Core Drawing & Painting
“Drawing is an act of interpretation informed by purpose, study, experience, intuition, and knowing one’s craft. To varying degrees, a draftsman harmonizes three domains: perceptual, cognitive, and affective—or, in other words, the sources for the drawing derive from that which is seen, known, and felt. Thus, a drawing will reflect these elements necessarily in great variety as both the hand and the heart of the draftsman are revealed.”
– Deane G. Keller, former Drawing Instructor, Lyme Academy of Fine Arts
Students at the Academy commit to a rigorous two-year foundational program that is both grounded in tradition and progressive in its vision. During their first year, students focus on historical approaches to the development of critical observational skills and technical facility. Inside our custom north-lit studios, students work from direct observation of plaster casts and live models, utilizing a sequential, systematic progression, first taught in the Renaissance academies of Europe and, later, at Paris’s École des Beaux-Arts. In year two, these methodologies are applied to painting, through increasingly challenging studio work with the cast and in the model room.
The curriculum in both years is comprehensive and intense: Classes are conducted five days a week, from 9 am until 9 pm, with weekly supplementary instruction in anatomy, sculpture, and the histories of art. Landscape, still life, and portraiture are included in the program, as are dedicated explorations of the properties of light and form. In addition to faculty and guest lectures, intimate class sizes allow for in-studio demonstrations and individualized critiques, as well as museum and gallery visits. Students who choose to pursue their studies at the Academy past the second year may stay for a third and fourth year of advanced study. During this time, students will work to further hone their skills and develop a unique visual vocabulary that represents their own artistic intentions.
Integrated into this instructional framework is the progressive philosophy of the Academy, and its commitment to preparing each student for their future in the arts: By instilling confidence through the disciplined learning of skills and technique, and through an appreciation of the history, process, and potential of their craft, Academy students are equipped not merely to engage with today’s art world, but also to influence and shape it.
Interested in this program?
Please complete and submit our Program Inquiry Form and we’ll be in touch.
Academic Calendar 2026-2027
Lyme Academy of Fine Arts follows a trimester calendar. The academic year consists of three eleven-week terms: Fall, Winter, and Spring.
Fall Trimester
First Day of Classes – Monday, September 28
Thanksgiving Break – Wednesday, November 25 – Sunday, November 29
Last Day of Classes – Friday, December 11
Winter Break – Saturday, December 12 – Sunday, January 3
Winter Trimester
First Day of Classes – Monday, January 4
Last Day of Classes – Friday, March 19
Spring Break – Saturday, March 20 – Sunday, April 4
Spring Trimester
First Day of Classes – Monday, April 5
Last Day of Classes – Friday, June 18
Core Program Tuition
2026-27 Annual Tuition $13,845
Students are billed per trimester, with payments due in advance of the start of each term. Students are responsible for keeping their financial accounts current.
Any payment plan must be established no later than 10 days before the due date.
New students must submit a non-refundable $1,000 deposit within ten days of acceptance. Deposits are applied to the first tuition payment.
Each student is provided a shared studio space (8′x10′), with partial privacy walls (9′ high) and open doorways for easy access. Art supplies are not included in tuition.
Tuition and fees are subject to change annually.
2026-2027 Tuition Payment Deadlines
Fall Tuition – $4,615.00 due by August 15
Winter Tuition – $4,615.00 due by November 15
Spring Tuition – $4,615.00 due by February 15
Payment Methods
We accept cash, checks, major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, AmEx, Discover), and money orders. Please make checks payable to Lyme Academy of Fine Arts.
Checks may be mailed to:
Lyme Academy of Fine Arts
c/o Admissions
84 Lyme St.
Old Lyme, CT 06371
Credit Card: A 3.5% processing fee will be added to the tuition payment.
Late Fees
A $10.00 per day fee will be assessed for late payments.
A $50.00 fee will be assessed for checks returned by the bank.
Scholarships
As part of the Academy’s commitment to making art education affordable and supporting Core Program students in the pursuit of their artistic goals, we offer a variety of merit based work-study scholarship opportunities. Students must complete at least one trimester in the Core Program to be eligible for a scholarship.
Financial Aid
Students with financial need may apply for financial aid opportunities—including scholarships, work-study, and other awards—after their first year by submitting a Financial Aid Application. Applications are made available each year prior to the start of the fall term and must be completed in full to be considered.
Housing
Students who are accepted into the Academy and require housing assistance will be given access to a network of available rooms and rental options in the local area. While securing suitable housing is ultimately the responsibility of the student, we work closely with our community to help identify the best possible accommodation options. Please contact our Director of Student Engagement for further details and support.
International Students
Lyme Academy is currently not authorized to accept international non-immigrant students. We are actively pursuing SEVP certification to issue I-20 forms, allowing candidates to apply for Student Visas. Please check back regularly for updates.
Student Benefits
Current Core students can enjoy these discounts:
- 10% off at de Gerenday’s Fine Art Materials & Curiosities (the Academy’s art store)
- 10% off workshops
- Special pricing on first-year sculpture supplies for Core Drawing & Painting and Core Sculpture students.
