advanced fine art program
The Diploma of Fine Arts is awarded to those who complete the four-year Advanced Fine Art Program (AFAP). The fully accredited AFAP curriculum teaches high-level representational art — figurative, still life and portrait — in drawing, painting and sculpture.
Our unique program is distinguished by its seamless blend of the principles of Renaissance draughtsmanship and a coloristic approach derived from the Impressionist masters. We are proud of our success in teaching fundamental skillsets with wide applications. Our method is to introduce precepts and skills one at a time, so that students can master each one through repetition and focused analysis under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Each lesson builds upon the previous one, so that progress can be measured.
The program is designed to benefit artists of all ages and all ability levels, whether they be professionals seeking to refine and supplement their skills or less experienced artists near the beginning of their educational journey.
Classes are taught in two semesters per year, M-F, 9am-4:30pm. Flexible, part-time options are available. Additionally, there are abridged tracks for those not seeking the four-year diploma.
The program is expressly designed for students seeking to become professional fine artists. However, the skills that are taught are also vital to other disciplines, including illustration, animation, graphic design, and concept art for films, video games, books and other media.
More information can be found in the Programs Info section of this page, or by emailing us: info@studioincamminati.edu
For information, or to arrange a tour, contact Daniel Mahlman, Director of Operations at 215-592-7910 ex. 1, or dmahlman@studioincamminati.edu
Watch Instructor Kerry Dunn describe Studio Incamminati’s teaching philosophy:
Student Interviews.
“The community support and encouragement just pulls you along.”
Artist Stories
Accomplished instructors are the cornerstone of Studio Incamminati. Our faculty consists of professional working artists with on-site studios and visiting faculty who are internationally renowned artists and educators bringing a wide range of experience. Some have studied extensively with Nelson Shanks, while others bring mastery developed in studios around the world. All are award-winning artists dedicated to helping students learn and succeed and providing them with the tools needed to realize a career in the arts.
Working in north-lit studios, students progress from basic skills, such as gesture and proportion. They begin drawing in charcoal and move to more advanced color study and other dynamic techniques by painting still life, the figure, portraits, landscapes and interiors. Students study in intensive small groups allowing for individual attention and receive frequent mentoring from faculty and Studio Incamminati Fellows. Students also receive monthly lectures and presentations on art history and anatomy that support their studio studies. The group dynamic provides a nurturing environment where a community of artists learns from each other and grows together.
Exhibitions and public demonstrations and events are an important part of the learning experience. Studio Incamminati has at least three shows per year at galleries and other public venues. Students also travel to museums and galleries in Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. to enrich their experience. The Advanced Fine Art Program also addresses the practical skills necessary for a successful career such as opportunities to market and sell art at shows, auctions and other venues with the accompanying public recognition. Students are exposed to top professionals in the field including on-site faculty who are working artists, museum curators, gallery directors, marketers and businessmen. Students’ work is digitally archived throughout their studies and available for usage in exhibitions, competitions, and grant applications.
Studio Incamminati prepares artists to attain the highest level of artistic competency by offering:
- A one-of-a-kind curriculum developed over many years that is based on the conviction that perception precedes technique and that technique is the foundation to creative expression
- An emphasis on working from life with live models constantly available
- A proven approach to developing perception of gesture, form, color and light
- A profound understanding of the use of color
- Instruction by Studio Incamminati-trained artists
- A teacher-training program that prepares you for teaching responsibilities
- An affordable tuition with convenient payment plan and financial aid
- A group dynamic that provides a nurturing environment where a community of artists learn from each other and grow
- Exposure to related techniques by visiting artists to broaden artistic perspective
- Continuing academic and career guidance
- Individual exhibition space on the walls of Studio Incamminati
- Public recognition through regular shows and auctions
- Exposure to professionals in the field including curators, gallery directors and media.
