Portfolio Preparation Classes

It is an undeniable fact that art is everywhere in today's society.

Not only is art its own industry - it also has a hand in aesthetically shaping nearly every other industry regardless of how seemingly far removed it may seem. Product design, architecture, interior design, fashion, graphic design, animation, video game art, photography, medical illustration and film are only a few of the industries that require a thorough understanding of the arts.

Because of this growing demand for artists, many high schools, colleges, and universities have designed new programs to cultivate future professionals... but even with all the new programs and courses, the competition is more fierce between applicants than ever before. Portfolios help faculty sort between those that are program-ready and those who are not. As a result, a solid portfolio literally makes all the difference.

This is where we come in.

The Portfolio Preparation Classes are lessons specifically for individuals looking to create portfolios with an edge. The instructors at Palette Art School have many years of experience helping students get successfully accepted into the programs of their dreams. Whether you're looking into applying to Sheridan for animation or McGill for architecture, you can rest assured that you're in good hands (Fun fact: We've gotten students into both).

Tailored to your needs.

Our instructors recognize that each portfolio is different; some have specific requirements, others want you to demostrate certain skills. We will spend the duration of your education with us focusing on the skills you need as well as working on the portfolio pieces themselves.

Pencils, paper, paints and palettes.

We cover a broad selection of materials in the tuition for our students' convenience. Below is a complete list of all materials that our school can accomodate your with during our classes:

  • Pencils, charcoal, soft pastel, oil pastel
  • Ink, watercolour paint, acrylic paint
  • Paint brushes, palette knives
  • Newsprint, watercolour paper, canvases (16"x 20" max)

Should you find that you prefer to use your own brushes and paints, you are free to bring in your own supplies. Need to make a piece using materials we don't provide? No problem. Though these supplies are not covered by tuition, you are free to bring your own materials and our experienced faculty will teach you how to use them.

A Word to Aspring Students: Set yourself up for success!

While we help all students that come through our doors, those that enroll in our classes a few months early will have far better foundations by the time the portfolio requirements for their program are released. To maximize your odds at program acceptance, avoid waiting until after the release of your portfolio requirements to enroll. Less time in the studio means we have less time to help you!

Before you start.

Anyone may enroll in this course at any time but we ask that each aspiring student consider the time it will take to finish their portfolio piece by piece. Below is a list of examples of past portfolio pieces and their average completion times. Please use the aforementioned times as a reference for how long it will take to complete the portfolio.

EXAMPLE PORTFOLIO ARTWORK AND AVERAGE TIME REQUIRED

Self Portrait.

Tonal graphite study on paper.
Appr. Size: 11”x 14”

4 lessons or 6 hours

Interior Perspective Drawing.

Pencil on paper.
Appr. Size: 11”x 14”

4 lessons or 6 hours

Various Illustrations.

Mixed Media on Paper.
Appr. Size: 18”x 24”

3 lessons or 4.5 hours

Sculpture.

Clay.
Up to 10" high.

up to 5 lessons or 7.5 hours

Tonal Geometry Study.

From life.
Pencil on paper.
Appr. Size: 11”x 14”

3 lessons or 4.5 hours

Human Anatomy Study.

Sketching of human body parts. Hands and feet.
Pencil on Paper or Newsprint.
Appr. Size: 8.5"x 11" to 18”x 24”

2 to 6 lessons or 3 to 9 hours

Human Skull.

Drawing of a human skull.
Pencil on paper.
Appr. Size: 18”x 24”

4 lessons or 6 hours

Facial Feature Gypsum Model.

Drawing of a gypsum model of Michelangelo's David.
Pencil on paper
Appr. Size: 18”x 24”

6 lessons or 9 hours

Still Life.

Monochrome still life drawing.
Pencil on paper.
Appr. Size: 11”x 14”

4 lessons or 6 hours

Still Life.

Pastel on paper.
Appr. Size: 12”x 18”

3 lessons or 4.5 hours

Landscape.

Pastel on paper.
Appr. Size: 12”x 18”

3 lessons or 4.5 hours

Masterpiece Replica.

Learning art techniques through remaking world-famous masterpieces.
Pastel on paper.
Appr. Size: 12”x 18”

4 lessons or 6 hours

Self-Portrait.

Pastel on paper.
Appr. Size: 12”x 18”

4 lessons or 6 hours

Still Life.

Monochromatic washing technique.
Watercolours on paper.
Appr. Size: 12”x 18”

4 lessons or 6 hours

Still Life - Alla Prima.

Learning art techniques through remaking world-famous masterpieces. Watercolours on paper. Appr. Size: 12”x 18”

1 lessons or 1.5 hours

Landscape.

Learning art techniques through remaking world-famous masterpieces. Watercolours on paper. Appr. Size: 12”x 18”

2 lessons or 3 hours

Landscape - Alla Prima.

Watercolours on paper. Appr. Size: 12”x 18”

1 lessons or 1.5 hours

Self-Portrait.

Watercolours on paper. Appr. Size: 12”x 18”

2 lessons or 3 hours

Still Life.

Oil or acrylic on canvas. Appr. Size: 16”x 20”

4 lessons or 6 hours

Landscape.

Oil or acrylic on canvas. Appr. Size: 16”x 20”

4 lessons or 6 hours

Self-Portrait.

Oil or acrylic on canvas. Appr. Size: 20”x 24”

5 lessons or 7.5 hours

Masterpiece Replication.

Oil or acrylic on canvas. Appr. Size: 20”x 24”

5 lessons or 7.5 hours

Bonus benefits!

All active Palette Art School students will enjoy the following added perks:

An online gallery to feature your artwork on our site
15% discount off all items in our on-site art supply store
Looking to enroll?

We'd love to have you. Take your first step to enrollment by familiarizing yourself with our school terms and register using the class schedule.

View our SCHEDULE.
View our PRICING and TERMS.
Contact us if you have questions!