Dear friends,
The traditional methods of perspective, anatomy, proportion, and painting are increasingly rare in the U.S., yet they form the timeless foundation of fine art. My wish is to devote the next five years to this training, just as students at the Imperial Academy do, so I may not only grow as an artist but also pass this knowledge forward to future generations.
Since childhood, I’ve dreamed of becoming an artist. While I first pursued a practical path in media, filmmaking, and photography, one dream has never left me: to study and master the art of classical drawing and painting — the way artists once did in the great academies of Europe.
Today, I have the rare privilege of studying with a teacher trained in the academic tradition. With her, I am learning composition, construction, cast drawing, and painting. Alongside this, I study perspective, anatomy, and proportion on my own, and I attend a weekly figure drawing group to keep refining my skills.
To expand my studies, I plan to enroll in the Drawing Art Academy program, which offers structured academic courses online. My intention is to learn from multiple sources, combining the wisdom of my teacher’s academy training with additional instruction, so I can build the strongest foundation possible.
Ultimately, my vision is to open a studio here in Fairfield, Iowa, where children and adults can study under visiting teachers, exploring the depth and discipline of traditional art. It will be a place where anyone who longs to train seriously — as the great masters in Europe and Asia once did — can find guidance and inspiration. My hope is to collaborate with Fairfield’s existing galleries, associations, and the Maharishi International University art program, so together we can create a fuller spectrum of art education that blends both classical and contemporary.
Fairfield already has wonderful places where art is celebrated — from galleries that highlight contemporary work to university programs that nurture creativity in many forms. My dream is not to compete with these efforts, but to add a missing piece: a place where the classical foundations of art can be studied in depth. I believe this tradition can stand alongside contemporary expression, enriching the entire community and giving Fairfield a unique role in preserving timeless skills for future generations.
My Goal: $50,000
This support will allow me to dedicate the next five years to rigorous training in the academic tradition of art. It will cover enrollment in courses, essential materials, and the resources needed to study at a professional level. Just as importantly, it helps lay the groundwork for a future studio here in Fairfield — a place where these traditions can be revived, taught, and shared with the community. By helping me now, you are investing in something larger than my own studies: a legacy of art education that will inspire and serve generations to come.
Every contribution helps keep this tradition alive. Whether it’s $5, $50, or $500, your support means the world to me. If you can’t donate, simply sharing this campaign with friends, family, and art lovers makes a huge difference.
The Bigger Vision: From Training to Studio
Your support isn’t only helping me study — it’s helping build a pathway toward a lasting cultural contribution in Fairfield:
Five Years of Training – Building a strong foundation through academic study in drawing and painting.
Sharing Knowledge Along the Way – Offering workshops, drawing groups, and community talks to keep the tradition alive as I learn.
Studio Preparation – Securing space, materials, and partnerships with visiting teachers to open the doors of a dedicated studio.
A Studio for All Ages – Creating a place where children, adults, and serious students can train in the classical tradition, complementing Fairfield’s existing galleries and university programs.
A Lasting Legacy – Establishing a studio that can continue long after my studies, preserving these timeless methods for future generations.
With much gratitude,
~Melodía
Together we can ensure that the timeless art of patience, precision, and beauty continues to inspire.
You may take a look at my Instagram account where I post weekly updates: @melodia.artista
Organizer
Melodia Morales
Organizer
Fairfield, IA