Albany Summer School 2026

Albany Summer School - Charcoal Portrait from life : Classical Approach - both courses Sold-Out!

This year’s Summer School focused on introducing students to a classical constructive way of seeing and drawing — a method that replaces guessing with understanding.

From the first day, we worked step by step: building the head from simple forms, finding proportions, identifying the large families of light and shadow, and learning to think in planes rather than outlines. For many students, this was a revelation. Drawing was no longer about talent or instinct, but about clear, repeatable principles.

Students worked from these beautiful Classical busts to learn the concept of turning form and study light and shade

Throughout the course, Marjan gave daily demonstrations, drawing on the students' works so they could see each stage unfold in real time — from the first structural lines to the final refinements. These demos often became moments of stillness in the room, where everyone paused to observe, compare, and then return to their own drawings with renewed clarity.

Marjan gave these regular demonstrations in order to show the students the nuances involved in the process and how to take their drawings further.

We could see confidence growing as students began to correct their work themselves, using the method as a guide rather than relying on constant reassurance.

Students successfully completed their bust drawing projects before moving to working from the live model

By the end of the Summer School, the change was visible not only in the drawings, but in the way students worked. They approached the model more calmly, built their drawings more patiently, and trusted the process even when things felt uncertain. The classical method had given them something lasting: a framework they can return to again and again. Watching them leave with that knowledge — and with genuine pride in their work — was one of the most rewarding parts of teaching this course.

Students' happy faces at the end of the course, the best reward for the tutor!!

A special thank you goes to our wonderful model, Ari Petursson, who sat for the group with remarkable patience and generosity after the students completed their bust drawing projects. Ari brought a calm presence and quiet strength to the room, allowing the students to apply their newly learned constructive method to a living, breathing subject. His stillness, endurance, and subtle expressions made the final sessions both challenging and deeply rewarding for everyone involved.

Our wonderful model Ari patiently sitting for our students. Ari is an incredible model to work with, and we were fortunate to have him for both courses.

And last but not least, a special Thank You to the Albany Summer School volunteer team who worked hard behind the scenes to make the whole event possible once more! We can't wait to see where our students take their artistic journey from here.

Thank you all for your enthusiasm and perseverance!