2 years
Certification program
Mastering Drawing and Painting
Certification Program
Mastering drawing and painting
A well-rounded artist excels in technique and embraces the current and future challenges of the field. The certification program at the Brussels Atelier d'Arts is designed to train professional artists who will meet the highest technical standards and integrate into the art world. This unique learning journey combines a solid academic foundation (life drawing and painting, artistic anatomy, Bargue plates, master copies, and classic-based compositions) with modern pedagogy (abstraction, stylistic hybridization, digital painting, personal creative development, marcom tool creation, and more).
2-Year Program (4 Semesters)
Mestan Tekin Art Studio is an independent private training institution, unaffiliated with any educational networks. The program is designed based on exceptional standards of excellence and rigor.
THE PROGRAM
The course spans 2 years of intensive studies and practice.
Year 1: Foundations and Exploration
Semester 1: Introduction to Classical Drawing and Painting
- Fundamentals of Drawing: Learning basic techniques, understanding form, and practicing with different materials.
- Introduction to Painting: Exploring oil, acrylic, and watercolor basics; color theory; and simple compositions.
- Anatomy for Artists: Focusing on human anatomy, including skeletal and muscular structures.
- Art History: A survey of major art movements and key figures in classical and contemporary art.
Semester 2: Intermediate Techniques and Concepts
- Advanced Drawing: Techniques for creating depth, texture, and realism.
- Figure Drawing: In-depth study of human figures, live model sessions.
- Color Mastery in Painting: Exploring advanced color mixing, layering, and glazing techniques.
- Introduction to Abstraction: Understanding abstract art, studying major abstract artists, and beginning to experiment with abstract techniques.
Year 2: Advanced Studies and Professional Development
Semester 3: Advanced Artistic Skills and Personal Style Development
- Advanced Painting Techniques: Working with complex compositions and mixed media.
- Bridges to Abstraction: Transitioning from classical to abstract painting, with projects that encourage personal interpretation.
- Developing a Personal Style: Guided exploration of personal themes, motifs, and artistic voice.
- Art Criticism: Learning to critique art, including one’s own work, to refine artistic vision.
Semester 4: Professional Practice and Final Portfolio
- Art Marketing and Promotion: Techniques for promoting art through digital and traditional media, building a personal brand, and networking.
- Portfolio Development: Creating a professional portfolio that showcases the student's best work in various media.
- Exhibition Preparation: Planning and executing a final exhibition, including curation, setup, and public relations.
- Career Strategies in Art: Workshops on different career paths, including freelancing, gallery representation, and more.
Additional Components
- Workshops and Guest Lectures: Regular sessions with visiting artists and professionals to provide insights into different aspects of the art world.
- Field Trips: Visits to galleries, museums, and studios to provide exposure to professional environments and historical contexts.
- Critique Sessions: Regular group critiques to foster a constructive feedback environment and encourage peer learning.
- Capstone Project: A year-end project that allows students to apply all they have learned to create a comprehensive, professional body of work.
THE STUDIO
The Atelier d’Arts is located in the heart of Brussels, just steps away from the famous Grand Place. It's well-known for its evening group classes and thematic workshops focusing on all graphic techniques (oil, acrylic, watercolor, charcoal, pencil, pastel, ink, digital, etc.). It offers a small, pleasant and comprehensive learning environment.
HOW TO APPLY
The program is open to all students through a two-phase selection process:
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Portfolio presentation (8 images as explained on the application procedure page)
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Interview
FEES
First year: €11,900
Second year: €13,400
Spread out the payment of enrollment fees
LANGUAGE
While the teaching is multilingual, proficiency in English is essential as it is the primary language used by the instructors.
Who can apply for this program?
All students who are ready to fully commit for the 2 years of the program, demonstrate a genuine interest in becoming a professional artist, pass the entry selection, and meet all administrative and payment deadlines.
APPLICATION FORM
VISA
National Student Visa - EU/EEA/EFTA Citizens in Belgium
European citizens do not need a visa or residence permit to stay and study in Belgium. You only need to have your ID or passport with you during your stay and register at the town hall after your arrival if you plan to stay for more than three months.
National Student Visa - Non-EU/EEA/EFTA Citizens in Belgium
If you are not a European citizen, you must apply for a student visa in Belgium before your arrival since your stay exceeds 90 days (Type D long-stay visa).
You must start your visa application process at the Belgian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. You can find all Belgian embassies or consulates here. You might need to schedule an appointment with the embassy to submit your application. The process takes about six to eight weeks.
Calendar and Tuitions
Academic Year 2025-2026
September 29, 2025 – June 19, 2026
Fall Trimester 2025: September 29 – December 12
Winter Trimester 2026: January 5 – March 20
Spring Trimester 2026: April 6 – June 19
End of Year Event
June 19, 2026
Application Deadlines
July 7, 2025
You'll hear back about your application status within 2 weeks after the deadline.
If you're in, you'll start in the Fall term. If not, you might get a spot in the Winter or Spring term.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Missed the deadline? No worries! Your application will be waitlisted and reviewed if spots open up for the next available start date. You could also be considered for our 1-year program options if they become available.
For more details, check out the Application Procedures.
Application Notification Contact
Atelier d'Arts de Bruxelles
55, rue Sain-Jean
1000 Bruxelles
mestan@me.com
Tel. +32 491 749 908
Spread out the payment of enrollment fees