Learn to paint and draw at the Freihand Art School
The Freihand Atelier is the art school in Cologne-Ehrenfeld focused on realistic painting and drawing. We are your training space, your rehearsal room, your dojo, or your sports field. Because, as in any discipline, the same applies in art: only through regular practice can you make progress. In our atelier, we provide the right environment for you to continuously improve your drawing and painting skills.
What sets us apart from other art schools and ateliers
- Structured and systematic classes for effective learning.
- You won’t be forced into a pre-made curriculum; instead, you can learn what truly interests you.
- Instructions and feedback are provided not only verbally but also through active drawing or painting demonstrations.
- The atelier is equipped with drawing tables and a well-lit stage.
- Our easels are custom-built with integrated shelves, which particularly help beginners maintain the right distance from their paintings.
The advantage over online courses and books
We love books, online courses, and YouTube—but one thing is missing: personal contact and direct feedback. With us, you get just that. We can immediately identify your mistakes as they happen and specifically address your individual challenges.
Classes and workshops for all experience levels
The Freihand Atelier offers you a place through classes, workshops, and regular work with models, where you have access to traditional techniques of drawing and painting. Our art school aims to teach the fundamental principles of drawing and painting in a clear and understandable way, providing all students—regardless of experience level—with a solid foundation on which they can further develop and improve their skills.
Strong artistic foundations
These foundations include accurate proportions, correctly assessing and distributing tonal values, and creating depth and form through targeted variation of shadow edges and 2D shapes. These principles are independent of medium and subject matter and represent the essential tools needed to develop your visual language. Of course, we also teach technical fundamentals for various media such as oil paints, charcoal, or graphite.
Structured classes for effective art education
The instruction at our art school is based on a systematic progression of your skills. From simple exercises that introduce foundational concepts for beginners to more challenging projects and work from models, you will be prepared to tackle complex topics in drawing and painting independently. The structure of the classes includes explaining the theory while also emphasizing active painting and drawing, allowing you to see the process live. The instructor is always present in the atelier during classes to provide individual critiques and personal guidance.
Individual support
The classes are structured to allow everyone to work at their own level and benefit from personalized attention. Tasks are tailored to specific areas for improvement as needed, ensuring that everyone learns a solid foundation without feeling overwhelmed as projects and concepts become more complex. This approach enables students of all ages and abilities to learn together in a class without anyone feeling left behind or held back.
Drawing & Painting for Your Career
If you're pursuing a career as an illustrator, fashion designer, tattoo artist, or in a similar field, you're in the right place. We teach you methods to draw and paint quickly and effectively, allowing you to work creatively, meet deadlines, and express yourself freely.
Even if you primarily want to paint digitally, skills with traditional media provide a strong foundation that can enhance your digital work.
The Freihand Atelier is an ideal complement to your art or design studies, helping you expand your skills, practice regularly, and fill any gaps that your studies may not cover.
Art Community and Creative Exchange
We believe in the importance of communal learning, which is why our teachers actively paint and draw alongside you. We work in small groups to ensure you receive ample help and feedback. The communication and exchange among students also contribute to your artistic development. Everyone has something to share or may know that one technique that could be new to you. Even if you study at another art school or university, you’re welcome to refine your skills with us!
The Freihand Atelier does not see itself as a competitor to other art schools, academies, or art programs but rather as an additional and effective way to learn to paint and draw.
If you have further questions, check out our FAQ or send us a message.
Founder of the Freihand Art School
Philip brings over 20 years of experience as a freelance artist, illustrator, and media designer. Initially, he educated himself, but he recognized the importance of a qualified instructor at an art school through his first art workshop and classes. He later furthered his education at the Watts Atelier, both online and in-person in California.
This led him to start teaching and sharing his experiences with other aspiring artists.
Philip’s Instagram