Fine Art Academy of Montclair

A friendly neighborhood studio arts school

Welcome to FAAM

Bridging the Academic tradition which emphasizes time-tested fundamentals that work, with Contemporary ideas about color, technique, and materials, Montclair’s newest art school will help you discover your voice and make powerful art.

The space is a work-in-progress, and updates will be coming soon…

But we are enrolling NOW for classes that start at the end of May.

Classes are taught by FAAM founder and long-time Montclair art educator, Julian Tejera. Teaching for 14 years at the Montclair Art Museum, as well as being an adjunct Painting and Drawing professor at both Montclair State University and Caldwell University, quality art education is Julian’s passion.

Painting of an artist in his studio

The FAAM Mission…

Figurative art has been of central focus in the history of humankind. From the cave walls where our prehistoric ancestors felt compelled to record their experiences with pigmented earth, all through today where our stories are fully animated on the big screen. The story of our shared humanity is best described in pictures.

The mission of the Fine Art Academy of Montclair is to continue on this tradition of powerful visual storytelling, right here in the wonderfully creative town of Montclair, NJ.

Adult art classes are geared towards beginners, intermediate, and advanced students alike. As the FAAM grows, so too will our course offerings, which will eventually include a comprehensive program for teens.

How FAAM Works

FAAM classes will teach you the fundamentals of beautiful picture-making. We will work in the studio with models and still life setups, as well as outside to observe and draw our environment in the vibrant neighborhood of Watchung Plaza.

Ongoing Classes

Taking inspiration from the legendary Art Student’s League of NYC, our studio classes will be ongoing unless otherwise noted. Class cycles begin on the first Monday of every month, but lessons are tailored to your needs no matter when you sign up.

We’re working to make it easy to fit creativity into a schedule that works for you.

Workshops

These monthly workshops are like Vitamin boosts for your creativity:

  • how to understand and play with color

  • making sense of design and composition

  • creative problem-solving

  • the importance of play and risk-taking

  • much, much more.

Virtual Video Library

For a small monthly fee, the learning continues outside of the classroom with what will become an ever-growing virtual library of tutorials, lessons, and demos that will be updated weekly.

Testimonials

  • After a multi-decade hiatus from making art, I came back to the studio and was able to learn so much from Julian's expert approach. I feel so fortunate to be able to learn from a teacher who is so patient, with a keen eye for detail, and whose own work is so accomplished. 

    Ann Antoshak

    Art Director, Seton Hall University

  • As a Graphic Designer and professional fine arts model I have worked for Julian for over 10 years. Besides being a very talented fine artist Julian provides his students with inspiration and expert direction. You can't help but improve your drawing and painting skills being a student at Julian's classes. He's very open and sharing of his skills and expertise and it's enjoyable and rewarding to be part of his classes.

    Louis Mercurio
    Graphic Designer & Fine Arts Model

  • I have been modeling for Julian’s portrait and figure drawing classes for two years now, and it is always an absolute pleasure working with him. Ideas come alive through Julian’s artistic passion, talent, and teachings. The environment he fosters for both beginners and experienced artists alike is nothing but good vibes. Julian is very personable, and I come out a better model with each class we do together.

    Justine Z.

  • Julian is a very talented artist. I have been taking many of his drawing classes. The classes are very informative and have improved my drawings. 

    Roberto Pagan

  • Julian is a wonderful artist to work with. Not only is he talented, he creates a welcoming and safe space where artists and models can be free and honest with their crafts.

    Jessica L.