Noah Olsen

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Noah Olsen

Aged 26

Academy of Realist Art Boston

Instructor(s): Cindy MacMillian, Garrett Vitanza, Emanuela De Musis, Julie Beck, Erik Johnson

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  • Artworks

Diana

Charcoal and white chalk

40 x 25 3/4 ins (101.6 x 65.41 cms)

Socrates

Charcoal

26 x 19 ins (66.04 x 48.26 cms)

David's Eye

Oil

16 x 11 ins (40.64 x 27.94 cms)

Nate

Charcoal

25 x 15 ins (63.5 x 38.1 cms)

Ed

Charcoal

25 x 15 ins (63.5 x 38.1 cms)

Izabel

Charcoal

26 x 19 ins (66.04 x 48.26 cms)

Self Portrait in Arizona

Graphite and white chalk

12 x 9 ins (30.48 x 22.86 cms)

Hannah

Graphite, charcoal and white chalk

20 x 15 ins (50.8 x 38.1 cms)

Raquel

Graphite and white chalk

20 x 14 ins (50.8 x 35.56 cms)

Self Portrait at 26

Red colored pencil and white chalk on toned paper

14 x 11 ins (35.56 x 27.94 cms)

John

Oil

16 x 12 ins (40.64 x 30.48 cms)

Sketch of Kyle

Graphite and white chalk

9 x 10 ins (22.86 x 25.4 cms)

Sketch of Sarah

Graphite and white chalk

10 x 7 ins (25.4 x 17.78 cms)

Sketch of Thao

Graphite and white chalk

12 x 9 ins (30.48 x 22.86 cms)

Painting has ancient roots that seem inextricably intertwined with humanity. Art is a language that communicates visually and often viscerally. I cannot exactly put into words why I have been moved to tears by paintings I have experienced—it is an older, more primal method of “speaking” than words, and it can impact at a deeper level than verbal communication. In a modern world where communication from the media, advertisers and friends is predominantly instantaneous and digital, I find tranquility and power in the contrasting voice of a labored and tangible painting. I am honored to be studying this tradition of speech through pigment in oil, brush on linen—and to be able to participate in this ancient discussion of the joys and plights of life.

 

Dedicating over sixty hours a week to my art studies leaves me limited time at my job on the weekends, and this scholarship would substantially aid me as I work to finish the program at the Academy of Realist Art Boston. I will soon begin teaching at ARA, passing on these techniques while continuing my own education and building my body of work.

 

Furthering my ability to paint will allow me to speak clearly through art, forming a deeper connection with this primordial practice and inviting viewers to participate in the conversation as well. Through painting, writing and teaching, I look to reintroduce people to representational art, encouraging them to find the wisdom of millenia along with the jubilance and pathos embedded in this profound language.

Noah Olsen has had a passion for art since he was a child drawing with his cousins and brothers. Growing up he would dedicate much of his time to art, pouring through books and watching videos to learn anatomy, perspective and as many foundational drawing skills as he could acquire. The discipline and internal analysis that materializes from having been primarily self directed in his studies set him up to flourish under the tutelage at the Academy of Realist Art Boston.

 

Noah Olsen is in his second year at the Academy of Realist Art Boston where he works to finish up his second cast painting. He is often the first person at school in the morning and the last to leave at night. On the weekends he works at a Michaels frame shop to try to offset some of the cost of living, transportation and tuition.


He sees art as his way to intimately study the world and the people in it, always striving to record his findings through a drawing or share them through a painting. He pushes himself continually to find the essence and the soul behind the complexities of life and the intricate emotions of a sitter.

 

Noah was born in 1992 and currently resides in Massachusetts.

 

Education

Academy of Realist Art Boston, 2016 - present
Bristol Community College, Associate in Arts Summa Cum Laude, 2013
Rhode Island School of Design, Certificate in Game Design, 2008
Rhode Island School of Design, Certificate in Cartooning and Animation, 2007

Juried Shows

Pawtucket Foundation Show 2018

Scholarships

2017 The John F. and Anna Lee Stacey Scholarship, Stacey Foundation
2016 Academy of Realist Art Boston New Student Scholarship

Teaching

2013 Drawing II Teacher’s Assistant, Bristol Community College