Watts Atelier alternatives?

[Blind]

I'm toying with the idea of taking some instructor lead classes. Of all the information about different schools that I've read, The Watts Atelier out in Encinitas seems like the place that would be most appealing to me. There's only one small problem: it's 2,800 miles away :(

Does anyone know of a similar Atelier around the NJ/PA area?

[David]

This place just opened. It's in Center City Philadelphia. I don't know much about it but give it a try.

http://www.studioincamminati.org/

David

[winjer]

Nelson Shanks runs that thing. His work comes off as all pretty technique and nothing else. I dont think hes even heard of composition. Look at the gallery of his work on there. He seems to include everything in the goddamn room when he does his paintings. Go somewhere else.

[David]

Look at the gallery of his work on there. He seems to include everything in the goddamn room when he does his paintings.

:D but thats what ateliers do, they draw exactly what they see. Kinda of boring if you ask me but he wanted an atelier.

Two other places in Philly:

Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts: they produce amazing artists.
PAFA (http://www.Pafa.edu)

Fleisher Art Memorial: Offers free art classes (you just have to pay around $2 for the model) Teachers are from Pafa, UArts and Tyler.
Fleisher (http://www.fleisher.org)

I think you'll get further with those two.

David

[Elwell]

I just don't get Shanks. His work seems grim, and not even in an interesting way. It's just joyless. He seems to building quite the litle cult of personality for himself, though.

[Elwell]

Originally posted by iffy

Oh, and Shanks won't let his students use black paint, among a few other questionable practices I won't go into here.

From the look of the supply list on that site it's just about the only color he doesn't want people to use. Twenty (--->20!!!<---) tubes of paint!

[Kortez]

concerning shanks... I have difficulties trusting guys with
COMBOVERS!

http://www.studioincamminati.org/graphic/popepaint.jpg

[winjer]

The kinda money he makes he could definitely afford a good wig.

And getting back on topic maybe you could try the kubert school? The people from there learn all sorts of cool things.
Conceptacon went there and did concepts for unreal 2.

[TheYellowDart]

Hey Whats up. My first inclination to answer your post about schools like Watts was to go look at the Approved Atelier lists at Artist Renewal.

http://www.artrenewal.org/asp/database/atelier_list.asp

I've attended Watts for the past year and a half or so. I've also looked over so many different schools, and talked to people who have attended these schools, and I can tell you that in the US, there are very very few, if any, schools with students that consistantly produce the quality of work Watts Atelier does. It is really hard to find schools of this calibur if you are looking for a solid, well rounded art-education. If you can, set aside some time, a weekend, and come out to California and look at the school. I could seriously write out 50 reasons why watts is one of the top schools. Schools like it are so hard to come by.

Depending on what your monetary status is, get a good job (in a restaraunt), cut back on movies and clothes (as Harley Brown says), Find a roomate, lock your door and get to Watts.
Also don't be discouraged by the costs of living out here. You have to think logically, it is proportionate. Of course it will be more expensive, but you must remember, you'll make more. You also need to realize that while you're getting your education, you'll need a job that might not be so plesant, but it will pay for what you need. Pce.
--The Yellow Dart

[Blind]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. I have a lot to chew on with this.

[geoffd]

um Water Street Atelier is in brooklyn

The Water Street Atelier
100 Water Street, Brooklyn, New York
Tel: (718) 624-6877
Director: Jacob Collins
Email: [email protected]

get some info from them. they are supposed to be pretty good from what i understand. and depending on where in jersey you live it shouldn't be too far a hike to get there. i used to go by train to newark, then get off at ohhhh, the stop near madison square garden... anyways it was like a 45 minute ride. just an fyi

[dns2k]

Watts is worth the travel... plus you get to be in sunny San Diego.

-dns