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Visual Arts Courses

Exploring Art Mediums for Kids

Suggested Age:

8-12

Process/Purpose

Explore! Experiment! Experience! This introduction to materials and methods provides hands-on experiences in the visual arts. Creative thinking is born of experimentation, beginning with ideas using

tactile materials.


This entry-level art class is aimed towards elementary students. In this class, we will explore different media, both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional. Students will discover how to see as an artist does,

learning to think creatively. Students will become familiar with a wide range of drawing, painting, and textile media. Using clay and other 3-dimensional building materials, we will learn some basic hand-

building and sculpture skills. In the Exploring Art Mediums for Kids class, students will be introduced to famous master artists and will explore creative concepts with hands-on projects that will also build

their fine motor skills as well as their hand-eye coordination.

Exploring Art Mediums for Teens

Suggested Age:

12-18

Process/Purpose

Explore! Experiment! Experience! This introduction to materials and methods provides hands-on experiences in the visual arts. Creative thinking is born of experimentation, beginning with ideas using tactile materials.


This class will explore different media, both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional. Students will discover how to see as an artist does, learning to think creatively. After learning the basics of drawing, we will become familiar with oil and chalk pastels, watercolor, acrylics, textiles, and more. Using clay and other 3-dimensional building materials, we will learn some basic hand-building and sculpture skills. In the Exploring Art Mediums for Teens class, students will be introduced to famous master artists and will explore creative concepts with hands-on projects.

2D Design & Color Theory

Suggested Age:

13-18

Process/Purpose:


Welcome to our 2D Design and Color Theory course! Over the span of two semesters, we'll

explore the foundational elements of design and the captivating world of color theory. Each

semester will delve into distinct yet interconnected aspects of visual art, offering a

comprehensive understanding of composition, color, texture, and more.


Semester 1: Color Theory


In the first semester, we will focus our study on color through theory and practice. Topics we

plan to cover include:

  • Color Wheel Exploration: Understanding primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, and their relationships on the color wheel.

  • Color Harmony: Delving into various color harmonies such as complementary, analogous, and triadic schemes.

  • Psychology of Color: Exploring how color influences emotions, perceptions, and cultural meanings.

  • Color Mixing Techniques: Mastering color mixing using different mediums including paint, pastels, and digital tools.

  • Color in Composition: Analyzing how color affects composition and mood in artworks.

Through hands-on projects and discussions, students will develop an understanding of color,

equipping them with the skills to create visually compelling artworks with intention and depth.


Semester 2: 2D Design


Building upon the principles learned in the first semester, the second semester focuses on 2D

design and composition. Students will explore the fundamental elements and principles of

design, honing their ability to create visually dynamic artworks. Topics covered include:


  • Rhythm in Artwork: Understanding rhythm as a guiding force in composition, exploring repetition, variation, and movement.

  • Transparency and Layering: Experimenting with transparency and layering techniques to add depth and complexity to artworks.

  • Positive-Negative Artwork: Exploring the interplay between positive and negative space to create balance and harmony.

  • Textured Artwork: Utilizing various techniques and mediums to incorporate texture into artworks, adding tactile richness and visual interest.

  • Unity and Balance: Studying how to achieve unity and balance within compositions through careful arrangement of elements.

  • Variety of Mediums: Experimenting with a range of traditional and digital mediums including drawing, painting, collage, and digital software.

Through studio projects, critiques, and hands-on experimentation, students will develop their

design sensibilities and artistic voices, gaining the confidence to create captivating 2D artworks

across a variety of mediums.


As a portfolio class that can be taken over and over, students are encouraged to use each iteration

of the course as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Whether they are refining existing

skills, experimenting with new techniques, or exploring different themes and concepts, students

will continually expand their portfolio and push the boundaries of their creativity.


By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in both color theory and 2D

design, enabling them to create cohesive and visually compelling artworks that resonate with

viewers. Whether pursuing further studies in art or simply exploring their creative passions,

students will leave with a deeper understanding of the principles and techniques that underpin

effective visual communication.

