Foundations Supply List

DRAWING SUPPLIES (you will only need these at first. Painting supplies are not necessary the first week, or maybe even at all- depending on several factors)

• Drawing board

• A pad of Strathmore 400 series drawing paper, 18 x 24

• For the “finished” drawing: (don’t get this the first day- it will come into play later) One sheet of Fabriano Artistico, Hot press 140 lb paper, bright white or natural white (optional). This is the best. (If you can’t get that, Canson makes a hot press, plate finish at 140lb that is pretty good.) Get whichever one is on sale. If on a budget, Bristol board is a reasonable substitute.

• At least two of each: HB, H, 2H and 4H graphite pencils (I like the Staedtler brand that are painted blue and black at the back end…the ones made of real wood. Oher brands are fine though).

• Gray Kneaded eraser

• Tombow MONO Zero Refillable eraser. Here’s a link if you are not familiar with them… http://www.dickblick.com/items/21576-9330/

• One long skinny knitting needle or bbq skewer or bicycle spoke. Something long, skinny and straight like that which won’t bend.

• X-acto knife or box cutter and extra blades for sharpening pencils (you can also bring sandpaper in addition to the blades)

PAINTING SUPPLIES: (don’t get these for the first day- they will come into play later)

• 9 x 12, canvas (smooth surface, or portrait grade pane or canvas) For the first class have one canvas, toned to a medium value #5, neutral tone. If we do other paintings together, we can go larger in size.

• Odorless Mineral Spirits

• Wooden Palette

• LInseed Oil or Medium made of 1/2 stand oil and 1/2 mineral spirits

• Little cup for medium (metal or glass)

• Viva Brand Paper towels

• Stretched canvas

• Brushes:

  • A variety of Round and Flat brushes, ranging in sizes 1 – 12

  • One large soft Fan Brush (Princeton brand brushes are good and relatively inexpensive but other brands are good too.)

• Paints: *Note I use a large variety of paint brands. My personal favorites are Holbein, Old Holland and Williamsburg, however these tend to be expensive so I recommend buying Windsor Newton and/ or Gamblin which are also very good. Colors:

  • Ivory Black

  • White (Titanium and or Flake)

  • Raw Umber

  • Van Dyke Brown

  • Raw Sienna

  • Yellow Ochre

  • Alizarin Crimson

  • Ultramarine Blue

  • Terre Verte

  • Cadmium Red or Vermillion

  • Transparent Red Oxide

  • Transparent Yellow Oxide

  • Burnt Sienna

  • Venetian Red

  • Naples Yellow

  • Caput Mortem or Mars Violet

Online Art Store: http://www.jerrysartarama.com

You can get these supplies at a discount at this store:

Blick Art Supplies 168 B Glen Cove Road Carle Place, NY 11514

ROBERT ZELLER founded the Teaching Studios in 2009. Originally from New Orleans, Zeller received a BFA from the Boston Museum School and Tufts University and an MFA from the New York Academy of Art. He finished his education with atelier training from Jacob Collins at the Water Street Atelier and in-depth anatomical/ structural study with the sculptor Sabin Howard. Zeller is the recipient of two Posey Fellowships and a Pollock- Krasner Foundation Grant and has exhibited at galleries in Los Angeles, Houston, Paris, and New York.

He wrote a book about the figure drawing and painting for Monacelli Press, called The Figurative Artist’s Handbook, published in 2017. He has written essays on figurative art for The Brooklyn Rail and Drawing Magazine. In 2014, he was the subject of a feature profile in Professional Artist Magazine. He has been quoted or written about in several national publications regarding The Teaching Studios of Art, including American Artist, Studios and The Artist magazines.

He has co-curated two exhibitions at Booth Gallery in Midtown NYC: The New Baroque in November 2017, featuring 22 of the best contemporary figurative artists, and Not All Doors Are the Same, a survey of contemporary surrealism.

In 2018-19, he taught workshops internationally, in Rome and Ireland.

He has been the Director of the Teaching Studios of Art since it opened in 2009.

I had the privilege to have Rob Zeller as my teacher for many years. His extensive knowledge and talent comes throughout all of his classes. I highly recommend him, if you are serious about painting. His teachings gave me a strong foundation and greatly improved my work.

Sandy M

I’ve taken many classes with Mr. Zeller and have found him to be the model of professionalism and patience, tailoring his always perspicuous instruction with an insightful understanding of the individual needs of the students. I recommend his classes without reservation.

