Join the Watercolor Figure Academy at Visual Art Institute!
Immerse yourself in a transformative week of focused study with the Visual Art Institute’s Watercolor Figure Academy, an intensive one-week workshop designed for adult students and art educators who want to deepen their skills and elevate their artistic voice.
Each day, you’ll work directly from the live figure—sharpening your drawing in the morning and expanding your watercolor painting skills in the afternoon. With daily, in-depth critiques, you’ll engage meaningfully with fellow artists, gain valuable insights, and receive personalized direction to strengthen each successive study.
By the end of the week, you’ll have powerful new skills and portfolio-worthy artwork that reflects true growth. Visual Art Institute stands out for its ability to help students build the right kind of portfolio for educator certification and professional advancement. Our instructors—professional artists who also teach at leading colleges and universities—bring real expertise and mentorship to every session.
No matter your artistic goals, learning to draw and paint from the figure in sustained sessions is an invaluable asset. This immersive experience is unique to Visual Art Institute, and those who participate leave better prepared to develop their voice and make their mark in the art world.
We highly recommend students to have taken at least one drawing class before registering for Figure Academy.
EVEN IF YOU HAVE JOINED US BEFORE, PLEASE REVIEW THE SUPPLY LIST!!!
SUPPLY LIST: (PRINTABLE VERSION)
Charcoal Pencils
Vine Charcoal
Stick of Compressed Charcoal
Kneaded Eraser
White Plastic Eraser
A Sketchbook
A Drawing Pen
5 Quarter Sheets of Watercolor Paper (approx.)
1 Half Sheet Watercolor Paper
Watercolor Paint ( I often just use Crayola) Bring What You Have
A Good #12 or #14 Round Watercolor Brush with a Good Point. Maybe a Smaller Round (#8 would be good too.)
Roll of Masking Tape
Paper Towels
#2 Pencil
18x24 inch board lightweight to tape paper to
MORE INFORMATION:
Figure Academy is an intensive all-day program.
We recommend students arrive by 8:30 to set up their space as class starts AT 9 am.
While we take multiple short breaks and a longer lunch break, students can plan on actively painting and drawing for up to 8 hours per day.
We try to end at 6 pm, but may go longer depending on how critiques are going.
There are limited food options in the area. There is a taco stand out front, but the next closest options are several blocks away. While only water is allowed in the studio, students can bring lunches and snacks for the breaks.
The nearest public transit is over half a mile away. Please plan travel accordingly. We do have free parking on-site (NORTH SIDE).
All students need to bring their own supplies INCLUDING PAPER.
LOCATION:
Visual Art Institute 2900 S 300 W, South Salt Lake, Utah
INSTRUCTOR:
This class is taught by Bruce Robertson and Shelley Young. Learn more about our instructors at https://www.visualartinstitute.org/art-faculty
REFUND POLICY:
We are only able to offer refunds up to 2 weeks before the start of class. We do not offer refunds or credits or make-up classes to students who miss class.
TRANSFER POLICY:
We may be able to transfer you to a different class depending on space availability.
CLASS CANCELLATION:
We find that students learn better in larger groups. If we feel the number of registrations is too low to promote a good learning environment, we may cancel the class. In the event we cancel a class, we will reach out to you as soon as possible.
TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
We try to make our classes as accessible to everyone as possible. We are able to offer a limited number of tuition assistance scholarships each term. You can complete an application on our website or call our office for assistance applying. Applications are available in Spanish and English.
ADA ACCESSIBILITY & ACCOMMODATIONS:
Our classrooms are ADA accessible. Some courses may involve tasks or activities that may be difficult for individuals with limited strength, difficulty bending over, and sitting or standing for long periods of time. We are happy to work with students to find solutions to make their experience positive and doable. For example, wheel throwing takes arm strength and bending over the wheel. Students may work on hand-building projects instead of throwing. Please reach out to our office to discuss your needs.
DIFFICULTY REGISTERING?
Please call our main office for assistance! 801.474.3796
Participants must be 12 years to 112 years old when the program starts.
Registration starts on 12/08/2025 and ends on 07/27/2026.
Please contact Visual Art Institute if you have any questions.