Cornering the Market

Opening in Merrick — formal training for aspiring artists

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The Art Academy Long Island
69 Merrick Ave., Merrick
(516) 605-3600, www.artacademyli.com

If you look at the “Before and After” section on the Art Academy Long Island’s website, you’ll see a phenomenal transformation of talent and skill. These works were rendered by students of a fine arts school in New Jersey founded by the critically acclaimed artist, Kevin Murphy. The sketches were done before the students started taking classes, and oil paintings were completed during and after their instruction.

James Anzalone, an artist who studied with Kevin Murphy, has just opened the Art Academy Long Island. He will be teaching Murphy’s result-driven program of formal art training. Classes will begin on Sept. 1.

Anzalone earned his fine arts degree from Stony Brook University and has worked in graphic design. His background and expertise includes numerous mediums and modalities — water color, glass, pottery, papermaking, digital, intaglio, photography, charcoal and oils.

Also instructing will be James’ father, Gary, a New York University graduate with a degree in technical drafting, and a high school teacher. During his career he also owned an architectural signage company. He, too, creates in a variety of art mediums.

Youth art classes (ages 7-12) are one hour and in charcoal only, teaching the fundamentals of drawing, patience development, mental stamina, critical thinking and quality control. Students will be preparing to work in paint. Adult classes, which are two and a half hours long, are offered in both charcoal drawing and oil painting. Students learn to master both mediums and recognize scales and object relationships. Drawing and paintings are done from still-life props and photographs (as opposed to live models). Each student works at his or her own pace with individual instruction, on their own unique project. Teaching is broken down into small steps, using simple techniques. Environment is relaxed with no competition.

Classes are purchased in packages of four on a month-to-month basis. The academy provides charcoal, paper, brushes, palettes, easels, canvases and work tables. Students bring their own oil paints and/or can purchase them at a discount at the school.

The Art Academy Long Island is offering a free trial lesson. For more information and class hours, stop in or call or go to www.artacademyli.com.