Two blocks from the stately columns, arches and sculptures of Grand Central Terminal, a rogue band of architects is engaged in a retrograde venture: They're teaching a new generation how to draw and paint the elements of classical architecture—all those columns, arches and sculptures—with nothing more than pencils and paints on paper. No computers. Ever. — online.wsj.com
6 Comments
Sounds like it'd be an interesting way to spend a year!
maybe it would better set in rural Pennsylvania!
it would probably be interesting, but an extra year for $15 grand...other than the nostalgic backward looking ideas, how does this help as a year long program? it seems much better suited for a summer program or additional learning credits.
on one hand, this sounds great. getting back to hand drawing and feeling more intimate with your work, as well as the classical studies of dynamic symmetry and human anatomy. ...but I can't help but feel mixed emotions about what this school is offering--a chance to gain an "artists perspective", but without allowing any other modern influences or addressing any contemporary issues.
If the school really wanted to offer something unique, it could find a way to incorporate the best of the classical teachings and adapt them to contemporary society [I suppose that is too progressive for a "pure" beaux arts program]. though as it it is currently described, i don't see how this is any different than the old Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris [an american copy of the european original--very ironic, eh?].
I suppose it could be touted as offering the same education at a somewhat less expensive tuition [?], but what good is that brand of education without being able to experience all of those wonderful buildings first hand? I wonder if this program might have greater relevance if it was actually a study abroad program offered through various other colleges...
I see this less as part of a professional training, and more as a way for people in different fields to learn a craft the old fashioned way. This could be helpful for many different endeavors... it's certainly not for everyone, but somehow I'm glad to know that one could do this, if one wanted!
what is this, renaissance faire?
think a little more about it.... this student notes an important thing - whether the student understands how to apply it or not... well : " said a student in the program, 23-year-old Syreeta Brooks. "Once you understand proportion, you can design anything."
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