classical fundementals to unleash imaginative Capabilities

 

 

Contact tenaya@gageacademy.org for inquiries

Georgetown Atelier at Gage Academy is a full-time classical drawing and painting program, which recognizes the critical role imaginative realism plays within the classics. Georgetown Atelier was founded in 2008 by Tenaya Sims (Best of Show in the 2016 International ARC Salon Competition). The Atelier is located within the Equinox Studios campus in the Georgetown district of Seattle, WA. Home to over 100 artists, Equinox Studios is a thriving arts and artisan community. Students enjoy the benefits of being part of this artist community, as well as the ‘family’ of ateliers at Gage Academy of Art.

Along with Tenaya, the teaching staff is comprised of Christopher Remmers (ARC Salon 3rd Place Imaginative Realism award) and graduate of Georgetown Atelier www.christopherremmers.com , and Jonathan Hodges (Exhibits include Haynes Galleries, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and the Maryhill Museum) www.jonathanrhodge.com.

Guest teachers (also graduates of Georgetown Atelier) include:

Tiffany Dae (ARC Salon Finalist, Muddy Colors Rising Star Award 2019) www.tiffanydae.com , Riley Doyle (ARC Salon Finalist, Best Artist Under 30 of Plein Air Salon) www.rileydoyleart.com, and Misa Steinmetz (professional concept artist) https://misasteinart.com/. 

In addition to being excellent teachers and having exceptionally warm characters, they are all masters of the craft.  

At Georgetown Atelier, students begin by working observationally as they learn such core subjects as constructive anatomy, value studies, perspective, and cast drawing.  Students then learn how to extend beyond observation into the inventive. The “Rock Project” is one example of the bridge between the observational and the imaginative. Students initially draw a rock from observation through studying its visual properties (planar vs. round, quality of texture, lighting, etc.). Students then draw a rock from imagination, informed by their observational studies of the real rock.  

There are 4 major tiers of the curriculum which students follow a progression of projects along: Drawing, Painting I, Painting II, and Professional Development.  During the Professional Development stage, under the mentorship of the instructors, students build a cohesive body of work and cultivate their “inner vision”.

The curriculum is based on a 3-year timeline to complete but can vary depending on the experience level of the student upon entry, as well as academic vigor while attending. The progression of projects is designed to teach specific skills and techniques that are cumulative. This way, students learn important skillsets in an applied manner.

While significant emphasis is placed on the cultivation of specific skills and techniques, additional importance is placed upon the understanding of why and when to use particular methods. Our philosophy believes a well-rounded painter should be capable of painting broadly in an ‘alla-prima’ type of paint application (think Sargent, Zorn) or with a high degree of rendering finesse, layering, sculptural effects and glazes (think Bouguereau, Rembrandt, Michelangelo). In this way, students gain a greater range of tools in which to ultimately employ their creative vision and problem solve on a systems level.

 ‘In the Studio’ Image Gallery

Christopher Remmers in front of his paintings in the atelier.

Jonathan Hodges in front of his painting ‘Katrina’

If there’s anyone I would look towards offering an exceptional education and training, as well as handing down a noble tradition, it is Tenaya.
— Mike Kloepfer
I feel for the first time ever that I am able to see the trajectory of my vision and dreams come into the light and believe that it’s actually possible.
— Christopher Remmers
It’s shaped my life in this way that I feel like I have the tools to go into the world, to make change, and to do everything I’ve always dreamed of.
— Tiffany Dae

A program that builds THE foundation NEEDED to help transition you from a student to professional.

The full-time atelier is an immersive program, requiring a substantial time commitment, and is designed for career artists. Students work from a live model during the morning, break for lunch, and continue working from their individual studio stations during the afternoons. While students are encouraged to complete a full three years of study, only a one year commitment is required upon enrollment.