Classical Realism champions traditional drawing and painting techniques. It focuses on timeless images, such as the beauty of nature, that touch upon universal themes like love and family. Classical Realist teachers have revived the artistic methods of the Old Masters in order to create paintings with a high degree of craftsmanship and technical skill.
Fred Ross
Disappointed with modernist art that simply didn’t satisfy his artistic tastes, art collector Fred Ross started Art Renewal Center (ARC) to disseminate information about the Classical Realist art he preferred. Because of the influence of modernism, respect for and instruction in traditional classical art had significantly waned. Art Renewal Center was a place for those of similar interests to share their ideas about the excellence of figurative art and to pay homage to academic artists of the past and those continuing these traditions today.
The site began with discussion boards where members discussed their passion for traditional respresentational art and their disdain for modernism that comes from their belief in its superficiality. Since its modest beginning, ARC has only expanded in scope and influence.
Image Library
Today ARC is the largest online high-resolution image collection of paintings done in the classic tradition. Paintings of French 19th-century artist William-Adolphe Bouguereau are of particular interest to the members, and over 226 images of his work are featured on the site. ARC recently produced a Catalogue Raisonné of Bouguereau’s work that includes information on all of his 826 known paintings and a biography of his life, fascinating for its juxtaposition between classicism and modernism and for his total neglect in art history classes for the last 50 years.
In total, there are over 65,000 images available for viewing art done in the style of classical realism, from art of 15th-century artists to living masters of today.
ARC Salon
Not only is ARC a source of information, it holds an annual Salon to pay tribute to artists steeping themselves in the years of training and technique needed for painting figurative portraits and still lifes. Each year the Salon grows in attendance. Its most recent competition for its Fifth Salon had over 1600 entries from artists in 30 different countries. The stunning portrait that won Best in Show, by artist Hiroshi Furuyoshi, was awarded $10,000.
They write, “Once again the quality of work submitted to this year's competition is living proof that the great traditions of representational painting, drawing and sculpture are alive…we are rapidly advancing and closing in on the highest [artistic] levels reached during the high points for fine art in the High Renaissance, 17th Century, and 19th Century.”
Approved Ateliers
Finally, as ARC has grown in popularity and prestige, they invite art ateliers to apply for their approval as a school where the traditions of the Old Masters are handed down. Thus students eager for this traditional training, certainly not readily available or easily attained, can be assured they will receive education in traditional techniques, with emphasis on draftsmanship and classical themes, for which so many are expressing a hunger.
The increasing interest in traditional ateliers, along with the rise in visitors to the ARC site and the popularity of founder Fred Ross at worldwide speaking events, display a contemporary resurgence of interest in classical realistic art.
Source:
- Art Renewal Center
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