Atelier Trained Master Artists - Honoring the skills of Stephen Gjertson, D. Jeffrey Mims, Steven J. Levin, Jeffrey T. Larson, Kamille Corry and Stephen Bauman By Cindy Yeoman
In a world where almost anything posing as art is acceptable, it is refreshing to stand back and applaud the artists who have spent years perfecting drawing and painting skills in the traditional classical academies. Although well regarded in representational art circles, they often take a back seat to the hype surrounding the practitioners of conceptual contemporary art.
Stephen Gjertson has spent years educating the public on the mission of the classical realists. In ‘Sentinels’ he beautifully captures a segment of the American family where a resolute older brother keeps guard over his younger sibling. The work echoes American childhood games while channeling American history and the second amendment.
It was D. Jeffrey Mims ‘India’ that inspired me to pursue life-drawing classes. It is a great example of mastery in figure and portrait. Seeing his work up close is a lesson in structure, brushwork and composition and every single piece he does is impeccable. He is the founder and director of the The Academy of Classical Design.
Steven Levin creates a diverse body of work. Although trained extensively in the atelier tradition, one is reminded of the great American artist Edward Hopper in some of Steven’s work including ‘Coming and Going 2’ that captures the ‘nocturnal emptiness’ of the scene. What makes his work exciting is that he does break out of the classical mold and creates some distinctly modern pieces.
Accomplished in landscape and figure, it is Jeffrey T. Larson’s still life compositions that truly set this artist apart. ‘Reflections’ is one of many stunning examples of his work where his technical ability is enhanced by sublime color choices and a whimsical composition.
Kamille Corry, European trained and a former student of D. Jeffrey Mims is accomplished in portrait, still life and floral works. However, her ability to capture and celebrate the sensuous beauty of the female form in all shapes and sizes is where her work truly shines.
The continuance of the atelier tradition relies on the notion that the student becomes the teacher. Stephen Bauman, like many of the artists profiled, continues that tradition by teaching at one of the satellite locations of the Florence Academy of Art. His imaginative realism paintings carry a 21st century sensibility and an uncanny connection to the soul.
As art schools continue to dismiss the discipline of academy training and students flock to the conceptual art programs, the ateliers face an uphill battle attracting students’ patient enough to put the time in to learn solid drawing and painting skills. What will never change is the respect for the skills of the academy trained artists and their ability to create beautiful art that will undoubtedly stand the test of time.
To find a comprehensive list of traditional ateliers go to https://artrenewal.org/pages/ateliers.php