The Swedish Academy of Realist Art

SARA provides rigorous training in realistic drawing and painting, combining the traditions of the Renaissance and European academies with contemporary research and teaching methods. We believe technical mastery is the foundation of artistic freedom. Students develop exceptional skills in drawing and painting while also learning to think creatively, work from life, and develop their own ideas through imagination. In an increasingly digital and AI-driven world, the ability to observe, imagine, and create independently has never been more important. SARA is about mastering the craft — and developing the imagination to use it.

Education

The 3-year program comprises 120 weeks of full-time study. SARA is approved by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (Myndigheten för Yrkeshögskolan, MYH) and is eligible for student financial aid from the Swedish Board of Student Finance (Centrala Studiestödsnämnden, CSN).

Our method

SARA’s curriculum is rigorous and demanding, while allowing for flexibility to meet each student’s individual needs. SARA uses the Comparative Method of measurement in its training. The curriculum is designed to develop the highest level of technical skill alongside creativity and independent artistic thinking.

How to apply

Start in January 2027! SARA accepts students for both fall and spring terms. If you’re applying from overseas and need a residence permit, please allow approximately 2–3 months for processing.

This is Sara

'After only two years of fine art training I am becoming that realistic fine artist that before never seemed possible. The art program is a very challenging one but the rewards are certainly worth the effort. I can’t wait to see what my third year training will produce on my quest to being that artist that once was only a dream.'

William Brown, USA

Build a strong artistic foundation

SARA on Instagram

'Conventional fine art schools (...) have moved farther and farther away from teaching the fundamental, practical skills, which are vital to artists who want to create the kind of work we need for our business. Fortunately, there are a small number of specialized schools around the world that do teach these skills to their students, such as The Swedish Academy of Realist Art.'

Richard Taylor, Creative Director Weta Workshop, co-founder and co-director of the Weta Companies (working with films such as the Lord of the Rings, King Kong and Avatar)

Express yourself with the full technical toolkit

News and events

Interested in SARA and what we do? Stay up to date with the latest news, opportunities and helpful information.

‘Studying at SARA has provided me with the environment and resources to make major improvements in my understanding of drawing and painting fundamentals which I can use as tools to benefit my own personal artistic goals. The atmosphere round the school is lighthearted and friendly yet hard working and it is a pleasure to work here every day!’

Miles Johnston, student (now SARA alumni and instructor), UK

‘Every artist is first an amateur’ R. W. Emerson

BEFORE and AFTER

The effectiveness of a school’s training is best illustrated by the progress its students make, not necessarily in the quality of their finest work. The degree of progress students achieve at SARA varies, naturally, from one student to another, but all students experience significant growth and advancement.

Working from life and the imagination