Classical Realism Portraits

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Jo-ann Turford , “Thea"

Jo-ann Turford , “Thea" Chalk and Charcoal drawing

Classical Realism is enjoying a revival in both North America and Europe. New art academies, based on traditional nineteenth century methods, are flourishing, and their graduates are producing figurative and realistic art epitomizing quality and beauty.

The portraits on exhibit are works produced by students of the Mandy Boursicot Atelier in Vancouver. Students work in a progression of traditional media, starting with graphite, then chalk and charcoal, and finally, oil paint. The Academic Method, which is the foundation stone of Classical Realism, requires the student to use a combination of intense, focused observation, a thorough knowledge of anatomy, and a conceptual sense of structure and construction of the human form. Drawings and paintings are created in multiple layers, passing through several determined steps, each of which results in ever-increasing refinement and sophistication.