it is also very shallow. I was asking myself: Where is the beaf? And I am vegetarian.
November 14, 2011
The best artbook I've ever read. 'nuff said.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
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