Summer Classical Art Intensive for Teens
A Partner-Run Program at The Hotchkiss School, Lakeville, CT
Image: Drawing by Katie Whipple, 18 yrs.
Study alongside teens who are deeply committed to advancing their drawing and painting skills, who would love nothing better than to draw and paint from sunrise to sunset for ten days.
- June 23 – July 5, 2025
- Small classes for focused study & individualized critiques
- Professional artist faculty, Grand Central Atelier alums
- Open to students entering grades 10-12 (ages 15-18)
- Tuition includes a single dorm room and meal plan
- Instruction is indoor and outdoor: art studios, campus grounds and Fairfield Farm
Build and refine your skills in observational drawing. Learn to draw from classical casts, the skull, and the live portrait model. Dive into oil painting fundamentals by painting landscapes en plein air alongside GCA’s Hudson River Fellowship residency artists. Small class sizes will provide an environment for fun, focused study with daily individualized critiques.
Must possess willingness to learn and be open to a structured methodology, have a solid work ethic, self-motivation, persistence and patience. All levels are welcome to apply.
Cast Drawing
Image: Drawing by Grant Perry, 18 yrs.
In this introduction to the concepts of drawing, students will learn the process of creating one cast drawing in graphite from start to finish over the course of two weeks.
This specific method enables the artist to transform a 2-dimensional block-in drawing into a more refined version, one that feels 3-dimensional. Students will begin by learning the block-in process, then advance the drawing into the modeling stage. Emphasis will be placed on correct proportion using the comparative measuring technique, sound structural thinking, and conceptually studying the effects of light falling on the various forms.
Students will be trained over the course of two weeks to think sculpturally, make accurate decisions regarding proportion, and to create drawings that are true to life. Individual critiques and daily demonstrations by the faculty will help each individual student meet their specific goals.
Instructors: Kate Kristian, Lorenzo Narciso
Skull to Portrait Drawing
Image: Portrait drawing by Lara Saunders, 18 yrs.
Drawing and understanding the skull structure is the key to successful portrait drawing.
In this class, students will begin by drawing the human skull and progressing to the live model. There will be a long pose (portrait) that will enable the students to use their block-in skills from cast drawing, and their anatomical understanding from studying the skull, to complete one finished drawing.
Over the course of two weeks, the students will gain an insightful understanding into the features of the human head, how light describes form, and how structural knowledge can guide them into making informed decisions regarding their drawings. Line and mass drawing, as well as comparative measure and proportions will all be thoroughly discussed. Individual critiques and daily demonstrations by the faculty will help each individual student meet their specific goals.
Instructor: Dale Zinkowski
Sunset Landscape Painting
With instructor Diana Buitrago, students may join GCA’s Hudson River Fellowship Residency artists for sunset painting. Teens will study the techniques of the Hudson River Painters for an introduction to composition and picture making including perspective, value, shapes, measurement and line quality, and have the opportunity to draw or paint from nature.
Instructor: Diana Buitrago
- No application fee
- Tuition includes single room & meals: $4,600
- Early application deadline: December 31, 2024
- Standard application deadline: February 28, 2025
- Notification: 7-10 after submission
What to submit via our online application:
- A brief statement (4-5 sentences) about why attending this program will benefit your artistic studies.
- 3-7 images showing a drawing, painting or sculpture you have done. Each image must be smaller than 1MB.
- Ideally, some of the works you submit are drawn, painted or sculpted from life vs. from photographs.
If you have questions before applying, send us an email to info@grandcentralatelier.org
What should I bring?
Please note that we do not offer a laundry service in the summer. Laundry machines are available in the dormitories.
Wear comfortable clothing! All students should consider bringing swimming and athletic gear including athletic shoes for using the gym or hiking. Bring a hat for outdoor painting.
Each dorm room is supplied with a bed, mattress, bureau, desk, desk chair, phone, and closet space for clothing. Remember insect repellant!
