Program By Year
Our core program is a part-time 3 to 4-year program for Atelier students. Each school year is comprised of three 10-week terms. Classes meet three days per week: Mon, Wed, and Fri, 9:30-12:30. Students should expect to work on studio projects at least one extra half-day per week.
Students work on individual studio projects on Monday mornings and another afternoon, and then from the live model on Wednesday and Friday mornings. Students are encouraged to work outside of class hours in their own dedicated studio space.
Master artist Holly White-Gehrt offers instruction and mentorship individually and to the group on Mondays and Wednesdays (and often Fridays, as well). Students are strongly encouraged to work independently at other times, learning to assimilate lessons.
Each year follows a progressive and rigorous curriculum designed to develop the skills, discipline and mindset necessary to become an accomplished artist.
Drawing
Year 1
The focus is on learning to "see" from direct observation so that you can learn to draw precisely and accurately. The first year student utilizes primarily Bargue plates and casts to draw and render in graphite and charcoal. First year students also draw from a live model weekly, because learning to draw the figure is the benchmark of draftsmanship.
Grisaille
Year 2
In year two, students graduate into painting in oils with a restricted palette of ivory black, raw umber and titanium white. The focus is on learning to see value and tone while also learning basic paint handling techniques. The student moves toward full-range rendering of a sphere, still lifes, fabric and a master copy. Students continue to draw and paint weekly from a live model.
Color
Year 3
Students do not paint with color until the third year, beginning with the limited Zorn palette. Topics include matching flesh tones, color theory, and pigment properties. Students will paint florals, drapery, still life and a fully rendered self-portrait, while continuing to draw and paint from a live model weekly.
Developing Your Personal Aesthetic
Year 4
The fourth year at Hill Country Atelier is an optional year and is a journey of discovery into the student's own personal aesthetic and voice. Guided by master artist Holly White-Gehrt, the student will develop and cultivate what moves them and brings them joy. Students prepare a proposal and create the corresponding body of work.
Texas Hill Country Atelier
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Work in your own private studio space
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24/7 access
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Instruction and mentorship by Master Artist Holly White-Gehrt
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Work to mastery in drawing and painting
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Draw from a live model twice per week
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Improve your art skills
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Train towards a career as a working artist
2026-27 Schedule
The Core Atelier program is run in three 10-week sessions during the fall, winter and spring. Classes meet three days per week: Mon, Wed, and Fri, 9:30-12:30. On Wed and Fri we work from the model. On Mon and a half day of the students choice, we work on studio projects. Students are encouraged to utilize their studio space regularly outside of class hours to more quickly attain mastery at each level of the program.
2026-2027
Fall Term 2026
Sep 14 - Nov 20
Winter Term 2027
Jan 4 - Mar 12
Spring Term 2027
Mar 29 - Jun 4
Tuition: $975 per term.
Includes access to individual studio space 24/7.
During breaks, the Atelier holds several short workshops (3-5 days each). Please visit our Workshops page to see more details.
We are a Nonprofit Organization
The Texas Hill Country Atelier is a nonprofit art school, funded by program revenue and by the generous support of people like you. Your gift helps enables us to provide opportunities for artists and art enthusiasts to expand their abilities, knowledge, and appreciation for classical art.
We are grateful for your support. As a 501(c)(3) organization, your gift is tax deductible.
Financial records are available upon request.