About Underpainting Collective
Our History
Underpainting Collective carries forward the legacy of David Hardy’s Oakland Atelier of Classical Realism, founded in 1969. When David retired, members came together to shepherd the school into a new era as a cooperative, ensuring its continuation and aligning it with our shared values.
The school’s roots trace back through a lineage of master artists including William Merritt Chase and connect to significant Bay Area cultural history, founded the same year the Black Panther Party began the first free breakfast program for children and when Oakland Museum of California first opened its doors.
Our Collective
For 55 years, this school has served as a vital center for learning classical realism drawing and painting techniques. Now restructured as a volunteer cooperative, we honor this legacy while expanding our vision to create a more diverse, equitable, and socially engaged artistic community. We believe community is essential to a sustainable art practice.