The Academy of Realist Art (ARA) Boson was established in 2008 by Cindy MacMillan, a graduate of Michael John Angel Studios (MJAS) now ARA. After completing the rigorous program in Toronto and Florence, Cindy went on to earn a masters degree from the New York Academy of Art in 2007. A recipient of scholarships from the Art Renewal Center and the New York Academy of Art, Cindy's work has won numerous awards and is collected internationally.

Conveniently located in the historic Leather District of Boston, (one block from South Station), ARA Boston is one of a select few private institutions in the world that teaches drawing and painting in the old master tradition. We model our curriculum and teaching techniques on the 19th-century European academies with the aim of helping students achieve the highest caliber of skills possible. The foundations we provide can help professionals and amateurs alike achieve exceptional results well beyond their expectations.

Our highly successful, step-by-step process teaches students at all levels, from beginner to advanced, to develop realist painting skills. When completed, our four-level program, which is available on a full- or flexible part-time basis, will enable the graduate to approach the most challenging drawing and painting projects with confidence and skill, regardless of their chosen style and medium. Individual instruction is offered in a friendly, supportive and pressure-free group setting where students can learn at their own pace.

Our progressive curriculum is designed to build on achievements gained at each stage. These stages include:

ARA Boston offers instruction from Monday to Thursday. It also hosts a variety of one- and two-week drawing and painting workshops, where participants can develop high level skills in a range of academic styles and media led by senior instructors from Boston and Toronto.

Last updated on 2011-07-05