Classes

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Adult Program Night Class Registrations

Current session: September 9th, 2025 to June 17th, 2026

Price not available More Info

ALL ADULT PROGRAM REGISTRATIONS ARE DONE VIA EMAIL. Please email "enrollment@princetonacademyofart.com"  to request your application link for our full time program and digital registration form for part-time study. This includes registrations for night classes.

CLASSES BEGIN THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2025. Please see below for class schedule:

Evening Classes:

  • Tuesdays 7:00PM - 9:00PM
  • Wednesdays 7:00PM - 9:00PM

Princeton Academy of Art does not permit students to enroll in regular adult classes via our course catalog. At this time, our course catalog is used for adult workshops and youth program registrations only.

At Princeton Academy of Art, our academic programs are deeply rooted in the classical tradition, drawing inspiration from the Russian academic tradition and the influential curricula of the Italian and French Academies.

Students learn to begin working with an underpainting in earth tones to establish values and structure, followed by the gradual application of glazes to build depth and vibrancy, as well as direct painting methods. 

These techniques are paired with the study of constructive drawing, a cornerstone of representational art. Students develop a strong foundation by deconstructing complex forms into simple geometric shapes and mastering proportion, perspective, and anatomical accuracy. This approach allows artists to create advanced compositions with precision and accuracy.

Class has begun
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Pre-Academy (PRECAD) @ 10 Nassau St (Weekday)

with Sydney Citrone

Current session: September 11th, 2025 to June 4th, 2026

$3750 More Info

Pre-Academy Program (PRECAD)

Ages 7–14

September 11, 2025 - June 4, 2026

The same PRECAD you love, one hour shorter!

The Pre-Academy Program (PRECAD) offers students aged 7 to 14 a structured introduction to classical drawing and painting. Rooted in traditional academic methods, the curriculum emphasizes technical proficiency through carefully sequenced instruction and hands-on practice.

Students engage in projects that build essential skills in proportion, structure, value, and composition—forming the foundation for lifelong visual literacy. This early training also supports the development of graphomotor coordination and observational acuity.

Beyond technical skill-building, the program fosters creative exploration and encourages individual expression within a framework of historical context. Students are introduced to a wide range of artistic traditions through illustrated lectures and guided discussions, expanding their awareness of global art history.

The PRECAD curriculum is designed not only to produce confident young artists, but to instill an enduring appreciation for the discipline, creativity, and cultural depth of the visual arts.

This year’s program will be richer than ever before, featuring new special-topic lectures and expanded opportunities for off-site visits to museums and cultural institutions, further enriching students’ understanding, and life long appreciation of the arts.

Class has begun
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PRE-COLLEGE @ 138 Nassau St (Saturday)

with Anna Neis

Current session: September 13th, 2025 to June 6th, 2026

$6200 More Info

The Princeton Academy of Art Pre-College Program is designed for students who wish to develop a strong foundation in the visual arts before entering a collegiate environment. Whether the student plans to pursue an art degree or whether art is their passion and will remain a part of their lives, students in this program get the chance to experience what visual arts in college will be like and will get to make work that reflects a deeper understanding of fine art in a global context.

Modeled after first-year programs at leading art institutions, this course emphasizes critical technical skills, conceptual development, and portfolio refinement. Through studio work, in-class and out of class lectures, and in-class workshops covering various course materials, students are equipped to meet the demands of higher education in the arts.

Students in this program explore the following interests:

  • fine art
  • architecture
  • interior design
  • computer animation
  • fashion design
  • animation
  • concept art 

 

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Pre-Academy (PRECAD) @ 10 Nassau St (Sunday)

with Sydney Citrone

Current session: September 14th, 2025 to June 7th, 2026

$4000 More Info

Pre-Academy Program (PRECAD)

Ages 7–14

September 14, 2025 - June 7, 2026

The Pre-Academy Program (PRECAD) offers students aged 7 to 14 a structured introduction to classical drawing and painting. Rooted in traditional academic methods, the curriculum emphasizes technical proficiency through carefully sequenced instruction and hands-on practice.

Students engage in projects that build essential skills in proportion, structure, value, and composition—forming the foundation for lifelong visual literacy. This early training also supports the development of graphomotor coordination and observational acuity.

Beyond technical skill-building, the program fosters creative exploration and encourages individual expression within a framework of historical context. Students are introduced to a wide range of artistic traditions through illustrated lectures and guided discussions, expanding their awareness of global art history.

The PRECAD curriculum is designed not only to produce confident young artists, but to instill an enduring appreciation for the discipline, creativity, and cultural depth of the visual arts.

This year’s program will be richer than ever before, featuring new special-topic lectures and expanded opportunities for off-site visits to museums and cultural institutions, further enriching students’ understanding, and life long appreciation of the arts.

