I’ve been attracted to academic art for a very long time. Mostly due to the incredible detail, fascinating subject matter, often depicting mythological themes, but most of all, I enjoy the inherent drama. Academicism emerged in Europe as a response to the avant-garde movements of the 19th century and is defined by an emphasis on technique, skill and knowledge.
How Renaissance artists were trained
Academicism sought to promote an intellectual style of art, as art was considered an intellectual discipline. This was often reflected in subject matter (religious allegory, historical, etc) and paintings would be carefully planned and imbued with a strong, uplifting moral message.
A few examples of inspirational Academic art:
In my own work I find that I value drama, composition and accuracy. I have an admittedly long drafting period in which I plan the piece. Experimenting with different compositions, gestures, and colors until I find the one that best encapsulates the feeling I’m trying to communicate.
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