Through our traditional realistic drawing method students learn that all forms can be broken down into simple shapes. Our step-by-step instruction enables them to use these shapes to create basic line drawings. With this technique, students learn classical principles of drawing, and gradually train both their eye and their hand. Through exposure and practice, the techniques we offer become each student’s tools. They learn to apply this approach to increasingly sophisticated subject matter, developing their ability to draw realistically.
Drawing is the core of each and every student’s project
Our students learn to recognize shape, size, and placement as three essential elements of visual representation.
Dry Mediums
All students begin in Drawing where teachers guide them through a customized introduction to drawing techniques and materials. Students learn the basics of our drawing method and how to use light and shadow to represent form. The duration of this introduction varies from student to student as it is determined by teachers’ observation of individual student interest, capability, and progress. Students will continue to revisit Drawing curriculum throughout their enrollment, so they can explore concepts in greater depth as their understanding improves, and learn new techniques as image choice becomes more sophisticated. Over the course of the entire program, students will have an opportunity to work in graphite, chalk and oil pastel, colored pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, and other traditional drawing media.
Painting Mediums
We provide the same careful guidance as we teach our students to paint. Once students develop some proficiency in drawing for their age and skill level, they move on to an introductory study of painting. Courses in Watercolor, Acrylic and Oil paint make-up our painting curriculum. We begin each medium with exercises that offer students a chance to explore mixing and matching color, and working with the medium. As in Drawing, students progress from simpler linear subject matter to more complex three-dimensional subject matter, and will return to painting media throughout their course of study at increasingly sophisticated levels, as teachers feel they are ready. Students will learn about use and care of materials, as well as terminology specific to each medium and painting process along the way. Throughout the painting courses, we offer the widest range of technical experience while considering each student’s abilities and supporting his or her interests. Ultimately students gain a solid working knowledge of each medium and an understanding of its breadth.
Anyone can learn to paint. Through preliminary exercises students have the opportunity to become familiar with each new medium. As they progress, we use demonstrations to introduce new techniques, and we teach them how to achieve particular effects. With practice, and through exposure to a wide variety of subject matter, students gain proficiency and learn to paint with confidence.
Advanced Study
ArtWorks students who have had longevity in the program will reach a point that they have completed the foundational coursework in each medium. These students acquire general technical proficiency, competence in color mixing, and the ability to draw and paint realistically. At this point the program is further customized. Given the significant development of their abilities by this time, most students will benefit from more advanced course work in the media they’ve previously explored. Some may be interested in subjects such as portraiture or figure drawing. Others may find the study of the work of a particular artist appealing or choose to work from their own original reference. Students with high technical proficiency may choose to explore new or mixed media. Projects at this level are highly varied. Each is designed to offer new challenges and to further the individual student’s artistic development.