Philosophy

There is a tradition, stretching back hundreds of years, of experienced painters passing on their knowledge to aspiring apprentices and students. In fact, it would be difficult to find a past master who did not have students of one kind or another. So, as professional fine artists ourselves, it seemed natural to become involved in the training of other aspiring artists.

Drawing upon the positive aspects of our individual experiences as students to guide us, we have created a unique school that delivers training of the highest standards and is also a close knit community of realist artists. A school where those involved feel close and supportive of each other, where everyone contributes to its success and each individual benefits from that success and growth. This encouraging atmosphere is something we are very proud of.

SARA is a dynamic school that is continually finding and developing better ways to educate its students, support the artistic growth of its teachers, and improve the broader situation for representational art and artists. Our idealistic vision has motivated us since the school’s inception and continues to do so today. We are deeply grateful to see students, teachers, staff members and people outside the school getting involved to create the wonderful place that SARA has become, and who, like us, are passionately excited about its future.

SARA students are passionate about improving as artists and realizing their full artistic potential. That passion is something that can be felt within the school and helps inspire everyone to do better. Students are expected to be dedicated, apply themselves fully to their work and be self-motivated in their quest for learning and growth.  It is up to each student, as an individual, to be disciplined, driven, and to take full responsibility for achieving their personal goals and fulfilling their potential as an artist, and we are excited to help them on that journey.

SARA is well suited for students who like the idea of establishing long-term relationships with their school, classmates and teachers. Students and faculty spend a significant amount of time together at school, so we all get to know each other quite well. Many students think of the school as a home away from home. They cook most of their meals at school and enjoy hanging out after hours to sketch, socialize or watch a movie together. There is a vibrant social atmosphere at SARA, with a variety of parties held at the school throughout the year, and frequent opportunities to meet outside the school as well. Of course, it’s up to each student to choose how socially involved they wish to become.

Every artist was once an amateur who can remember how important and appreciated every bit of help and guidance they received was. Teaching provides an opportunity to pass along that valuable help and guidance. SARA believes that working artists make the best teachers of art. That is why all primary faculty members have professional careers as artists outside the school. We want everyone who teaches at the school to see teaching as another aspect of their professional artistic career, and not as their whole identity. Therefore, we have designed a limited teaching schedule for the faculty in order to give each instructor the time and flexibility to create their own work and pursue their professional goals.

The process of continually reflecting upon basic artistic principles through the act of teaching is of great value for an artist. It is also inspiring and exciting to be working in a beautiful atmosphere among passionate colleagues and students who share, to a great extent, one’s own aesthetic values.

Our teachers are part of a community, where their personal thoughts and ideas matter and they play an active and positive role in developing and improving the way the school teaches its students.

We continually strive to create a beautiful, positive and supportive environment for everyone in which to teach, work and learn. We welcome you to become a part of the school and the SARA family, and look forward to helping you on your path as students and artists.