Ian Factor's New York Academy Of Art Experience: Michael Grimaldi Master Class

This week's Blog will focus on a weekend Master Class with Michael Grimaldi.

I attended the class in the midst of trying to get caught up with all my homework, which seems to be a never ending state here at the Academy, so when the opportunity to spend an entire weekend away from my studio, the weekends being the only solid time of the week I have to actually spend on my class assignments, it's a difficult decision This was no exception, as with the Tribeca Ball coming up and MFA Open Studios two weeks later, coupled with the intense amount of work I have to get done by end of semester, it was not a perfect weekend to spend doing something other than my own projects...

The Master Class proved to be totally worth the two days away from studio, Michael's teaching methods and communication skills are strong and clear and his easy going approach makes it a pleasure of a learning experience. He did two demos, one graphite drawing demo and one oil on canvas demo, and he also presented us with a powerpoint presentation of his work and some of his process.

Overall a great weekend, especially after the incredible stress of the previous week and my lack of energy after that Friday. The Academy continues to be a roller coaster of emotion and mental challenge, and though the weekend with Grimaldi wasn't exactly a vacation, (we were there working from 10-6 on Saturday and 12-6 on Sunday and then I got back to my studio for the rest of the night till school closed) it was a positive and energizing reprise from the escalating intensity of the daily training at the NYAA.

Below are some photos from the weekend. Hope you enjoy!