Miano Academy of Art

"Miano Academy of Art is one of the best academies in the United States. The founder Charles Miano is a renaissance man. He is a superb mentor. I seriously recommend his academy for anyone seeking the knowledge to become an artist."

"Ok, I will admit it, when my daughter Summer told me she wanted to leave the 4-year college where she was majoring in fine art to become an apprentice @ the Miano Academy of Art, I was skeptical at best. Under my breath, I muttered: “Who was this guy Charles Miano and what is a master artist? Is this really going to fulfill her dream job of becoming a portrait artist who actually makes $? Isn’t the conventional route of getting a 4-year college degree a safer way to go?” Well, after some heavy research, a tour of the school, a sit-down meeting with Charles, and allowing Summer to take responsibility for her decision to apply and begin attending the academy, I can honestly say, I never looked back on that day full of doubt. I quickly learned that Charles Miano is recognized by ARC as an Associate Living Master. The Art Renewal Center is the only vetting service for skills-based art schools and remains dedicated to the teaching of art in the traditional manner of the Old Masters. He is committed to promoting the skills needed to become the artist each of his students aspire to. Having said this, your attendance at the Miano Academy requires a master-to-apprentice team approach. Summer puts in more time/practice to her craft than she ever did attending a contemporary art school. As a result, her art abilities have dramatically improved. As a parent, it is satisfying to know that she is now part of a community of apprentices ranging from teenagers to retirees who receive sought-after genuine art instruction and is on the path to fulfilling her goal of becoming a commissioned highly regarded portrait artist."

"As a full-time student in the atelier apprenticeship at Miano Academy of Art, I can happily say I'm in the right place to further my skills and get me closer to my artistic goals. Our teacher, Charles Miano, gives his whole heart to this school and has the utmost desire to help aspiring artists. I appreciate his hands-on approach and how he pushes his students to the next level, encouraging us to keep setting our bar higher and higher. For potential enrollees interested in what a day in the life of an apprentice might look like, let me tell you. We start our mornings at our easel warming up- drawing shapes. Then, we move on to our individual project(s). Charles will provide critiques and often do demos to show us how to use a particular material or technique. On other days, we draw from a live model whether that be a portrait or figure. Instruction is given and a new lesson is introduced weekly. Ultimately, the program is set up in a way that allows us to practice everyday. It's also worth mentioning that one of my favorite aspects of the school is the workplace environment. Charles sets a positive tone resulting in a noncompetitive and supportive space. I am grateful to be a part of the Miano Family."

"I have the unique privilege of being an apprentice and learn from a remarkable master Charles Miano, and I am truly inspired by his expertise and teaching approach. his passion for the craft shines through in every session, and his guidance is both supportive and patient. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from such an exceptional artist and instructor."

"When I discovered the Southern Atelier website, and began to browse through it, I was immediately blown away by the quality of the work, that I was seeing. The depth and breadth of the various disciplines is truly astounding. Mr. Miano has created a training center for young artists and those like me who are “young at heart”, and have a great appreciation of the old masters. The many “In Person Programs”and “On Line Courses” make it easy and affordable for anyone who has the passion for art to get superior training that until now has been hard to find and rarely affordable. Please spend some time browsing through the various programs available…. From the “Open Studio”, to the “In Person Courses”, to the “On Line Courses”, and the “Master Workshops” and the “Miano Apprenticeship”. This remarkable young Master has much to offer the aspiring young and old artists in us all!"