We recommend completing a registration on a laptop or desktop computer, as opposed to using a phone. Please visit the corresponding individual course description page to find the registration links.

• If a class is currently open for registration, there will be a button on the page labeled Register Now. Click the Register Now button to proceed with the registration process.
• If the class has been filled, the Register button will display “Register for Waitlist”. You will not be charged for the course if you register for the waitlist.
• If a spot becomes available in the class, we will contact the waitlist.
• It is very unpredictable whether or not a spot will open to the waitlist, sometimes a spot opens weeks or days in advance, sometimes the night before.

• We recommend taking a foundations class. The ability to draw is essential and we encourage complete beginners to strengthen their drawing skills before taking a painting class. Drawing classes for beginners include the GCA Orientation Seminar, Figure Block-in, Portrait Block-in, Block-in Basics, or Drawing Light and Form 1.
• Painting classes for beginners who already possess sound drawing skills are the GCA Painting Orientation Seminar, Painting Light and Color 1, Poster Studies, Human Features.
• The Orientation classes offer a shorter time commitment and lower tuition for prospective students to gain a foothold in GCA’s training and help them determine if the methodology is right for them.

• While it isn’t necessary to completely master the craft of drawing before embarking on your painting education, some fundamental skills like blocking-in will make the transition into painting easier.
• In the full-time program, students spend an entire year learning how to draw before they begin to paint.

• Be realistic about your aspirations and time management.
• Most students take 1 or 2 classes per semester. We rarely recommend that someone take 3 classes per semester. Only do that if you have already determined that the GCA methodology is for you and you are in the position to devote full-time to your practice. Otherwise, take one, possibly two classes.
• You can often expect to spend at least the same amount of time  on the homework as you do in class. You may not always have that time. That’s okay.
• You can not drop out of a class and receive a refund or credit after the class has started, so carefully consider your schedule as well as your goals.
• Read our Guide to Online Studies to gain more insight.

• We offer this Guide to GCA Online Studies so that students can replicate the in-person full-time program at GCA as closely as possible according to their own schedule.
• We do not offer a year-long full-time Atelier program online.

• Most of our online programs are registered on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Some classes have pre-requisites that must be satisfied before taking the class.
• Occasionally we hold a class that is by application only. If this is the case, there will be an application on the course description page.

• Please register using the email you most frequently check.
• Once you register for a course, a confirmation email will be automatically generated and sent to the email on file.
• It is important that you keep your most up-to-date contact information in your Active Networks registration account so that we can easily reach you via email.
• Course descriptions and material lists are already available on each individual course description page so that you can be ready for class by day one.
• Additional information including zoom and google classroom links are emailed to students within 24 hours of the class or workshop start date.
• If you are in a class with an assignment due on the first day, this will be noted on the course description page and in your confirmation email. You will be emailed instructions a week before the first live class date.

• Active Networks is the service we use to enroll and process registrations and payments for our programs.
• Please note how GCA appears on your credit card statement. Active Networks is based in Dallas, Texas. Your credit card statement will show their name and location. It may say Active or Activework Camps. It should also list our name as GrandCentrlAtelier but depending on the bank, it may not list us alongside Active. The amount on your credit card statement will correspond to the tuition you paid.
• You can log into your account by clicking here. GCA can not reset your password, you will need to follow prompts to do so through Active.

• If you want to pay tuition, view your upcoming or past classes, you can log into your account by clicking here.
• GCA can not reset your password. If you have an issue, you will need to follow the reset prompts.

• Our online class sizes are very small to maintain the integrity of our high quality training.
• Most of our online classes have a limit of 10-12 students maximum.

• Every online class is recorded.
• Students receive access to the recording within 24 hours of the class finishing. The recording gets posted into the google classroom.
• Access to the recordings is available for the duration of the class plus an additional 30 days. There are no extensions.

• Only two classes are available for audit:  Devin Cecil-Wishing’s Drawing Light & Form I and Painting Light & Color I.
• For classes without an audit option and with students unable to attend live for one or more of the classes, most instructors will critique submitted students’ work live and the students may watch the recordings. It’s highly recommended that students attend live to gain the benefit of the dialogue with the instructor about their work.
• We also offer some opportunities for learning via pre-recorded demos: Dale Zinkowski’s Alla Prima Demo Series, Diana Buitrago’s Portrait in an Environment and Justin Wood’s Working Up Demo.

