Art Immersion Year – Painting and Drawing
Course description
A full-time year of drawing and painting for beginners, experienced artists, and professionals — with individualized plan available
The Academic Immersion Year is a 40-week, full-time program that introduces students to the complete arc of academic drawing and painting. It offers an in-depth experience of classical realism, rooted in observation and the study of nature. This program is ideal for artists who want to:
- Explore traditional methods in drawing and painting
- Work from life using pencil, charcoal, and oil
- Follow a structured curriculum while also pursuing personal projects
- Experience the studio culture of FAA / Sweden
Teaching Approach
Instruction is primarily one-on-one and adapted to each student’s level — whether beginner, intermediate, or advanced. We focus on building a clear visual language grounded in direct observation. The goal is to give students the tools, habits, and mindset to work independently and confidently from life, using a structured methodology rooted in centuries of realist tradition.
Program Structure
The Academic Immersion Year follows a set course structure based on the full arc of the Academy’s Drawing and Painting Program. This includes master studies, cast drawing and painting, still life, figure drawing, figure painting, and portrait.
Because all instruction is individual, the program is also highly adaptable. Students with limited experience or those looking to strengthen foundational skills can focus on core exercises, while more advanced students may dedicate the year to higher-level work, such as complex figure paintings or extended portrait projects. Each student’s plan is discussed before the start of the program and formally reviewed after the fall trimester to ensure it remains aligned with their goals and progress.
Classes run Monday through Friday, 9:00–16:00. Group critiques, lectures, and occasional museum visits — including drawing sessions and guided tours — complement the studio work and provide historical and contextual grounding.
Studio Environment
As an Immersion Year student, you become part of a larger artistic community — including the Academic Program, students of the 8-week Course, instructors, and visiting artists — that shares a dedication to realist painting and drawing. Working alongside professionals and peers fosters an atmosphere of focus, generosity, and ambition. Whether in critique, quiet observation, or casual exchange, the studio environment plays a vital role in your development as an artist.
All materials are provided: pencils, charcoal, brushes, paints, canvas, and supports. Read more about what’s included on our materials page.
