Youth Program - Basics Course
DrawingDrawing is the foundation of all studio practice. To ensure our students get a good start, the first part of our Basics Course focuses on developing sound drawing skills. Students begin by learning that any subject can be broken down into simple shapes. With step-by-step instruction students learn to use these shapes to create basic line drawings. We then teach students how to measure the unique relationships between different parts of their drawings in order to check for accuracy. Once mastered, these basic skills allow students to identify the differences between what they see and what they draw and correct their own mistakes. This ability to develop and revise drawings independently puts students in control of their work, fostering confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
Once they have gained competency with these fundamental skills, students begin learning about light and form. Building on knowledge gained earlier in the program, we teach students how to set up tonal value relationships in their work that accurately describe the effects of light on form. They explore different rendering techniques in a range of lighting conditions, and learn to use a variety of materials including graphite, pastel, charcoal, conté crayon and other traditional drawing media. Students will be guided through the program at an appropriate pace according to their age and skill level.
Painting
Once each student develops drawing skill commensurate with his/her age, it’s time to move on to painting. Color is introduced with a series of projects in pastel – an excellent transitional medium – and students again receive individualized and intensive instruction in the principles of color theory and handling of the material. Once a basic familiarity with color is attained in pastel, students make the final materials transition within the Basics program to painting. Using artist quality painting materials including oil and acrylic, different painting techniques are discussed and demonstrated in detail. A broad range of subjects is addressed: Still Life, Portraiture, Landscape, and painting from the imagination are all part of the program. Throughout the painting curriculum students utilize and build upon their drawing skills as each new painting project presents new drawing challenges. Students will be guided through the program at an appropriate pace according to their age and skill level.
Every student is unique.
That’s why our program answers to the needs of individuals. With one-on-one instruction, students are guided through our customized curriculum at their own pace. At each stage they learn new skills, refining and building upon what they’ve learned. When our students emerge from the program they can be proud of the work they’ve done.