Fine Arts Preparatory Year

Drawing · Colour · Composition · Observation

Observe life to draw and create. A preparatory year for school leavers who wish to develop their creative abilities before joining higher artistic education: drawing, colour, artistic culture.

Course
Intensive Preparatory Year
Location
Orly, Île-de-France
Class size
25 students per class
Download the booklet (opens in a new tab) Applications from end of October
Students in an observational drawing workshop based on a live model — Applied Arts Preparatory Year, École Méliès, Orly
Drawing class based on a live model — workshop Preparatory Year in Applied Arts · École Méliès, Orly

Who is it for?

The Preparatory Year at École Méliès is for school leavers who wish to develop their creative abilities before joining higher artistic education.

  • Beginners, or students who need to improve their drawing.
  • Curious about and passionate for the world of the Arts, Cinema or digital technologies.
  • Wishing to go on to one of the programmes offered by École Méliès, or any similar course.
Download the booklet (opens in a new tab) Applications from end of October

Training programme

Observe life to draw and create. A programme centred on observation, gesture and technique.

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
Open with any Baccalauréat, outside Parcoursup
Places
50 places, October intake
Class size
25 students per class

One year

  • Artistic practice
  • Artistic culture
Tuition fees 8 500 €
Preview of student work in the Applied Arts Preparatory Year — École Méliès, Orly
Student work — Preparatory Year in Applied Arts

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 6 subjects
  • Observational and life drawing
  • Statuary and perspective drawing
  • Colour techniques
  • Modelling and sculpture
  • Film culture and film analysis
  • Museum and exhibition visits

Need more information? Take the next step:

Download the booklet Applications from end of October

Admission requirements

For the academic year 2026 – 2027

Admission by motivation interview.

Application process

  1. 50 places, October intake.
  2. Motivation interview.
  3. Open with any Baccalauréat, outside Parcoursup.

Career paths

Direct entry to the Artisan of the Animated Image programme without sitting the entrance exam, subject to validation of the Preparatory Year. Or any other art school.

Ready to join
the adventure?

Explore our booklet. Applications open at the end of October.

Download the booklet (opens in a new tab) Applications from end of October
01

About
the School

Discover
02

Artisan of
Animated Image

Discover
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