• Every online class is recorded.
• While attendance at every live class isn’t mandatory, it is highly encouraged.
• It is highly recommended & preferred that students attend live to gain the benefit of the dialogue with the instructor about their work.
• Students can still submit their work at least 15 minutes before the live class starts and the instructor will critique the work during the class. The critique will then be viewable in the recording.
• Critiques are only given during the live class time.
• Students receive access to the recording within 24 hours of the class finishing. The recording gets posted into the google classroom.
• Instructors
• Access to the recordings is available for the duration of the class plus an additional 30 days. There are no extensions.

• Every instructor conducts their class differently.
• In general, GCA instructors lecture, lead discussions, and/or demo in addition to critiquing student work.
• According to your learning style, you can work alongside the instructor as they demo or you can watch/ask questions and work outside of class.

• Each online class has homework/weekly drawings or painting assignments.
• You can often expect to spend at least the same amount of time  on the homework as you do in class. You may not always have that time. That’s okay.

• View this video on how to photograph your work made by one of our instructors.

• Students must have a laptop, desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone.
• A bigger on screen on your device, will provide a better demo viewing experience.
• A web camera is not required but a microphone is highly recommended.

• Zoom is used for the weekly live classes. A free Zoom account is needed.
• Google Classroom is the class hub. Google classroom is a google product and more often than not needs a free gmail account to access.
• Classes with pre-recorded demos use YouTube. YouTube is free. Students need to be logged into their account to view the privately shared links.

• Click to view this video made by one of our instructors and then view this pdf.

• Materials lists are available on each individual course page on the website.
• You can view & download either before or after you register for the course.

• Instructors will provide guidance with regards to lighting according to the specific needs of the class.
• Click to view this video that covers general lighting scenarios.

• You can read our registration policies here.

• All dates and times are in the Eastern Timezone to correspond with our physical home base of New York City.
• Please convert your timezones accordingly.

• All of our classes are taught in English.
• English captioning is accessible in Zoom and YouTube.

• GCA offers an effective approach to drawing, painting, and sculpting from life.
• This approach provides students with the opportunity to engage with the physical world in a meaningful way and to consequently achieve a high degree of naturalism in their work.
• There is a continuity in method and language that is rare in art education.
• Students can expect thorough guidance in every course, from materials to how to employ specific techniques that are essential to our pedagogy.

• The GCA approach to drawing and painting requires patience, persistence, and dedicated practice.
• Work by GCA artists is the result of a full-time long-term commitment to drawing, painting, and sculpture. The average time of a drawing or painting is anywhere between 10 – 100 hours.
• Please note: drawing and painting are really hard.
• If you found us on Instagram, we highly recommend you start with an Orientation class which will address expectations and outcomes.
• Click here to read our Guide to Online Studies.

• Yes. Ask any artist.

• Working from photographs is neither taught nor permitted in our classes and workshops.
• In programs that are based on learning through copying the masters, students will work from high resolution printed reproductions of masterworks. Students choose from a selection of images curated by the instructor unless otherwise indicated and subject to the instructor’s approval.

• Artists 17 and up attend our online classes.
• Our online classes are not appropriate for younger students due to the complex terminology and methodology.
• GCA does offer studio workshops for Teens during the summer months in NYC. Click here to view.

• By registering for a class and/or workshop, students are agreeing to our Code of Conduct and Registration Policies.

• We do not offer financial assistance for our online programs.

• Not at this time.

• We do not recommend oil painting if you are pregnant. While the choice to do so is ultimately up to you, please keep in mind turpentine, mineral spirits, and many pigments are toxic.

• Use this form to contact The Admin Team.
• Please note the Online Admin generally responds to inquiries Monday – Thursday from about 10am – 6pm ET.
• The Online staff is off on Fridays. There are no Online Classes on Fridays.
• Kindness is appreciated when communicating with our small, busy office.