The Studio
Cesare Borgia, who founded RLA named his school for his teacher at the Art Students League, Frank Reilly.
Frank Reilly influenced a generation of artists and many of his techniques are available in manuscript form and CDs at the studio or on the internet.
Cesare Borgia loved teaching and devoted himself to his school. Since he passed away in 2007, at age ninety-four, his spirit has remained.
Today (RLA) is a cooperative of artists who are interested in developing their knowledge and skills in drawing and painting.
These skills are enhanced by an emphasis of working from a model.
Artist of all levels and abilities come to RLA to learn and improve. It is the only place in Westchester where for a reasonable fee you will be able to work from life models for twenty hours a week. Many members seek instruction outside RLA and work with their newly gained knowledge at the studio. The work of many current and past members appears in shows throughout the county and beyond.
The style of painting is Realism, learned from an emphasis of work from the life model.
Since there are many available studios that offer the field of non-representational or abstract painting, this is not covered here.
Painters of all levels of ability-beginners and professionals-are eligible to become members of the League.
There are no admission requirements except an interest in painting and drawing and the desire to learn.
The Reilly League of Artists(RLA) was incorporated in 1977 as a not for profit 501(c)(3).
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The Instruction
Instruction at the Reilly League is based on the philosophy that anyone willing to work under progressive guidance will become a competent artist.
As the League offers no diplomas or grades, the development of a member's artistic skills relies heavily on his or her self-motivation and initiative.
Frank Reilly once said he could teach a wooden indian to paint, provided he wanted to bad enough. Learning to paint and draw is fun but also hard work, and good daily work habits are essential. In this sense, the learning process for a painter has been compared to the training of an athlete: practicing and mastering fundamentals daily.
As the members of the League come from diverse backgrounds of experience and varied artistic goals, the instruction wanted or needed must be sought out and arranged by the member through consultation with the instructor.
Each member is not taught the same way since each has different artistic aims. Some, eventually to earn a living in art; some, enjoying it as an avocation. Whatever the aim, the member is encouraged to gain a solid foundation in the principles of drawing and painting working from the life model. Methods of approach are shown by instructors, which include advanced members.
In addition to life class, a member may work on assignments or projects in the studio.
Guidance and instruction can be gained from the instructors and advanced members who are proficient in the following areas:
Figure Study
(cast and model)
Landscape
Portraiture
Perspective |
Illustration and
portfolio preparation
Anatomy
Composition
Color |
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Members work in a variety of mediums from oil to pastel, and study techniques used by such masters as Rembrandt, Ingres, and Sargent.
These include glazing, scumbling, and various methods of handling thick and thin paint, under and overpainting. Those members wishing to develop a career in illustration examine the methods of the great illustrators such as Howard Pyle, N.C. Wyeth, Dean Cornwell and Norman Rockwell, to evolve their own style.
Those wishing no instruction but wish to use the model are welcome.
Likewise, those wishing to work on projects alone and not use the model are also welcome. |
