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“The Atelier Series follows the classical tradition of fine art training, rooted in the methods used by the old masters and revived today through small-group study with skilled instructors. Central to this approach is the Sight-Size method, which trains the eye by placing subject and artwork side by side for accurate observation and proportion. What makes Sight-Size remarkable is its simplicity—drawing or painting exactly as you see it—allowing artists to create work with both clarity and impact.”

What to Expect

This is a montly course that introduces the foundational skills essential for oil painting.

Most of the course, students will apply these principles to paint a portrait from a live model. We will begin by establishing accurate contours on the canvas, then move into defining major light and dark shapes, gradually refining details to capture likeness and mood. The goal is not only technical accuracy but also the subtle beauty of chiaroscuro and the expressive qualities that bring a portrait to life.

What to Expect

Nature is the best teacher.

Studying the human figure connects you to the fundamentals of drawing: shape, proportion, and movement. Working from a live model brings an energy and presence you can’t get from a picture. In this class, you’ll learn to accurately capture form and anatomy, using light and shadow to translate the model to your page.

This live model figure drawing class is designed for all skill levels. Our instructor will be there to help, teach, and support you through your own individual journey through drawing the figure.

Spencer’s Philosophy

Art is a deeply human expression—a way of discovering ourselves and our place in the larger tapestry of life. By simply observing and appreciating beauty—the subtlety of a portrait, the contour of a figure, the play of light on form—we connect with something greater. Nature, after all, is our greatest teacher.

While I take my craft seriously, I try not to take myself too seriously. As Elizabeth Gilbert reminds us, “Only when we are at our most playful can divinity finally get serious with us.”

As a teacher, I see myself as a guide along your artistic path. Your goals, strengths, and challenges shape my approach. I aim to provide thoughtful, personalized feedback so that every student feels supported in their unique journey.

About the Instructor

Spencer Brady is a classically trained painter with a lifelong passion for the arts. After visiting Florence during a painting and drawing study abroad program, he fell in love with the city of Florence, and decided he simply had to live and study there. In 2018, he began his studies at Charles H. Cecil Studios in Florence, Italy, where he was rigorously trained in the sight-size method, emphasizing precision, proportion, and the study of light and form. Spencer has exhibited internationally, including in “Cuatro Miradas” in Villa de Leyva, Colombia—a group exhibition showcasing four contemporary artists from around the world. As an instructor, Spencer is committed to helping students build strong foundational skills while cultivating self-confidence in a supportive and focused environment. Spencer loves walking his dog, cooking good food, and driving with the windows down!