Welcome to Atelier Artista, the fine art school in Calgary that’s all about hands-on skills. In our interview with Brian “Bunny” Batista, the brains behind Atelier Artista, he shares how the school teaches representational drawing and painting. Bunny’s unique approach stands out, emphasizing practical skill development. At Atelier Artista, it’s not just about traditional techniques; they also host live model figure drop-in sessions four times a week, creating a dynamic learning experience.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Atelier Artista is a skills-based fine art school in Calgary, focused on teaching representational drawing and painting, as well as hosting live model figure drop-in sessions 4 times a week.
What made you want to do this work?
I’m an artist through and through and I love seeing the quality of work and skills of artists improve.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Here we teach the fundamental skills of quality art making and reveal the tips, tricks and techniques to the magic behind making the illusion of art come to life.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
We teach everyone of all ages from youth to seniors.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We offer group classes and workshops, private lessons as well as drop-in sessions regularly. In some sense, it’s a school and in another, it’s like a gym membership where you come in to strengthen and work out your art muscles.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Our studio space is located on the top floor of cSPACE Marda loop. Suite #410 – 1721 29th Ave SW.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
The best question prospective customers can ask is, “How can you help me improve my work?” To which we would explain that we are able to get to the heart of what skills you will need to help you get the results you want. We are trained to help reverse engineer and fast-track your progress on your artistic journey.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part of what I do is when I see the lights go on when participants really grasp the lesson and move on with their skills. The worst part is moving all the furniture and equipment in and out for each session and trying to keep the studio clean, the floor is an impossible situation really. Art materials are messy.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
There are so many cheesy dad jokes and mnemonic devices I use in every class, it comes free with the classes. I’d say something about being a starving artist or about the hunch all this drawing has given me but the proof is in the pudding and you’ll see what I mean when you meet me.
Where can we follow you?
Studio website | Personal website
