Driftless Art Academy is an art school in Rochester, Minnesota, founded in 2021 by portrait artist Joseph Alexander. The Academy offers representational realism classes in oil painting for adults and teens, and a preparatory program for children in grades 3 and up. With a focus on providing structured art education and unparalleled results, the Academy has taught hundreds of students the fundamentals of art through oil painting, and has given outstanding skills in realism painting to those who choose to pursue them. Art education is far more than learning technical skills or following a list of instructions to copy what you see. Learning to be an artist is a synergistic process involving students, teachers, and a community of artists who are immersed in creative processes. The more directly you can integrate yourself into this, the more exceptional your art will become. Learning and progress are possible online or remotely, but there is nothing more important than working directly with others. Direct instruction is an irreplaceable component of reaching your potential as an artist.