The atelier system emerged around the seventeenth century and later became the most common method of training painters. Rembrandt was an early example of an atelier-trained painter. The atelier system is a highly-structured and systematic curriculum which is passed on from tutor to student. Students of differing standards and experience work together, each learning from other and with the tutor tailoring his critique to that of the student’s individual requirements. This is an extremely effective way  of quickening the process of learning and getting results. Tasks are assigned like building blocks and each task must be completely mastered before moving on to the next.

As each new skill is acquired, new and more challenging projects are assigned. A strong emphasis is placed on precise observation of proportion, shape, tonal value, and colour. Work is done from the model, cast, and still life. The system’s informality allows students the flexibility to set their own schedule and to work at their own pace.