Masters of Figurative Art Gather to Teach at FACE

November 23, 2019 By Charles Miano

During Charles Miano’s“Old Master Portrait Drawing” demo, he explained how he stretches first because he likes to “draw from the core,” and how he practices tai chi to develop a quiet mind. Charles drew Mardie Rees, a representational sculptor who was on the FACE faculty in 2018.One of our favorite quotes from the session: “Drawing isn’t a snapshot. It’s a time and place,” he said.

"Charlie Miano and Southern Atelier have produced one of the best classical art programs in the country ... The Atelier's dedication to excellence and intensive instruction provides students an ideal environment to fully develop their skills. The school represents a fresh new wave of art instruction ...”

— Robert Liberace

“Charlie Miano is a visionary. He is building a school for his community with a passion that is rare, and a generosity for his students that is even more scarce. With his skills, Charlie is tapping into a vitality within the community of students.

He is building a comprehensive program with expertise, practice, and deep understanding. Charlie is helping to reawaken interest in the fundamental visual arts, the appreciation of aesthetic beauty, and the quality of vision by transcending craftsmanship.

The Southern Atelier is emerging as a premier institution for higher learning, atelier training, and the reestablishment of legitimacy in studying from direct observation, working from life. It is the kind of school that we all should embrace."

— Dan Thompson

“Mr. Charles Miano's teachings are beautifully balanced in every sense of the word. During his lessons East meets West, the intellectual counterparts the emotional, and the effort and hard work that he demands of his students is also presented with the need to let things develop naturally. It is a refreshing and daring methodology that challenges most, if not all, art schools' curriculums by providing real, honest and unselfish instruction to students with serious intentions in art."

— Joe Oliva Ganoza

“I believe that my instruction in drawing and painting has been of the highest quality, which is the direct result of Charlie Miano’s commitment to excellence in art education. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to become a professional artist; and because of the opportunity that I have had to study at the Southern Atelier, that dream is becoming a reality.”

— Nancy Fazio

“I have been astounded at the number of people who are moving to Florida and specifically looking for a professional classical art program... there is no doubt that the Southern Atelier has become a major school for the arts…"

— Kerry Vosler