One year
- Artistic fundamentals
Tuition fees
8 000 €
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Fine Arts Preparatory Year
Drawing · Colour · Composition · Observation
An intensive training course focused on the fundamentals of drawing, colour, composition and life observation. Designed to prepare students for entrance exams in animation, illustration, design and the visual arts.
- Course
- Intensive Preparatory Year
- Location
- Orly, Île-de-France
- Goal
- Art school entrance exams
Teaching objectives of the Preparatory Year
The Preparatory Year at École Méliès, in Orly (Île-de-France), prepares students for entrance exams in applied arts and leading art schools through six teaching محور?
- Build strong foundations in drawing: observation, proportions, perspective, values & colour.
- Deepen knowledge of anatomy and volume: structure, masses, poses and models.
- Master composition, framing and lighting principles for still and moving images.
- Develop a creative methodology: research, sketchbooks, iterations and critical feedback.
- Introduce visual storytelling: staging, storyboarding, characters & sets.
- Broaden visual culture (art history, animated cinema, illustration, design).
Training programme
A comprehensive training course combining theory and intensive artistic practice.
The Preparatory Year in applied arts at École Méliès, in Orly, is based on learning academic fundamentals through a balance of practical and theoretical classes.
Intensive artistic practice enables students to develop the essential foundations : observational drawing, life drawing, perspective, colour techniques and sculpting.
The theoretical classes deepen knowledge in art history and cinema, enriched by visits to museums and exhibitions.
- Duration
- 1 year
- Admission
- Baccalaureate to Bac+4 — Motivational interview
- Teaching methods
- 3 terms · continuous assessment
Student work
Course structure
A foundation year open to everyone, focused on the fundamentals of visual arts and film culture.
This course is intended for all students who are beginners or looking to improve, with a passion for the visual arts, cinema or new creative technologies. It is an ideal step for acquiring the foundations needed before joining one of École Méliès’s artistic courses, or any other specialist art or audiovisual school.
Open, demanding and enriching, this foundation year allows each student to develop a strong portfolio, better define their career plan and prepare effectively for entrance exams to art schools.
The foundation year operates through continuous assessment, with no final competitive exam. Students are assessed throughout the year on their progress, commitment and artistic development. This teaching approach provides direct access to École Méliès’s programmes, without having to retake the entrance exam.
- Continuous assessment
- No final competitive exam
- Direct access to Méliès programmes
Programme
9 subjects
- Observational drawing
- Perspective drawing
- Colour
- Museum visits
- Life drawing
- Film analysis
- Film culture
- Sculpting
- Art history
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Admission requirements
For the academic year 2026 – 2027
3-step admission process.
Application process
- Online application.
- The School contacts you to arrange a date for the motivation interview.
- Response within 5 to 8 days after your interview.
Student testimonials
I spent a year rich in learning, which allowed me to improve in several areas. Whether in sculpting, observational drawing, or colour, I have now deepened my knowledge. An open door to animated cinema !
This foundation year allowed me to acquire solid basics in drawing, sculpture, art history, and cinema. The teaching approach encourages students to work together and support one another. Essential training for entering the image professions.
Ready to join
the adventure?
Explore our booklet and apply today to bring your projects to life.
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