- Opportunities to market and sell art at shows, auctions and other venues
- Superior studio space for teaching (over 13,000 square feet) newly renovated and bathed in north light—essential for serious artists
- 24/7 keyed access to Studio Incamminati studios; artists can continue painting in non-class time
- An on-site discount art supply store
- Discounts on Continuing Education classes
- Complimentary access to Studio Incamminati weekly open studio sessions with live models
- Free lectures and classes on various topics relevant to art and art history
- Subsidized trips to museums and galleries in Philadelphia, New York, Washington, D.C. and other cities
- Convenient location in downtown Philadelphia within minutes of major museums, cultural attractions and public transportation. Philadelphia is within 100 miles of New York City and Washington D.C
The facility has more than 13,000 square feet of north-lit studio space with an atmosphere designed for the pursuit of creative excellence. Students have 24/7 access to studios, exhibition space for all students, on-site faculty studios necessary for communal learning, a reference library, art-supply store and kitchen. Located in the Center City cultural district of Philadelphia, Studio Incamminati places its artists in a vibrant and stimulating atmosphere. Philadelphia has been ranked near the top nationally in arts and culture with landmarks such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Avenue of the Arts and the new Barnes Foundation.
The Advanced Fine Art Program requires four-years of study. In addition to required courses, students must attend art history lectures, discussion groups, museum tours and participate in school exhibitions. Completion of The Studio Incamminati four-year program leads to a Diploma of Fine Art.
Minimum Course Requirements (effective Sept. 1, 2016)
Studio Studies
Drawing: 33 Credit Hours
Painting: 66 Credit Hours
99 total Credit Hours, equivalent to approximately 4,440 clock hours, are required for the Diploma of Fine Art. A semester hour of credit represents three hours of classroom studio studies each week for a period of 18-19 weeks. Semesters are designated as Fall (September through January) and Spring (February through June)
Total Hours Required for the Diploma of Fine Art: 99 Credit Hours
A semester hour of credit represents three hours of classroom studio studies each week for a period of 18-19 weeks. Semesters are designated as Fall (September through January) and Spring (February through June).
Evaluations
Because of Studio Incamminati’s unique curriculum, methods of teaching, and intimate size, students receive continuous feedback on their progress. The faculty evaluates student competency during mid and end-of-semester evaluations and during individual and group critiques. Due to the progressive nature of the curriculum, each level of competency is carefully monitored. Students receive the maximum benefit of feedback from the entire faculty.
Grading System
Advanced Fine Art Program students receive a satisfactory or unsatisfactory report at the mid semester evaluation. Mid-semester evaluations are for informational purposes and therefore students do not receive a letter grade. Students receive a letter grade as indicated on the chart below and is based on the end-of-semester evaluations. Students who receive an “F” course grade will be required to repeat that course.
Advancement through the Advanced Fine Art Program is determined by evaluation results, and attendance. Students are required to be present at least 90% of their approved schedule. Students who do not meet these attendance requirements will receive written notification. If poor attendance continues, students will be asked to repeat classes, or a full year of the program, or may be dismissed from Studio Incamminati. Student lateness will be recorded and prorated as absences.
Studio Incamminati reserves the right to require the withdrawal of any student whose educational development is unsatisfactory or whose conduct is deemed harmful to the school by the administration. Students forced to withdraw will be subject to loss of financial assistance. For complete information on school policies, refer to Studio Incamminati Policies & Guidelines.
Transfer Credit Policy
Because of its unique curriculum, Studio Incamminati does not accept transfer credits from other educational institutions.
Students who have successfully completed the Advanced Fine Art Program and Teacher Training Program are eligible to apply to become a Fellow. The Fellows Program allows graduates to continue working toward personal artistic and professional goals while in a mutually beneficial relationship with the school. This optional program also prepares students for future teaching opportunities. In exchange for teaching courses, mentoring other students and other specified duties, fellows receive studio space, payment for instruction and other benefits. This is a one-year program with an option to re-apply annually.
Studio Incamminati is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). For a copy of Studio Incamminati’s accreditation status, please visit NASAD website.
Studio Incamminati is also licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools. For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education website.
Programs Info