Ted Schmidt

Ted Schmidt is a founding faculty member and Professor at the New York Academy of Art (NYAA), where he has been since its inception in 1982. He served as the Academy's first teacher and later expanded its curriculum to include sculpture, anatomy, and life-size painting. A prominent figurative artist, his work emphasizes the human figure, informed by classical traditions and direct observation. He studied at institutions like the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Atelier 17, and the American Academy in Rome, winning the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1982.

His artistic philosophy integrates technical skill with creative exploration, advocating for foundational training in drawing and anatomy. The NYAA's MFA program distinguishes itself through its focus on figure-based techniques and a collaborative community of artists. Schmidt has maintained close ties with the Academy, witnessing its growth from tumultuous beginnings to its current status as a leading graduate art school.

• Awards: Prix de Rome (1982)
• Educational Background: Studies at International School (Geneva), Ecole des Beaux-Arts (Paris), Atelier 17 (Paris), and the American Academy in Rome.
• Key Influences: Teachers Gabriel Laderman and Stanley Hayter; mentor Lennart Anderson, whose advice "An artist has to keep his (or her) life simple" shapes Schmidt’s approach.

Though initially influenced by abstract expressionism, Schmidt shifted to figurative work over 45 years, prioritizing life observation and memory. His legacy includes shaping NYAA’s identity, particularly through collaborations with figures like Andy Warhol, who supported the Academy financially and philosophically. The Warhol Foundation’s early scholarships enabled free education for students until political shifts redirected funding.