Your browser is not optimized for viewing this website.

More information »

Continuing Education at PAFA

Open Academy: Painting the Figure, PT 202 (In-Person)

$1,450

Wednesdays, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. (includes option to add afternoons, 1 - 4 p.m., for full-day attendance-- see description) 
Instructor: Douglas Martenson  
Fifteen-Week Open Academy Course (45 - 90 Hours)  
Credit: Non-Credit or 1.5/3.0 Undergraduate Credits (See Below) 

PAFA’s Open Academy provides the opportunity for Continuing Education (CE) and non-matriculated students to experience PAFA’s renowned certificate-level instruction on a course-by-course basis.  Earned credits are eligible for transfer to the one-year Foundation and Studio Residency Certificate Programs, for students considering an immersive fine arts education with additional benefits. (Up to 7.5 credits are eligible for transfer as equivalent courses or electives.)

Students will learn to plan and execute complex paintings using the life model as a subject. Included will be historical and contemporary perspectives on life painting, presentations of materials used in life painting, strategies for creating spatial concepts, and concepts of visual language skills and critical thinking. Poses will vary in length depending on the section and instructor, and strong emphasis is based on skill development and the development of a personal point of view using the life model. Individual and group critiques will be conducted.

Optional: This course is available for half-day for 1.5 undergraduate credits for $1,800. For the option of full-day (morning, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. and afternoon, 1 - 4 p.m.), this course is available for $2,900 non-credit or $3,600 for 3.0 undergraduate credits. Select length and credit choice with tuition adjustment during checkout.

Image: Douglas Martenson

Registration open through September 9
Materials List
Open Academy Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies

  • Fall 2025: Aug 27 - Dec 3rd, 2025
    Wed for 15 weeks from 8:30 - 11:30 pm
    Register

    only 3 seats left

Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building

(215) 972-7600

128 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102 Get directions

Room: 461

Location map for Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building




Forgot password?
Staff Log In