Professional Training in Drawing and Painting
An in-person three-academic-year program to learn drawing and painting through craft, direct observation, art history and the development of a personal voice.
Professional training in drawing and painting with craft, culture and a personal voice
The professional training in drawing and painting at El Taller del Aire Academy is not limited to teaching techniques or reproducing a particular style. Its aim is to train artists capable of observing, understanding tradition, developing a conscious practice and building a personal body of work with artistic judgement.
The program is conceived as training comparable to a Fine Arts degree, but structured through its own methodology, with technical, historical, philosophical and process-based guidance connected to the European academic tradition and the atelier model.
To train artists capable of understanding tradition, developing a personal voice and consciously participating in the cultural life of their time.
Craft, thought and personalised guidance
Learning is based on continuous work from life, daily correction and the real experience of sharing an atelier. The teachers are active artists who also develop their own work at El Taller del Aire, so the teaching grows out of professional experience rather than abstract theory.
Each student progresses through exercises adapted to their stage of learning, within a shared space that brings together different levels. Individual corrections and group explanations are complemented by regular tutorials to guide technical, artistic and personal development.
A drawing and painting program based on observing, understanding and creating
Throughout the program, students learn to draw and paint from direct observation, study form, light, colour, anatomy, geometry and materials, and gain a deep understanding of the foundations of the craft. The training culminates in the development of their own body of work.
Learning to see
The first year focuses on training the eye, understanding proportion, constructing form and accurately representing volume, light and space.
Learning to understand
The second year explores the human figure, portraiture, anatomy, atmosphere, colour, pictorial matter and historical procedures in greater depth.
Developing a personal voice
The third year brings together technique, history, thought and personal sensitivity to build individual projects with autonomy and artistic judgement.
The museum is part of the method
The professional training program in drawing and painting includes visits to the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum, the Gallery of the Royal Collections, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, the Lázaro Galdiano Museum and other exhibitions of interest.
Original works, slow looking and living tradition
The Art of Looking subject proposes slow encounters with original works to learn how to observe, connect and interpret images through direct experience, not only through reproductions or quick information.
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 - 11:00 | Drawing | Drawing | Anatomy | Painting | Painting |
| 11:00 - 12:00 | Drawing | Drawing | Materials | Painting | Painting |
| 12:00 - 13:00 | Drawing | Drawing | Materials | Painting | Painting |
| 13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch |
| 14:00 - 15:30 | Drawing | Drawing | Break and travel | Painting | Painting |
| 15:30 - 17:00 | Drawing | Drawing | The artwork in the museum | Painting | Painting |
| 17:00 - 19:30 | Break | Break | Break | Break | Break |
| 19:30 - 20:45 | Professional guidance | Monthly discussion | Symbolic geometry | Areté: art history, philosophy and theory | Personal project |
The academic calendar runs from September to June and is organised into three teaching terms. As a general rule, the academy follows the official school calendar of the Community of Madrid for public holidays, breaks and non-teaching days.
People seeking rigorous artistic training
This program is aimed at people interested in developing high-level artistic training, with intensive dedication to drawing, painting and artistic thought.
National and international students
It is especially designed for national and international students who want to study drawing and painting in Madrid, a city with a consolidated artistic tradition and a first-class museum context.
Artists who want to build a career
Professional guidance helps students understand the art world, prepare their portfolio, present their work, identify professional opportunities and design a future plan aligned with their goals.
Assessment grows out of the work produced
Progress is not measured through numerical grades or periodic tests, but through continuous observation of the student’s work, the understanding achieved and the real evolution of their exercises and projects.
Teaching mainly in Spanish
Teaching is primarily delivered in Spanish. The teachers have English-language competence and can use English as a support language when necessary.
Application form
The admissions process may include a personal interview. Places are limited and admission is subject to assessment.
Request information about the professional training in drawing and painting
Ask about the program, schedule, fees, admissions process and availability of places for the 2026 - 2027 course.