The Académie des Beaux-Arts de Montréal (ACADEM) is a prestigious non-profit institution dedicated to reviving the rigor and beauty of classical art training. Since its founding in 2014, it has become a cornerstone of figurative art education in Canada, offering intensive programs in drawing, painting, and sculpture. Guided by master instructors, students of all levels develop technical excellence, artistic vision, and a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship. Located in the heart of Montréal, it offers a rich, immersive environment where timeless techniques meet contemporary creativity.

The mission of the Académie des Beaux-arts de Montréal is to teach the fundamental techniques of drawing, painting, and sculpture in the figurative tradition. Our goal is to train those who aspire to be part of a new generation of figurative artists and who wish to participate in the current artistic movement. We encourage personal artistic development through technical and creative autonomy. We believe that teaching realist art enriches a constellation of creative voices such as photography, design, and digital art.

We are delighted to share our passion by creating an environment that stimulates both knowledge and engagement. We are proud to be part of a community that emphasizes the importance of the creative path in today's social context.

We base our teaching on these three principles:

KNOWLEDGE

Develop know-how through the study of different technical and philosophical approaches of ancient and contemporary masters.

UNDERSTANDING

Acquire a deep understanding and analytical capacity for various methods and techniques in order to achieve autonomy in the creation of personal works. Develop the ability to observe and analyze reality in order to be able to interpret it.

INTERPRETATION

Construct through observation and analysis a personal expression and vision of reality, beyond the simple copy or mechanical reproduction of the subject. Make aesthetic and stylistic choices with the aim of communicating an intention.

INTENSIVE PROGRAMS

Classical Techniques Program - 3 years

This intensive three-year program offers comprehensive training in classical and traditional techniques of drawing and painting, aimed at students who wish to center their practice on realistic classical art. It covers the core disciplines of drawing and painting across three sessions per year, and allows for full-time or part-time study (minimum 12 hours per week) so that students can progress at their own pace. The curriculum guides learners of all ages and skill levels without specific prerequisites, helping them build serious practice habits, master observational sketching, achieve a high technical finish, and ultimately create their own art rooted in contemporary contexts. Students benefit from individualized academic supervision, unlimited studio access (for the intensive track), personal workspace, and a peer-driven, collaborative environment.

The drawing component is structured around three axes—figure work (with and without a live model), still life and master-copying—progressing through three levels: immersion and foundational form/lighting, applying techniques and materials, and finally composition, theme and personal aesthetic development. Meanwhile the painting component also spans three levels: initial mastery of method and light, then exploration of palette, direct observation and master-copies, and finally in-depth study of the human figure and portrait via layered and direct painting methods.

Upon completion, students who meet all pedagogical and artistic requirements receive an official certification from ACADEM. Admission requires a meeting with the pedagogical team, and while no formal prior experience is mandated, students are encouraged to have taken some regular drawing or painting classes and may present a portfolio.

Learn more: https://academ.ca/programme-en-techniques-classiques/

Contemporary Realism Program - 2 years

The program is designed for artists who wish to advance their practice in contemporary realism, building on foundational training and focusing on both technique and personal expression. It emphasizes mastery of observation, composition, light, form and finish while engaging with the visual language of our time. Participants work in a studio environment where they explore advanced projects, refine their visual vocabulary and develop an individual creative voice grounded in a realist tradition but responsive to present-day contexts.

The curriculum includes structured modules that progress from solidifying core skills to challenging creative ventures, with guidance from experienced instructors. Throughout the program, students benefit from unlimited studio access, personal workspace, peer-critique sessions and one-on-one mentorship to foster autonomy and professional-level output. The training covers both drawing from life and direct painting, inviting experimentation with materials, methods and the crossover between realism and contemporary art practices. Emphasis is placed on producing a portfolio of work that not only demonstrates technical sophistication but articulates an authentic artistic statement in the current art world.

By the end of the program, participants emerge as independent creators capable of sustaining a serious studio practice and positioning their work in exhibitions or professional circuits. The program thus serves as a bridge between academic skill-building and the artist’s entry into the broader creative ecosystem. Upon completion, students who meet all pedagogical and artistic requirements receive an official certification from ACADEM. Admission typically involves a conversation with the pedagogical team and is open to candidates with some prior drawing or painting experience, although the exact prerequisites and duration vary.

Learn more: https://academ.ca/programme-en-realisme-contemporain/

CORE PROGRAMS 

The drawing and painting programs are based on a rigorous classical education rooted in traditional methods adapted to current practice. They mainly include practical courses in which theoretical concepts are integrated. The approach is based on understanding the working processes allowing the student to develop their autonomy in realizing their creative vision.

Classical Drawing

The basic program focuses on observational drawing and rendering: still life drawings, cast studies, Bargue's plates and master's copies. Advanced students can apply the concepts acquired in the implementation of projects using their imagination. Through more than 40 exercises, the student gradually integrates concepts essential to drawing to represent any subject with ease and credibility: Key methods, sight size method materials, application techniques etc. The program explores fundamental notions through sketches and studies: line, form, volume, depth, light, composition etc. Duration: The Basic program lasts approximately 540 hours.

Learn more: https://academ.ca/cours/dessin-classique/

Classical Painting

Through the 20 or so exercises of the program, students will develop the skills and methods necessary to create works combining technical mastery and depth of meaning. Duration: The primary program lasts approximately 300 hours.

Learn more: https://academ.ca/cours/peinture-classique/

Classical Sculpture

This course aims to develop the acquisition and mastery of the fundamental concepts of classical sculpture. The course focuses on traditional clay modeling, gradually increasing the complexity of the subject. Students will produce partial studies of the body and head, then the entire body.

Learn more: https://academ.ca/cours/peinture-classique/

THEMATIC COURSES

We offer a variety of courses complementing other themes of traditional drawing and painting:
• Introduction to the human figure
• Artistic Anatomy
• Nude figure with a live model (Short and long poses)
• Figure clothed with a live model
• Portrait
• Watercolour
• Painting Human Skin
• Technical Classical Painting
• Landscape
• Charcoal Drawing 
• Comics and Visual Storytelling
• Moving Figures and Characters
• Understanding Color: Pigments, Palettes, and Main Mixtures
• Creation - Personnal Project
• Creation of an Artistic portfolio

Learn more: https://academ.ca/nos-programmes/cours-specialises/

We also offer classes to children ages 8 to 12 and adolescents ages 13 to 17.

Learn more: https://academ.ca/nos-programmes/cours-dart-pour-enfants-et-adolescents/