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Pre-Academy (PRECAD) @ 138 Nassau St (Sunday)

with Aya Gandolfo

Current session: September 14th, 2025 to June 7th, 2026

$4000 More Info

Pre-Academy Program (PRECAD)

Ages 7–14

September 14, 2025 - June 7, 2026

The Pre-Academy Program (PRECAD) offers students aged 7 to 14 a structured introduction to classical drawing and painting. Rooted in traditional academic methods, the curriculum emphasizes technical proficiency through carefully sequenced instruction and hands-on practice.

Students engage in projects that build essential skills in proportion, structure, value, and composition—forming the foundation for lifelong visual literacy. This early training also supports the development of graphomotor coordination and observational acuity.

Beyond technical skill-building, the program fosters creative exploration and encourages individual expression within a framework of historical context. Students are introduced to a wide range of artistic traditions through illustrated lectures and guided discussions, expanding their awareness of global art history.

The PRECAD curriculum is designed not only to produce confident young artists, but to instill an enduring appreciation for the discipline, creativity, and cultural depth of the visual arts. 

This year’s program will be richer than ever before, featuring new special-topic lectures and expanded opportunities for off-site visits to museums and cultural institutions, further enriching students’ understanding, and life long appreciation of the arts.

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Impressionist Still Life Painting Workshop

with Varvara Agabekova

Current session: October 10th to 31st, 2025

$650 More Info

Dates: Fridays 10/10/25, 10,17/25, 10/24/25, and 10/31/25

Time: 10:30AM - 5:00PM

Location: 138 Nassau St, Floor 2, Princeton NJ 08542

This four-week, once a week workshop offers an in-depth study of Impressionist approaches to still life painting. Students will explore characteristics of the Impressionist tradition, while developing sensitivity to composition and atmosphere. Working directly from arranged still life subjects, participants will gain practical experience in capturing live impressions and translating them into paintings.

Instruction will include demonstrations, individual critiques, and guided studio practice. Students sre asked to bring their own oil paints. We recommend the Marie's Oil Color Set or similar colors.

Class has begun
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Open Studio Figure Drawing

Next session: November 6th, 2025

$18 More Info

OPEN STUDIO FIGURE DRAWING

Thursdays, 6:00PM - 8:00PM; Begins 11/6/2025

Fees: $18 public / $15 students (please email a copy of student ID to enrollment@princetonacademyofart.com  to receive the disccount code)

About: This focused evening session is dedicated to figure drawing from a live model. This open studio is uninstructed and suitable for artists at any stage who wish to maintain a regular drawing practice and refine observational skills.

Format

Live model will participate in short gestural poses as well as longer, sustained poses.

Traditional studio setup with easels, drawing boards, clips and tape are provided.

Recommended For

  • Artists building or maintaining figure-drawing fluency.
  • Students preparing portfolios who need consistent practice from life.
  • Educators and professionals seeking structured time with a model.

What you can Bring

  • Vine/compressed charcoal
  • Graphite
  • Conte pencils
  • Kneaded/white erasers, clips or tape
  • Newsprint/drawing surfaces
  • Watercolor paints

PAA will provide easels, boards, clips, tape, and pencils.

Studio Guidelines

  • Ages 18+ (or enrolled teens with prior approval).
  • No photography or video of the model.
  • Please arrive early to set up; late arrivals should enter between poses.
  • Respect the model and fellow artists; follow staff instructions regarding seating and sightlines.
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PRECAD Junior @ 10 Nassau St

with Tehyla Richman

Next session: November 12th to December 12th, 2025

$500 More Info

**NEW PROGRAM** PRECAD Junior

For Ages 5–7

Dates: November 12 – December 12, 2026 (five weeks)

Schedule: Wednesdays & Fridays, 5:00–6:00 PM

Location: This class is located at our 10 Nassau St location

We are delighted to introduce PRECAD Junior, a brand-new five-week program designed especially for our youngest aspiring artists. Meeting twice a week, this course provides children ages 5–7 with a joyful and structured introduction to art-making.

Students will strengthen grapho-motor skills while exploring creativity, penmanship, and early academic art principles. Students will be be introduced to the traditions of classical drawing, offering them a foundation that supports both artistic and academic growth.

*Ask us about our sibling discounts! Send us an email at enrollment@princetonacademyofart.com*

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Contemporary Sculpture Methods

with Zhang Feng

Next session: January 12th to February 20th, 2026

$1500 More Info

This course is suitable for adults 18+

Schedule

  • January 12, 2026 - February 20, 2026
  • Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays; 6:00pm-9:00pm (three hours)

Overview

This course, led by sculptor Zhang Feng, focuses on the fundamental principle of sculpture—structure. Students learn to understand, analyze, and express structure in three dimensions, with an emphasis on perceiving form, space, and proportion. Students will apply these skills to figure and portrait sulpting, learning elements of anatomy along the way.

The course concludes with an introduction to contemporary approaches, exploring how traditional sculptural methods can intersect with modern practices such as digital scanning and experimental form-making.