Novus Atelier Is Inspiring Students To Make Art And Have Fun

This Patch article is sponsored by Novus Atelier LLC.

Novus Atelier is a representational painting and drawing school established in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Their focus is on traditional drawing and painting skills, portfolio development, college preparation and students who want to learn about representational art. The school concentrates on "working from life," which allows artists of all skill levels to grow and develop.

Patch caught up with Eric Alexander Santoli, founder of Novus Atelier, to learn more about the brand new art school, as well as his career in representational art and teaching:

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town? And what does “Novus Atelier” mean?

Santoli: This is our first year in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and we’re so excited to build a strong art community in Bergen County. I chose the name “Novus Atelier” because “novus” is Latin for “the new” and an atelier is the French word for an artist’s studio/school.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?

Santoli: I first began drawing and painting at a very young age so it was always a part of my life. My mom’s side of the family has artists that go back 100 years, and we have a lot of representational art around the house I grew up in. I started teaching at Bergen Community College, various private art schools and Ridgewood High School after I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2014. To me, teaching is a natural extension to my art because representational art and teaching are both about communicating ideas and feelings effectively — in painting and drawing it’s a visual communication and in teaching, it’s a personal communication. Another key point is that I am a working artist and can provide a lot of insight to my students about being a professional artist.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Santoli: Make art and have fun!

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Santoli: The most satisfying part of my job is when my students realize their own potential. I love seeing my students create things that they can be proud of. I also love giving my students a high-five when they’ve gotten into their college of choice. Something that I also feel strongly about is providing a rewarding activity to students that doesn’t involve screen time or social media. It’s a way for students to “unplug” and create something real.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?

Santoli: Novus Atelier distinguishes itself from other schools because we specialize in college preparation and we really tailor the lessons to each student’s individual goals. It’s not just a generic painting or drawing class, it’s a way to learn the underlying principles that drive their journey as artists, which is also what helps when students are looking to apply to colleges and universities. No matter what the student’s proposed major is, top-tier competitive colleges and universities are looking for that “something extra” to differentiate the student’s application and a well-developed art portfolio can provide that.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Santoli: The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is to not worry about what works for other people and find out what works for you. Once you find out what works for you, always try your best!

Patch: Are there any special opportunities you’re offering that you’re extra excited about?

Santoli: Yes! We are excited to announce that we’re offering a 25-percent-off discount on your first two-hour class. You’ll receive a discount code when you sign up here.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Santoli: Readers can sign up for classes, ask us questions and find further information on our website. For class pricing please visit the bottom of our CLASS INFO PAGE and you can follow us on Instagram @novusatelier!