Modular Intensive Course
Quarterly / Six monthly / Annually
The Modular Intensive Course at the Milano Painting Academy offers a unique educational opportunity for those who wish to study drawing and painting with seriousness and rigor, while having less time available compared to a full-time academic program.
Designed for beginners, enthusiasts, aspiring artists, or professionals, the course is also ideal for those who work, study, or simply want to dedicate time to their artistic passion with a less intensive but highly qualified commitment.
It is structured in quarterly, semi-annual, or annual modules with twice-weekly attendance, and offers a choice of three time slots to accommodate different needs:
Morning: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Afternoon: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Evening: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Under the artistic direction of Nicola Verlato — one of the most important contemporary figurative artists internationally — the Modular Intensive Course shares the same high-quality teaching standards as the three-year program.
Verlato constantly supervises the educational structure, ensuring a coherent and innovative methodological approach, which places drawing at the center as a design and cognitive tool, and painting as a complex and layered language.
Students are guided by a highly qualified faculty, composed of nationally and internationally active artists, capable of conveying deep technical knowledge and a contemporary vision of the pictorial tradition.
Drawing
Quick Sketches
Exercises aimed at developing speed and graphic intuition.Solid Forms
Drawing from statues and casts – from 3D to 2D.
Translating classical sculptures into drawing to develop volume and proportion.Drawing from Life – from 4D to 2D
Studying the living figure with live models, exploring posture, light, and movement.Master Copies – from 2D to 2D
Copying works by the great masters to understand composition, technique, and gesture.Fundamentals of Applied Anatomy for Drawing
Structural study of the human body, essential for creating believable and dynamic figures.
Painting
Pictorial Languages – Master Copies
In-depth exploration of painting techniques through the reproduction of masterpieces.Study from Life – Casts and the Human Figure
Introduction to figurative painting with live models or academic supports.Study of Natural Light and Atmospheres
Observation-based exercises, either from life or photographic references, to render light and mood.Development of Personal Language
Space for individual research and stylistic experimentation, with personalized guidance.
Designed as a highly flexible course adaptable to each student’s needs, the Modular Intensive Course is built on a modular structure that allows for a personalized path, tailored to individual time availability, goals, and skill level.
The focus is entirely on learning drawing and painting techniques through constant and hands-on practice. Each student can work at their own pace, supported by instructors, in a stimulating and professional environment.
For those who wish to further enrich their training, the practical lessons can be complemented with four optional theoretical-practical seminars, chosen from the following areas:
Artistic Materials and Techniques
Anatomy
Art System
3D Composition and Image Construction
These seminars offer the opportunity to delve into the theoretical and critical tools essential for conscious and well-rounded artistic growth.
The basic module of the Modular Intensive Course includes two weekly lessons of 3 hours each, with the possibility to choose the days and time slots that best suit individual needs:
Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday
Time slots:
Morning: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Afternoon: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Evening: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
This course is ideal for those who work, study, or have limited time, but still wish to undertake a serious, solid, and professional artistic path.
The MPA Method
The Modular Intensive Course is based on the MPA™ teaching method, which breaks away from the traditional dichotomy between “Contemporary” Academies—often detached from figurative practice—and those that rigidly follow the French Bargue-Gérôme method.
At the heart of the method lies a clear principle: drawing is not an aesthetic goal, but a design and cognitive tool, in line with the Renaissance vision that considers it the foundation of painting.
Even in its more flexible and adaptable modular format, this vision is fully respected: the program develops progressively and rigorously, with clear objectives and constant practical feedback.
The Central Role of the Student
In the Modular Intensive Course, each student follows a personalized path, compatible with their own schedule and commitments. The program is designed for those who wish to devote themselves seriously to art while having limited time available: students, working professionals, or passionate amateurs.
Progression occurs at an individual pace, with constant support from instructors who guide learning step by step. Each area of study is supervised by a specialized teacher who provides precise feedback and advice to foster real and tangible artistic growth.
The Central Role of Drawing
Even in the intensive format, drawing remains the core of the entire educational program. It is not merely an introductory discipline but the essential tool through which students learn to read, understand, and structure the image.
Drawing, as a constructive and observational process, is present in every activity—from copying the masters to painting from life. It is the element that connects all phases of training and represents the foundation on which a solid, personal, and conscious pictorial language is built.
The teaching structure of the complete Modular Intensive Course is organized on an annual basis, with the possibility to choose between three different time formats:
Quarterly
Half-yearly
Yearly
The course includes 6 hours of weekly practice (drawing and painting), divided into two 3-hour lessons.
Students can choose the time slot that best fits their needs:
Morning: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Afternoon: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Evening: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
It is also possible to combine different days and time slots (e.g., Monday morning and Wednesday afternoon), based on availability.
For those seeking a more intensive path, it is possible to attend multiple modules simultaneously, thereby increasing the total number of weekly hours.
The course is available in Italian and English.
At the end of the study course, the Milano Painting Academy will issue an MPA certification for participation in the chosen study programme.
for questions, to request more information or to book your spot, please contact us at: info@milanopaintingacademy.it