Michael C

As a relative newcomer to the visual arts, I’ve been impressed with Rob’s ability to capture what’s important in the process and impart that knowledge in an accessible manner. I never would have made the progress I have without his persistent, good-natured advice and help. Definitely recommend this school to artists of all skill levels.

Michael P

Classical Drawing and Painting with Rob Zeller is an excellent class. Anatomy lessons, techniques, history, knowledge. Everything you want to know is here in one place.

Virginia B

Rob’s Figure Drawing class teaches you the techniques that you will use throughout your drawing career.

Adriana V

I have had the pleasure of taking many classes with Rob Zeller at the Teaching Studios of Art. I can personally attest that Rob is an excellent teacher and artist. The lessons are well developed, fun, and extremely informative. My personal growth as an artist has been greatly enhanced through the classes I have taken with Rob. His encyclopedic knowledge of human anatomy is impressive and his ability to express the human form in both drawing and painting is inspiring. If you want to further yourself as an artist I highly recommend taking his class.

Tom C

“Foundations of Academic Drawing and Painting” is an excellent class for all levels – Rob Zeller focuses on each student’s capabilities and helps each extend their skills based on their own level. The school is full of great students and teachers alike – give it a try! The workshops, talks and open figure drawing sessions are a great addition as well. I am no longer intimidated by the process and am already putting this knowledge to use!

Annette M R

Without reservation, I would recommend taking “The Figurative Core Program” From Rob Zeller. He has a wonderful, positive and encouraging teaching style. I have learned so much about the foundational basics of drawing and painting from his life drawing classes.

Romanita V

I have studied with Rob Zeller for several years and find his “Figure Drawing and Painting” course an excellent place to continuously develop ones skills. His approach fuses elements from different schools, and are purposeful and clear. He gives helpful, thoughtful attention to your development and sees ways to improve your work by paying attention to your work and noticing patterns you may fall into. I’ve definitely gained a solid foundation by studying with him and give his classes my highest recommendation.

Jonathan K

The Teaching Studios of Art is THE place to study if you are interested in learning the classical approach to drawing and painting in a welcoming environment. Rob Zeller is not only a gifted artist but also a master teacher. He is excellent at assessing students strengths and weaknesses- the perfect combination to encourage and guide artists to their full potential. Small classes sizes enable Rob to devote personal attention to each student as he moves them to the next skill level.

Personally, I have been taking classes here for number of years and am now in the “Figurative Core Program”. This traditional in-depth art program builds on drawing skills to move onto painting. Not only are we fine honing our abilities, Rob is also mentoring our personal projects and guiding us into being able to work independently..

Mary Ann B

I can’t thank you enough for offering this very educational and rewarding class! I have always dabbled in all kinds of media, but never really had any basic training in drawing. “Foundations of Academic Drawing and Painting” would be valuable no matter what level you are at. Rob Zeller is an excellent teacher and his studio is filled with warm, friendly, competent students and faculty.

Heather D

I’ve taken workshops and classes at the Teaching Studios of Art. I am a working artist but felt that I never learned essential fundamentals in art school. I liked the relaxed, but serious vibe immediately. Found it to be extremely informative and the right amount of challenging. Anatomy was skimmed over in college, but Rob taught me in a way that I actually remember it when I need to. The faculty are professional and take the time to work with the students individually, which is rare. My skills have definitely improved and I recommend it highly to anyone that truly wants to learn.

Lorraine V

I can not say enough positive things about Robert Zeller and the Teaching Studios of Art in Oyster Bay, NY. When we needed to find an art studio where our High School Senior could receive instruction and guidance, we thought we were going to have to travel to Manhattan. We were so pleasantly surprised to find a premier learning environment right here on Long Island. The Teaching Studios of Art is a haven for students interested in the arts. The instruction is incredible. It’s like learning from the masters. Not only did our son's skill increase under their tutelage but so did his complete appreciation for the fine arts. In addition to strong instruction Rob and the other instructors/artists at the studio are a invaluable resource for portfolio development and review when the time comes for submitting your work for continued higher education in the fine arts. Whether you want to pursue art as your lifelong journey or dip you toe in as a hobbyist or just to learn an appreciation for what the arts bring to us everyday, you must visit the Teaching Studios of Oyster Bay.

Alec H

To see student work in this class, click on the images