The New School of Classical Art - Dana Levin
Vanessa 17x20 2007 Allegra 16x16 2006 Giulia 16x20 2007 Bearded Man Gianlucca Young Man with Heavy Weight Racheal First Place Artist's Magazine 2007

Please contact the artist for further information on portrait commissions in the Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts areas.


Portrait Painting Commissions and Still Life Commissions

The Artist

Dana Levin is a classically trained painter, with the timeless aesthetic necessary to create beautiful pieces of art that you and your loved ones will cherish. The foundation of every great portrait emanates from the drawing skills of the artist. Dana completed the rigorous 3-year certificate program at the prestigious Florence Academy of Art, a world-renowned academy for classical realism training. Following graduation Dana’s great skills lead to her appointment as drawing instructor for the next 5 years.

Dana is an established portrait painter in Rhode Island and shows her artwork regularly in gallery exhibitions. Her work is included in important collections, has won numerous awards, and has been published in major art magazines. She works in a range of genres and takes commissions for portrait and still life paintings. Some of her influences are John Singer Sargent, The Boston School painters, and Diego Velazquez.

The New School of Classical Art atelier in Rhode Island was founded in 2005 by Dana. Its full-time curriculum consists of copying Bargue lithographs, drawing and painting antique casts, still life, figure, and portraiture.

Procedure for Portrait Artist Commssions

The portrait can be painted at the artist’s studio, or if there is a room with proper natural light, the client’s home. First you discuss your vision for the painting: the size, clothing, background, and atmosphere. Dana will lead you through the process and possible options. She will advise and guide you in making the best design choices in order to create a painting you will treasure.

Before the painting begins, a schedule for sittings will be agreed upon, photos will be taken, and color sketches will be made. You will be presented with a sketch and upon approval, the painting will begin. 

The procedure for commissioned still life is similar. You are encouraged to show examples of specific colors or objects. Before the painting begins you will be presented with a sketch for approval.

A contract describing the size, number of sittings, agreed due date, and content of the painting will be signed prior to beginning the process. Portraits are offered in graphite, charcoal, and oil paint. Prices range from $500 for graphite, $1,000 for charcoal, and start at $3,500 for oil.

Artist Biography