Academic Drawing

At The Florence Academy of Art, skill in drawing is considered fundamental to perfection in painting, sculpture or other art forms. In the Academic Drawing Course the student will study from copies of antique or Renaissance plaster casts half the day and work from the live model the other half (see below for a detailed description). Aside from general information, all instruction and critiques will be on an individual basis.

The Figure Drawing sessions are designed to strengthen the student's visual relationship with three-dimensional form, allowing him to confront the human figure. Students are introduced to the academic method of figure drawing, employed by the major Realist ateliers of 19th century Paris, best exemplified by Jean Léon Gérôme and the French Academic tradition. They are taught to use the sight-size method of measurement, which trains the eye to view the subject with accuracy in order to reproduce it successfully. Throughout the course, students will apply this method of measurement to the human figure. They will work from the live model every day for 3 hours. Poses range from three hour pencil drawings emphasizing line, to long poses lasting three hours per day for several days to obtain a fully finished, accurate drawing. Together with the instructor, the student participates in selecting a pose.

One of the most important steps in the training of the realist artist is Cast Drawing , which was studied by Rembrandt as well as Sargent. Students draw from copies of antique or renaissance plaster casts in charcoal on paper. In an atmospheric northern light environment the student is able to set up their subject in a beautiful but also pedagogical way. Working in the sight-size method of measurement they are taught the fundamental qualities of classical drawing: accuracy, rhythms, light effect and how to create illusion of form and space. Cast Drawing will enhance the level of perception and accuracy in any student's work, experienced or beginner. The gained knowledge and sensitivity is applicable to every form of artistic expression.

The Academic Drawing Course is divided into three weeks. Students can apply for one, two or all of the three weeks.
Class times: Monday-Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Studio access 8:00am-9:00 pm

Week 1
30/6 - 4/7
30 hours full instruction in English/Swedish, all with the model. Events and museum visits.
Cost SEK 5900.00. Materials not included.
Approximate cost to student for materials: SEK 150.00.

Week 2
7/7 - 11/7
30 hours full instruction in English/Swedish, all with the model. Events and museum visits.
Cost SEK 5900.00. Materials not included.
Approximate cost to student for materials: SEK 150.00.

Week 3
14/7 - 18/7
30 hours full instruction in English/Swedish, all with the model. Events and museum visits.
Cost SEK 5900.00. Materials not included.
Approximate cost to student for materials: SEK 150.00.

Academic Painting

Academic Painting
In the Academic Painting Course, students paint still life half the day and execute academic studies of the figure in oil the other half (see below for a detailed description). Students also learn about supports for painting, pigment selection and the fundamentals of color mixing, the use of mediums, the sight-size method of drawing, and the use of basic tools for drawing and painting. Aside from general information, all instruction and critiques will be on an individual basis.

The Figure Painting sessions challenges the student to concentrate on accuracy in drawing and anatomy, the handling of paint, and the accurate observation of light and shadow values. Together with the instructor the student explores the phenomenally broad range of color effects in the human body, focusing on color harmony and unity of light. Students will work from the live model everyday for 3 hours. Poses range from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. Class discussions include practical color theory.

"… why should the earnest student overlook the simplest and most thorough way of acquiring all the knowledge of the craft of painting and drawing, the studying of inanimate objects, still life painting, the very surest road to absolute mastery over all technical difficulties. Once learned it applies to all painting, all drawing…"

- Emil Carlsen, Palette and Bench, 1908

Simple objects are made transcendent by exquisite stagecraft and technique. Still life painting is a unique genre in its own right with a long history of richness and variety as well as being a training ground for other forms of painting. The workshop covers the issues of composition, drawing, values and color through the vehicle of making a modest scale still life painting in oil. Students work in an environment of natural north light, utilizing the methodology of The Florence Academy to create a uniquely individual Still Life.


The Academic Painting Course is divided into three weeks. Students can apply for one, two or all of the three weeks.
Class times: Monday-Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Studio access 8:00am-9:00 pm

Week 1
30/6 - 4/7
30 hours full instruction in English/Swedish, all with the model. Events and museum visits.
Cost SEK 5900.00. Materials not included.
Approximate cost to student for materials: SEK 300.00.

Week 2
7/7 - 11/7
30 hours full instruction in English/Swedish, all with the model. Events and museum visits.
Cost SEK 5900.00. Materials not included.
Approximate cost to student for materials: SEK 300.00.

Week 3
14/7 - 18/7
30 hours full instruction in English/Swedish, all with the model. Events and museum visits.
Cost SEK 5900.00. Materials not included.
Approximate cost to student for materials: SEK 300.00.

General Info

Application deadline, for both courses: June 1st.
Maximum enrollment: 26.
Studio location: Götaforsliden 17, Mölndal

Minimum enrollment requirement for all courses is 5. Students will be notified if this number is not reached by March 1st. At that time, they will be given the choice of either enrolling in another class, availability permitting, or having their deposit refunded.

The Florence Academy of Art reserves the right to substitute instructors of any course at the last minute or during the session.

Housing Assistance

For students who wish to live on their own, in private apartments, the Academy provides a list of
housing agents; for students who prefer to live in a shared situation, the Academy provides a housing plan.

Gothenburg (Göteborg)
The ocean with splendid westerly breezes and a unique archipelago. Idyllic lakes, forests and
wilderness. Göteborg is Sweden's second biggest city. Many think it's just the right size. Home to its
own culture, its own language and its own special character.In Göteborg, entertainment, nature and
places of interest are never far away. Despite its cosmopolitan stamp though, it still has a typical
small-town charm.

The city is often likened to San Francisco because, like the American city, this west-coast location
has plenty of bridges, hills, water, trams and seafood restaurants.

History
Göteborg - gateway to the west
Trade, shipping and international contacts have characterised Göteborg ever since the city was
founded in 1621. The city, established by Gustav II Adolf, was built by Dutchmen and in the 17th
century the official languages were Dutch, German, Swedish and English.In 1731 Sweden's gateway
to China opened when the Swedish East India Company began trading with the east. Porcelain, tea,
spices, textiles and other luxury goods of the time were shipped to Göteborg.The British lifestyle and
customs became the height of fashion and Göteborg was given the nickname 'Little London'.

In the 19th century Göteborg became industrialised, largely due to the arrival of Scottish and English
businessmen. Over the years many of them became rich and donated fortunes which founded a
hospital, library and university.Modern-day Göteborg with its wide boulevards, parks and stone
houses was built around the end of the 19th century.Götaplatsen and Liseberg were opened for the
World Expo in 1923.

Culture and Attractions
The theatres draw packed houses. The music scene is flourishing. Göteborg boasts a rich diversity of
culture and many places of interest. The Poseidon statue presides imposingly over Götaplatsen
square, the city's cultural hub. Some of Göteborg's 17 museums, 25 theatre stages and 38 cinema
screens are located nearby.

But the city is not only home to established venues such as the City Theatre and Folkteatern, and
gems like the Göteborg Opera House, the Art Museum and Concert Hall with the Göteborg Symphony
Orchestra. You will also discover many free theatres and an active free cultural scene.
Most of the places of interest are within walking distance of Avenyn. They are easy to find if you go
on a sightseeing tour, or take the tram and explore the city yourself with your Göteborg Pass and a map.

For more information, visit:
www.goteborg.com