The Atelier at Flowerfield
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    • Home
    • About
      • Mission
      • Fine Arts Library
      • Instructors
      • Staff and Board
    • Classes
      • Classes
      • Portfolio Prep Curriculum
      • Open Figure Nights
      • Painting
      • Drawing
      • Illustration and Digital
      • Kid's Classes
      • Fellowship Program
    • Exhibitions
      • 2nd Annual Student Show
      • 1st Young Artists Show
      • Kirk Larsen
      • Past and Future Exhibits
    • Events
      • Summer Art Camp
      • Summer Workshop Series
      • Workshops
      • Kids Workshops
      • Museums On The Go
      • Lectures
    • Memberships
    • Store
    • Support
      • Blog
      • Donate
      • Contact Us
      • In the Media
      • Financial Aid
      • Opportunities
      • Policies
The Atelier at Flowerfield
  • Home
  • About
    • Mission
    • Fine Arts Library
    • Instructors
    • Staff and Board
  • Classes
    • Classes
    • Portfolio Prep Curriculum
    • Open Figure Nights
    • Painting
    • Drawing
    • Illustration and Digital
    • Kid's Classes
    • Fellowship Program
  • Exhibitions
    • 2nd Annual Student Show
    • 1st Young Artists Show
    • Kirk Larsen
    • Past and Future Exhibits
  • Events
    • Summer Art Camp
    • Summer Workshop Series
    • Workshops
    • Kids Workshops
    • Museums On The Go
    • Lectures
  • Memberships
  • Store
  • Support
    • Blog
    • Donate
    • Contact Us
    • In the Media
    • Financial Aid
    • Opportunities
    • Policies

Portfolio Prep Curriculum

Student painting a plaster cast bust.

Putting a portfolio together is tough.

"What type of pieces should I include? Is this piece of art good enough? How do I know if I'm doing this right?"


We've all been there, and now we're here to help! Our Portfolio Prep Curriculum is crafted to guide you through preparing a submission-ready portfolio, creating pieces to include, honing foundational drawing skills, and focusing in on what you're interested in.


Our instructors will also provide portfolio reviews tailored to the individual students, providing insight into what a portfolio might be missing and what areas students should focus on improving their art skills.


A large focus will be placed on developing drawing skills, an important basis for most art fields, through classical exercises, eventually leading into learning how to use paint (oils, acrylics, etc). For those branching beyond fine arts, we also offer classes focusing on illustration and digital arts. We have a selection of in-studio and online classes as part of the curriculum.


Special Pricing:

For students taking two or more classes per session we offer a 20% discount. Please call us to receive the discount.

Curriculum Classes

Building Foundational Skills

We recommend starting with these classes to build your foundational drawing and painting skills!

Foundational Drawing and Painting

Foundational Drawing and Painting

Foundational Drawing and Painting

Charcoal pencil drawing of still life setup.

Image: Student work

Instructor: Randall DiGiuseppe


Students are introduced to the basic concepts, materials, and methods of drawing. This class is for beginners and seasoned artists.


Learn more about Foundational Drawing & Painting


Time: Tuesdays 6:00pm - 9:00pm and Saturdays 10:00am - 1:00pm


Spring I: $240.00, In-Studio

Spring II: $240.00, In-studio

Cast Drawing

Foundational Drawing and Painting

Foundational Drawing and Painting

Student painting a plaster cast bust.

Image: Student work

Instructor: William "Bill" Graf


This beginner course serves as an introduction to drawing, focusing on the bedrock concepts. 


Learn more about Cast Drawing


Time: Wednesdays 6:00pm - 9:00pm


Spring I: $240.00, In-Studio & Online

Spring II: $240.00, In-studio & Online

Classical Figure Drawing

Foundational Drawing and Painting

Portrait Drawing & Painting

Charcoal drawing of nude model.

Image: Instructor work 

Instructor: Randall DiGiuseppe


Students are introduced to basic methods and techniques used by Renaissance masters as they draw a live, nude model. All levels welcome. 


Learn more about Classical Figure Drawing


Time: Thursdays 6:00pm -9:00pm


Spring I: $320.00, In-Studio

Spring II: $320.00, In-studio


*A signed parental consent form is required for students ages 17 and under.

Portrait Drawing & Painting

Portrait Drawing & Painting

Portrait Drawing & Painting

Man painting portrait of woman sitting across from him.

Image: Instructor work

Instructor: William "Bill" Graf


Working from a live model students learn to draw and paint portraits in the academic tradition.


Learn more about Portrait Drawing & Painting


Time: Wednesdays 6:00pm - 9:00pm


Spring I: $320.00, In-Studio (3 student min.)

Spring II: $320.00, In-studio (3 student min.)

Still Life Painting

Portrait Drawing & Painting

Still Life Painting

Oil painting of still life setup.

