Cooley Studios
About
Cooley Studios is the only full-time classical art school in Central Ohio. We teach drawing and painting from the old master method, skill based, progressive sequencing. This is the same methods taught to the masters from the Renaissance up to the end of the 19th century. It is a tried and true method that yeilded the greatest fine art masters for 500 years.
I am a national award winning medical illustrator and classical realist fine artist, classical portratist and educator. I have a Bacheolor degree in medical illustration from The Ohio State University, Master of Fine Art in Illustration from University of Hartford, Hartford Art School in West Hartford Connecticut and post graduate studies in classical fine art and portraiture from Marvin Mattelson in Ny at the School of Visual Art.
My website is www.cooleystudios.com. I have taught classical drawing and painting to over 100 students and have been awarded best school and art instructor in drawing and painting in both 2017 and 2018. Here is a link to some of my students work (http://cooleystudios.com/best-art-school-in-columbus-ohio/), student testimonials (http://cooleystudios.com/testimonials/students/) and an appreciative father of a former student of mine now studying in Italy at the Florenc Academy of Art (http://cooleystudios.com/calling-all-artists-and-future-artists-in-columbus-ohio/).
I look forward to working with you,
Michael A. Cooley, MFA
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I have the student visit the studio with their parents. They bring art so I can review it to see what they have done. I give them a drawing test to see their present skill set. I then create a curriculum them so they can reach their goals efficiently and effectively.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied drafting in High School in my our vocational program and graduated in 1981 from Hamilton High School in Hamilton Ohio.
Age 16, I began accepting portrait commissions and continue to this very day.
I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in 1987 from The Ohio State University, through Allied Medical Professions through the College of Medicine.
I earned my MFA in Illustration from the University of Hartford, Hartford Art School.
I studied classical art with world renown classical portraitist Marvin Mattelson in NY at the School of Visual Art.
I continue to study daily, perfecting my craft and increasing in skill, knowlege and execution. I always train to improve my teaching ability daily.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I teach on a continued basis. I teach beginners, experienced, hobbyist as well as professionals. Thecost of study is listed below with the level of study one can practice at the school.
Cost of study at Cooley Studios:
Ongoing monthly classes:
1 day ea. wk. per month/ $175 (9am to 4pm M-Sa and Wed, 6-9pm)
2 day ea. wk. per/ $285 (9am to 4pm M-Sa and Wed, 6-9pm)
3 day ea. wk. per/ $400 (9am to 4pm M-Sa and Wed, 6-9pm)
Full-time study: M-Fr./ 9am - 4pm/ $750 mthly.
Half time: M-Fr./ 9am - noon or 1pm - 4pm/ $500 mthly.
How did you get started teaching?
I was asked by a 16 year old High School student to help with drawing and painting so she could develop a portfolio for college admission.
What types of students have you worked with?
I teach serious students that like realist art. I have taught students from ages 7 to 89 and every age in between. I prefer teaching students from ages 16 to adult. I would accept younger students but only if they are truly serious about study and display a mature demeanor.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was asked to give an art talk to the Worthington Area Art League. This gave me an opportunity to talk about my school and the method of classical art. I was able to get students based on that talk.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I advice students to be sure of what you want, be serious, patient and work hard. You will grow greatly in your knowledge and ability with time.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
They should think about what type of art they like and want to make. They should ask the art teacher what kind of art they make. Ask the art teacher where they went to school, who trained them, have they won awards and exhibited. Are you a paitient and thorough instructor and do you belive in skill based education before expression.