What art supplies should I bring?
TBD
Where can I buy toothpaste, sunscreen, shampoo etc:
All basic toiletries can be purchased at the campus store, located on the lower level of Main Building. Students can also go on weekend outings to nearby Salisbury and Millerton, where they can purchase these items and more. Students who require specialized products or prescriptions should make sure they bring enough for the duration of their program.
Will I have a roommate?
All students will have a single room.
Should I bring my own linens?
Yes! The mattress size is twin extra long. If you find including bed linens in your luggage a challenge, please consider mailing your bedding (pillow and towels!) ahead of your arrival.
Shipping address:
Your Name
Hotchkiss Summer Partner Program – GCA Art Intensive
11 Interlaken Road
Lakeville, CT 06039
What happens on Arrival Day?
You will be greeted by Instructors and Counselors in the Main Circle. We will direct you to your dorm and assist you with the moving in process.
What if I lose my key or student ID?
Let your “Advisor” know immediately. “Teaching Fellows” will assist in locating your misplaced items or helping you replace them.
How can I do my laundry?
There are laundry facilities in the basement of most dorms. You will need to bring your own detergent.
Can I receive mail?
Yes, please ask friends and family to use this format:
Your Name
Hotchkiss Summer Partner Program – GCA Art Intensive
11 Interlaken Road
Lakeville, CT 06039
How can I make and receive phone calls?
Cell service is limited in the NW Corner of Connecticut. You will have a landline in your room where you can receive calls. To make a long distance call from your room, you will need a calling card.
About Grand Central Atelier
Grand Central Atelier (GCA), the world’s leading destination for artists seeking an authentic classical art education. The studio provides rigorous training in drawing, painting and sculpture, resident artist studios, exhibitions and fellowships – including its signature, longstanding Hudson River Fellowship landscape painting residency. The Hudson River Fellowship is a coveted prize, awarded annually to twenty classically trained, emerging landscape painters who convene for a collaborative fellowship in various stunning locations in the Northeastern United States.
https://grandcentralatelier.org/about/about-us/
https://grandcentralatelier.org/opportunities/hudson-river-fellowship/
About Hotchkiss
The Hotchkiss School is an independent boarding school located in Lakeville, Connecticut. Founded in 1891, the school provides an education of academic distinction to 599 students in grades 9 through 12, and to a small number of postgraduates. The school’s mission is to develop students who are academically excellent, responsible citizens, and have personal integrity.
https://www.hotchkiss.org
My daughter was in the teen course this summer. I wanted to say thank you so much for all that GCA has done for her and thanks to all the wonderful instructors she had. She learned so much and is really trying to figure out how to continue to produce works to the level she was at this summer. I’ve never seen her so committed to advancing her skill. -Parent
I began my studies at GCA around the time I was in high school. At that time, art was an interest for me but I was unaware of how much I could pursue in this field. Through a friend, I was able to visit GCA and the fist time I saw cast drawings I was blown away. It felt like I finally knew what style of art and training I wanted to study. I enrolled in a part time cast drawing class and delved into the training that GCA and its incredible teachers had to offer. -Rachel Li, Artist and GCA Alum
I was first introduced to GCA’s teaching at the age of 12. I attended my first part time cast drawing class with Justin wood. Even at age 12, it really resonated with me and I felt more inspired than anywhere else. I remember being absolutely fascinated entering the Cast Hall and seeing the drawings of the students at the time. It seemed unreal to me that there were people were able to draw so beautifully. I wasn’t used to being at a school that fostered so much growth and hard work in me. In my early teens, I continued taking part time classes on the weekends and in the evenings. After one particular teen summer workshop, I knew I wanted to attend the core program and commit to my studies full time. Instead of attending my senior year at LaGuardia High school, I made the decision to start the Drawing Year at GCA instead. The GCA community had my back and showed a lot of support for my endeavors. I knew it was the right decision ever since. -Lara Saunders, Artist and GCA Instructor