Image: Student work

Instructor: William "Bill" Graf


Students design then paint their own still life in the studio. Beginner and advanced painters welcome. 


Learn more about Still Life Painting


Time: Wednesdays 6:00pm - 9:00pm


Spring I: $240.00, In-Studio & Online

Spring II: $240.00, In-studio & Online

Develop Specific Skills

These classes can help develop skills for specific fields of study/work!


*Digital art programs and computers will not be provided. Students must own their own software. For Procreate, students must own an iPad with the required software.

Digital Painting in Procreate

Graphic Novel & Genre Illustration for Adults

Graphic Novel & Genre Illustration for Adults

Image: Instructor work

Instructor: RJ Gowdie


Learn the basics of Procreate and how to use various tools within the program. Beginners are welcome. An iPad with Procreate is required.


Learn more about Digital Painting in Procreate


Time: Tuesdays 6:00pm - 9:00pm


Spring I: $240.00, In-Studio

Spring II: $240.00, In-studio

Graphic Novel & Genre Illustration for Adults

Graphic Novel & Genre Illustration for Adults

Graphic Novel & Genre Illustration for Adults

Graphic novel page of woman on motorcycle with city background.

Image: Instructor work 

Instructor: James Beihl


Work on creating graphic novel pages and gain a better understanding of entertainment design and comic industries.


Learn more about Graphic Novel & Genre Illustration for Adults


Time: Fridays 5:30pm -8:30pm


Spring I: $240.00, Online

Spring II: $240.00, Online

Concept Illustration

Digital Painting for Illustration

Digital Painting for Illustration

Illustration of a group of people around a campfire inside a barricade.

Image: Instructor work

Instructor: RJ Gowdie


Students will learn how to develop storyboards to keyframe paintings as they are guided. Recommended for ages 16+.


Learn more about Concept Illustration


Time: Saturdays 2:00pm - 5:00pm


Spring I: $240.00, In-Studio

Spring II: $240.00, In-studio

Digital Painting for Illustration

Digital Painting for Illustration

Digital Painting for Illustration

Digital art of a sci-fi man next to a futuristic vehicle.

Image: Instructor work

Instructor: James Beihl


Push your imagination as you learn how to create your own fantasy environments using Photoshop to illustrate. All levels welcome.


Learn more about Digital Painting for Illustration


Time: Saturdays 5:30pm - 7:30pm


Spring I: $180.00, Online

Spring II: $180.00, Online

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at administrator@atelierflowerfield.org or call us (631) 250-9009 if you cannot find an answer to your question.

This curriculum is perfect for anyone looking to develop a school or work-ready portfolio. We recommend this for junior and senior high schoolers, college students, and even those out of school.


Students are not required to take every class offered.


We recommend starting with Foundational Drawing & Painting to gain a better understanding of basic drawing concepts and skills. Bill Graf's Wednesday evening classes also offer additional drawing and painting training that work perfectly in tandem with Foundational Drawing & Painting.


If you aren't sure where to begin, please e-mail or call us to discuss!


In true atelier fashion, students will be working alongside other students with a variety of skill levels and experience, and are encouraged to learn not just from their instructors, but from their peers as well.


Students on the Portfolio Prep Curriculum may be given specific assignments and areas to focus on from instructors in order to develop the needed skills and create art for their portfolio.


Some classes we are currently unable to be offered at other times, but we are more than happy to work with you to figure out possible alternatives! If you have a concern please give us a call (631-250-9009) or email us (administrator@atelierflowerfield.org).


If you are currently enrolled in one of the classes offered under the Portfolio Curriculum you do not have to pay extra. Please let The Atelier staff and class instructor know you are interested in pursuing the Portfolio Curriculum during your current class.


Please let a member of The Atelier staff know you are interested, and we will get everything set up for you!

For students not currently enrolled in a [Portfolio Curriculum] class, the staff can sign you up and answer any questions you may have.

For students already enrolled in a Portfolio Curriculum class, you can let your instructor know of your interest in pursuing the curriculum and let a member of The Atelier staff know as well.


If you have a question not answered here, please give us a call at 631-250-9009, e-mail us at administrator@atelierflowerfield.org, or visit us at 2 Flowerfield Suite 6 & 9, Saint James, NY 11780.

Staff are in the office Monday – Saturday from 9am – 5pm.

You can also message us on Instagram or Facebook!


Information Packet Download

For your convenience, we've included the above information in an easy-to-print and view PDF file.

Portfolio Prep Curriculum Information (pdf)Download

The Atelier at Flowerfield Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation having 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.

Copyright © 2020 The Atelier at Flowerfield - All Rights Reserved.


2 Flowerfield, Suite 6 & 9, St. James, NY 11780.

Phone: 631-250-9009 Email: administrator@atelierflowerfield.org

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