A Pre-College Intensive in Classical Training and Portfolio Development

The PAA Summer Residency is an intensive, pre-college program designed for high school students preparing for college-level fine art programs. This rigorous, full-day residency mirrors the expectations of top art schools by combining technical training in classical drawing and painting with conceptual portfolio development.

Program Structure

Students divide their time between two key areas of study:

Morning Sessions - Classical Training in Advanced-Level Workshops: Students train alongside adult artists in PAA’s advanced studio courses, building technical fluency in still life painting, figure drawing, landscape painting, and portrait painting. Through direct engagement with observational study, material handling, and historical methods, students develop a strong technical foundation that will support their future artistic pursuits.

Afternoon Sessions - Creative Development: In structured creative development sessions, students expand upon their morning coursework, applying the principles of classical training to their independent, concept-driven projects. Advanced prompts challenge students to integrate historical methods with contemporary creative thinking, ensuring their portfolios demonstrate both technical ability and originality. These qualities are essential for competitive college applications.

Program Outcomes

By the end of the residency, students will:

Master core disciplines of drawing and painting through intensive classical training.Develop a well-rounded, competitive portfolio that reflects both technical skill and creative direction.Gain confidence in their artistic practice through mentorship, critiques, and structured projects.Be fully prepared for college applications with a portfolio that demonstrates depth, craftsmanship, and individuality.

Program Details

Dates: July 21 - August 15

10:00AM - 4:00PM

Morning: Classical Training in PAA Adult-Level Courses

Afternoon: Portfolio Development based on Advanced Prompts

A Two-Week Intensive

Designed for high school students preparing for college-level fine art programs, this two-week residency focuses exclusively on creative development and portfolio refinement. Through structured projects, advanced prompts, and mentorship, students will explore concept-driven work while integrating classical principles into their artistic practice.

This full-day immersive residency challenges students to expand their visual language and develop a portfolio that reflects both technical proficiency and personal vision.

Morning Sessions - Advanced Portfolio Development: Students engage in structured prompts designed to challenge their creativity while strengthening their composition, storytelling, and conceptual thinking. Projects reference historical techniques, material exploration, and contemporary artistic approaches, ensuring students build a portfolio that is both technically strong and creatively compelling.

Afternoon Sessions - Application of Classical Methods: Students take inspiration from still life painting, figure drawing, portrait painting, and landscape painting, applying these classical principles to self-directed creative work. Through guided exercises and personal experimentation, they learn to synthesize traditional techniques with their unique artistic voice, preparing them for the demands of competitive college programs.

By the end of the residency, students will:

• Develop a conceptually driven, portfolio-ready body of work for college applications.
• Learn to integrate classical methods into personal creative projects, strengthening both technique and originality.
• Receive structured guidance and critiques to refine their artistic direction.
• Gain confidence in their ability to generate and execute advanced creative ideas.

This residency is designed for serious high school students planning to apply to BFA or BA programs in fine art, illustration, or design or those who wish to showcase their committment to art as their passion, in addition to their non-art intended major. It is ideal for those seeking a focused, intensive environment to refine their work, expand their portfolio, and gain a deeper understanding of their artistic identity.

Dates: July 21 - August 1, 2025

Full Day Program - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

SUPPLIES INCLUDED

Drawing is more than observation—it is the foundation for understanding form, structure, and spatial relationships. This three-day intensive is designed for teen artists looking to develop their technical drawing skills through the principles of constructive drawing, an approach used by master artists and architects for centuries.

Students will learn to break down complex subjects into geometric forms, refining their ability to analyze proportions, establish perspective, and create depth. Through guided exercises, instructor demonstrations, and direct application, students will develop a structured, methodical approach to drawing—one that will strengthen their confidence and accuracy in both academic and creative work.

This workshop introduces the same techniques taught in our adult programs, providing young artists with a strong technical foundation that will serve them in future studies, whether in fine art, design, or architecture.

Dates: July 7, 8, & 9

Time: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Tuition: $350

SUPPLIES INCLUDED

This three-day workshop introduces students to gouache painting through classical references, focusing on historical techniques, structured application, and color theory. Gouache, a medium used for centuries in fine art and illustration, provides a unique balance of opacity and control, making it an essential tool for artists working in both traditional and contemporary contexts.

Students will work from historical master studies, developing an understanding of form, composition, and value relationships. Instruction will cover layering techniques, controlled blending, and the properties of gouache as a painting medium. Through structured exercises, participants will gain the technical skills necessary to interpret and replicate classical works, reinforcing core principles of representational art.

This course provides the same rigorous training found in our adult programs, offering students a strong foundation in historical painting methods.

Dates: July 14, 15 & 16

Time: 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Tuition: $395