DRAWING 

Method of teaching:

For all levels, we encourage creativity rather than requiring students to reproduce an exact image.  When working from sample images, they may change colors and add or subtract details that will make their picture unique.  We want them to enjoy each piece of art they produce, learn form the experience of creating it, and to feel proud of that masterpiece.  For this to happen, it is important to allow them some freedom to express what they love and what has an impact on their lives.

Beginners: Beginning students will usually first be introduced to the concept that all images can be broken down into basic shapes.  Circles and triangles are much easier to reproduce than the complex outline of many images.  After drawing these shapes, details are added that make the image begin to look more like the desired final image and parts of the original shapes are erased where they should not appear as complete shapes.  A final image is produced through a simple, step-by-step method.  See the sample below which shows a dog’s head being simplified to circles, ovals, and triangles in the first stage of the drawing.  Then keep adding shapes and details, and you have a very accurate drawing of this furry friend.  Through this process, students learn to compare the size of different shapes in their drawing so that they keep each in proper proportion. They learn how to place each shape in the precise location that it belongs.   Drawing techniques are gradually introduced as students grasp the new concepts. 

Intermediate and Advanced students are introduced to more advanced methods of measuring shapes and visualizing where they go.  They learn about negative and positive space, directional lines, horizon lines, perspective, foreshortening, color, form, volume, and composition.  Although there is much benefit to learning to create an accurate copy of an image, art goes far beyond this skill.  Students are encouraged to use their creativity and the composition skills they learn to create their own unique pieces of art.

Shading and coloring: 

Students choose from a variety of mediums. Young children often work with pastels and watercolor crayons.  Pastels offer them the ability to cover large areas quickly, and to blend colors with their fingers.  Watercolor crayons are a great opportunity to work with a paint brush and begin learning the skills that will be further developed when they begin the painting program.  Older students may choose to work with graphite, charcoal, Conte crayons, pastels, pen and ink, and watercolor pencils.  They will learn advanced shading possibilities with different types of lines such as cross hatching, stippling, dashes, zig zags, and spirals which all give unique effects.

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