John Asimacopoulos

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John Asimacopoulos

Aged 25

Academy of Realist Art Boston

Instructor(s): Cindy MacMillan, Emanuela De Musis, Garrett Vitanza, Julie Beck

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  • Artworks

First Cast

Charcoal

18 x 11 ins (45.72 x 27.94 cms)

Second Cast

Charcoal

22 x 14 ins (55.88 x 35.56 cms)

Figure Drawing 1

Charcoal

24 x 16 ins (60.96 x 40.64 cms)

Figure Drawing 3

Charcoal

21 x 14 ins (53.34 x 35.56 cms)

Figure Drawing 4

Charcoal

24 x 14 ins (60.96 x 35.56 cms)

Figure Drawing 5

Graphite

21 x 13 ins (53.34 x 33.02 cms)

Mastercopy after Holbein

Carbon Pencil

15 x 10 1/2 ins (38.1 x 26.67 cms)

Firstly, I intend to finish this program at ARA Boston, and attain a high level of technical skill. However, recognising that I will be a lifelong learner, I will constantly be seeking more technical knowledge, whether it be through self driven research, or attending workshops. That being said, I don't believe that technique is the only area of study necessary to be a successful artist. I will continue to explore areas such as philosophy, literature, design, and music.

Once I finish at the Academy, I plan to become a full-time artist, with a focus on narrative figures. Furthermore, my goal is to touch people with my art, and increase the awareness of representational art. I believe people have a genuine need to experience good art, even if they aren’t aware of it. As artists, we observe phenomena which others do not see, and we have a duty to show people that in a form that they can clearly understand, and enjoy. That is where classical realism succeeds, because it provides people with a visual language that is easily interpreted.

I also have a desire to teach. It was extremely hard for me to find any kind of education like this, so I feel compelled to keep the tradition alive. One area I would specifically like to start teaching in, is anatomy. It is a subject which I have a deep knowledge in, enjoy greatly, and would like to share.

I always wanted to be an artist, and had always drawn as a child and teenager, but there were multiple reasons why I never pursued it. Firstly, I wasn't aware that classical art education existed. On top of that, I come from a family of physicians, which not surprisingly led to certain career expectations. As a result, I obtained a bachelor's in Biomedical Sciences, from King’s College London, and a master’s in Global Health and Development, from University College London. While I learned a lot, and developed as a person, it felt wrong to not be doing art. The turning point was finding the Art Renewal Center, and discovering the art education I had always been looking for. I gave up a place at one of the top dental schools in the United Kingdom to come to Boston, and study at the Academy of Realist Art full time. I couldn't be happier with my decision and have never looked back. I am currently a level 3 student, having just completed the drawing program, and I am working on my first cast painting.