Programs

Curriculum. Scottsdale Atelier has an intense classical curriculum designed to train students to be proficient in drawing, painting, and anatomy. Working with the figure approximately half the time, students begin with basic drawing concepts and execution techniques with Bargue copies, cast drawings, and master copies, while simultaneous develop the ability to work with the model in ever more refined and extended poses.

Programs. Scottsdale Atelier offers a certificate in Drawing, Painting, and Thesis study, designed to be taken in that order. To complete the program, students must demonstrate sufficient mastery in each subject before advancing to the next. While each class is designed to achieve this mastery in a single 11 week trimester, some students may require more or less time to advance. Progression through the program is not determined by the completion of a trimester, but rather on the acquisition of skills needed to be successful in later classes.

Attendance Options. Students can attend Full-Time, Part-Time, or more casually through the Exploration option.

Full-Time. Monday through Friday, 9am - 4 pm, for 11 weeks per trimester. Every morning the student attends the non-model course (for example, Cast Drawing) and in the afternoon attends the figure course (for example, Figure Long Pose Drawing). The courses must be completed in the proper order to advance to the next. Because of the rapid advancement associated with a full time immersion into art instruction and the school environment, Full-Time is always recommended.

Part-Time. The student selects between 1 and 4 days out of the week, 9am-4pm, for 11 weeks per trimester. Like the Full-Time program, every morning the student attends the non-model course (for example, Cast Drawing) and in the afternoon attends the figure course (for example, Figure Long Pose Drawing). The courses must be completed in the proper order to advance to the next. This is recommended for students who have scheduling conflicts that might prevent them from attending Full-Time. Priority enrollment is given to Full-Time applicants.

Exploration. The student selects the morning or afternoon on the day or days they would like to attend. 1 exploration class is 3 hours per week for the 11 week trimester. Students may select from any part of the program they would like to attend, though it is HIGHLY recommended they follow the program order. Non-model classes take place in the morning, and model dependent courses are in the afternoon. This program is not eligible for the Certificate. Only a small number of spaces are reserved for the Exploration options, and are available to those who register first.

  • Classes:

    1.  Bargue/Master Copy Drawing

    2. Anatomy/Figure Short Pose

    3. Cast Drawing

    4. Figure Long Pose

    5. Still Life

    6. Portrait Long Pose

  • Description text goes hereClasses:

    1.  Cast Painting

    2. Figure Limited Palette

    3. Master Copy Painting

    4. Figure Full Palette

    5. Still Life

    6. Portrait

  • This course occupies an entire year of study, with a minimum number of finished works required for completion. Special additional topic include: scaling studies for larger works, world building/integration, reference creation, and theme development.

Trimesters (11 weeks):

Fall : September - November

Winter: December - February

Spring March - May

2026/2027 dates:

Fall : August 31 - November 20

Winter: November 30 - February 26

Spring March 1 - May 21

Tuition:

  • Times: 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday, 11 weeks.

    Single Trimester Tuition: $3500

    Yearly Tuition (3 Trimesters): $9990

    Year Enrollment Optional Payment Plan: Trimester 1-$3500, Trimester 2-$3500, Trimester 3-$2990

  • Attendance of between 1 and 4 full day per week for the entire Trimester. The same amount of time as Full-Time enrollment is likely required to advance in the program, but Part Time allows the student to attend less frequently over a greater period of time.

    Tuition:

    1 weekday, for the 11 week Trimester: $750

    2 weekdays, for the 11 week Trimester: $1500

    3 weekdays, for the 11 week Trimester: $2250

    4 weekdays, for the 11 week Trimester: $3000

  • Student can select a morning or afternoon (1/2 day) of any course with availability, for the duration of the 11 week Trimester.

    Tuition: $400 per half day for Trimester