Our Story • Art School • Drawing & Oil Painting • Portraiture & Figurative • Painting Holidays
Our Story
The Classical Art Academy (CAA) was founded in 2010. Martin and Rachel Close, after raising six children between them, decided it was time to start building their dream. They forged their expertise and skills, with a shared vision for providing opportunities for those at any stage of life who are inspired to draw and paint at a high level of competence.
In 2016, they purchased their beautiful Edwardian coastal house to create a ground floor art studio and homely, high-quality accommodation to students far and wide. In 2018, their Masterclass programme was launched providing short residential workshops with highly acclaimed visiting tutors, within their little gem by the sea, in Southbourne, Dorset. In 2018, they were also delighted to welcome Anastasia Pollard joined the team. Rachel, although a trained artist, is the operations manager for the academy as well as delighting students with her wonderful workshop lunches!
