Imperial Centre Painting School
Learn the Tonalist Tradition of George Inness, James McNeil Whistler, and Charles Warren Eaton. Study with Charles Philip Brooks at the Imperial Centre Painting Studio
The Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences is pleased to announce its new atelier-style painting school. This two year course of study with Charles Philip Brooks concentrates on preparing students for professional careers as artists. Emphasis is placed on traditional methods of oil painting, including making copies, and plein-air landscape painting. Students receive instruction in traditional 19th century techniques as well as practical advice for careers in fine art. Weekly lectures and critiques provide a continual context for student development, allowing each student to pursue his or her interests in the light of their appropriate art historical contexts.
The Value of a Teaching Studio / Why Atelier Training is Worthwhile Education
Atelier-style training is a worthwhile and practical education. In the teaching studio of a qualified artist (one whose techniques are desirable to learn and possible to market) students receive a combination of careful critiques, personal career-oriented attention, and time-tested technical advice.
In an atelier or teaching studio, a working artist (usually an artist who is established enough to make a good living through the sale of their work) sees to the education of a small, select group of students. In this environment, there is a significant level or commitment on the teacher’s part towards the students’ future careers which is rarely matched in other environments.
In my teaching studio, students progress from the making of copies of masterworks (to learn how other painters solve problems) to painting from life. These exercises continue and repeat, giving students an opportunity to dramatically improve their technique and observation from nature. My teaching relies heavily on the practice of outdoor (plein-air) painting during all seasons. In this way, students develop a keen ability for observation along with an appreciation of the myriad beauties and transcendent significance of nature.
An appreciation for art history is integral to learning about various modes of Realist, Impressionist, Naturalist, and Classical art. I discuss painting with both a reverence for its history as an aesthetic experience (connoisseurship) and also as a proponent of traditional methods.
I am encourage art students to study in various ateliers during different periods of their careers. The methods of study I use with my students are not subject-specific to landscape painting; although American Impressionist and Tonalist landscape painting remains my current interest and area of focus. My teaching studio runs on a two-year schedule, as opposed to the four or five years necessary in a figurative-based atelier. I believe that the opportunity I offer is ideally undertaken before or after a college education.
I pride myself on talking frankly with students about the business of art and about its viability as a full-time career. After helping refine their portfolios through years of study and attention, I am happy to help students approach galleries to exhibit their work. I have helped to found two exhibiting groups of significant contemporary realism, aided in securing commissions and exhibitions for other artists, and organized dozens of solo and collaborative exhibitions. As Painter-In-Residence at the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences I take an active and practical interest in the creative life of the community.
I have been privileged to have this type of education. I am committed to sharing a similar course of study. In fact, I consider it as a vital part of my career as a painter.
Charles Philip Brooks
In 2002 Charles wrote an essay directed at all painters who are students of their craft. Read the essay “Letter to the Student of Painting”.
If you are interested in applying to the Imperial Centre Painting School, or if you are interested in taking oil painting classes with Charles, please contact the Imperial Centre Education building at 252-972-1632.
