The Ravenswood Atelier is a school of traditional art located in Chicago, IL. Matthew Almy and his wife, Magdalena Almy, founded the Ravenswood Atelier in 2007. After studying art at the Florence Academy of Art, they returned to Chicago to pass on the knowledge of classical training that they acquired in Italy. Both have won numerous awards for their work.

Matthew’s work is very impressive. He works on a grand scale, so the figures are life-size. In addition to working from models, he flawlessly invents the landscapes and surroundings from his imagination. Every element is painted with such rich color and texture that I could easily become entranced in only a small portion for minutes. Below is a detail of a painting that he is currently working on.

Not only does Matthew paint beautifully, but I was also amazed by the wealth of knowledge he has ranging from the chemistry of painting mediums to the craft of constructing high-quality frames. This is a frame he is building.

Magdalena Almy in front of her paintings

Magdalena’s work shows a deep understanding of light and color. She works with a minimal palette, using colors carefully and methodically to produce paintings that capture the subtle beauty in life. Her work has a mystical quality that is prominent in her figurative paintings. Below are two masterly paintings that she had in her studio.

In addition to the beautiful artwork, Magdalena’s studio was full of visual inspiration. Every corner of the room resembled the studio space of 18th century artists. This is a slide show of the mysterious ambiance at their atelier.

The program has a strong focus on drawing. In this photo Magdalena is showing me a student’s work.

Students begin their study reproducing in pencil the lithographs of 19th century artist Charles Bargue. These drawings, commissioned by the master painter and teacher Jean-Léon Gérôme, once served as a visual aid for beginning students. Their detailed reconstruction allows the inexperienced eye to observe successful ways of processing and simplifying complex forms. At this point new methods are introduced allowing for greater proficiency in executing these challenging exercises. Having produced several accurate copies, students advance to the next level.

Moving from a flat image to a three-dimensional object, students begin to draw plaster casts of antiquity with charcoal on white paper. This next crucial step allows for a deeper analysis of methods discussed in the previous stage. Strong focus is placed upon a convincing impression of light, air, depth and texture. This exercise often takes months to master. The finished product should attain an illusion of reality indistinguishable from the subject itself as seen from a distance.
Ravenswood Atelier: Curriculum

Visiting the Ravenswood Atelier was an inspiring experience. Matthew and Magdalena imparted so much in-depth knowledge in my impromptu visit, and I enjoyed engaging conversations that delved into the fundamentals of painting. I’m eager to read books that Matthew recommended and try the high-quality products he suggested. My brief visit to their their Atelier has left me with the desire to improve my work habits and strive for time-tested quality.