Sculpture 1

Suggested Age:

12-18

Process/Purpose

Spatial Reasoning is the ability to imagine and manipulate objects three dimensionally. Unquestionably, this is a vital skill for professionals from engineers to molecular biologists. This introductory class will strengthen these mind skills via hands on sculpture projects, observation of numerous examples, the understanding, learning and memorization of the basic elements and principles of design, as well as addressing the ability to translate 3-D objects from our imagination to 2-D drawing (and the reverse, from drawings to objects).


Often this type of course requires a significant investment in materials and equipment. By focusing on the ideas more than the craftsmanship, we can decrease that monetary investment some. The projects will utilize wire, clay, plastics, and other non-precious media to exercise the students’ 3-D brain muscles.

Building Art Skills

Suggested Age:

8-18

Purpose

Drawing is a learned skill based on hand-eye coordination; anyone can learn to draw.


Participants will be given an introduction to the study of free-hand drawing using line, shape, value, composition, perspective,and texture. Further studying art skills in-depth include using a variety of mediums (pencils, charcoal, conte’, ink, washes, watercolor, acrylic and oils) to achieve a solid foundation in drawing and beginning painting. This class will include a study of human features and form.


Famous master artists, past and present, will continue to be studied and hands-on projects will explore further creative concepts. Displaying, framing, and matting artwork is also a part of the class.


Time permitting, we will take a trip to the Blanton Art Museum on the campus of UT. Throughout the year, artists will come and share techniques and ideas with the class to expand their knowledge and appreciation of art.

Good News Bible Art

Suggested Age:

12-16

As Creator, God is the ultimate artist. When using God-given talents to explore the

tapestry of Scripture, Christians can expressively worship that divine artistry. Using an interdisciplinary

approach, students will delve into Biblical lessons from both the Old and New Testament from Creation

to the Apostolic Age. Students will analyze specific Biblical accounts and then use a variety of art forms

to interpret the lessons of Scripture. Art techniques employed will include acrylic painting, watercolor

painting, drawing, mixed media, clay, and papercraft. Students will also examine famous art works that

depict the relevant Biblical passages.

Intro to Painting

Suggested Age:

13-18

Purpose/Process:

Painting is a foundational part of the art process, as well as a rich and rewarding means of expression. Intro to Painting covers technique, style, and the fundamentals of art through watercolor, gouache, and acrylic painting. Students spend in-depth units working on practical art skills, creative problem solving, and confidence in their artistic abilities through painting.

Drawing and Painting 1

Suggested Age:

13-18

Process/Purpose

This is the follow-up to the introductory studio course, Exploring Art Mediums. In this course we will continue to explore the expression of ideas using a variety of media (graphite, charcoal, and paint media), and a variety of techniques with emphasis on natural form, composition and self-expression. Each student will be re-introduced to the core concepts and skills through exercises and small take-home projects. The semester will begin with drawing skills and conclude with watercolor and acrylic painting. Students will also get to choose their own individual projects to show off their newly refined skills and techniques.


New students with a gift for art are encouraged to join us and will be given additional guidance and instruction as needed.

Elements and Principles of Design

Suggested Age:

13-18

Purpose

This course is a combination of what could be considered Art III and an Introduction to GraphicDesign.


As in Building Art Skills, there is an emphasis on drawing, homework sketches due each week, and a continuation of honing the student’s eye-hand coordination. Projects are designed to give students a taste of what a professional graphic designer might do.


Graphic design is largely done on the computer these days, but key concepts and skills are the same as they were before we had the computer. Thus, that’s where the emphasis will be ~ on grasping the concepts that make effective design, not on learning particular software.


The computer is an incredibly useful tool for design, and each student should have access to the internet and a computer at home. No computers will be needed in class. No special computer software will be required for this class.

  • Could be considered Art III

  • Projects require more time & concentration

  • Emphasis on Graphic Design (commonly referred to as Commercial Art)

  • Studies about letterforms

  • Projects that emulate real world design jobs

  • Thinking about the marketing behind a design

  • Putting into practice the elements & principles of art

Introduction to Print Making

Suggested Age:

13-18

Purpose

This course is the Introduction to Printmaking. 


As in Building Art Skills, there is an emphasis on drawing, homework sketches due each week, and a continuation of honing the student's eye­hand coordination. Projects are designed to give students hands-on experience with a variety of methods of creating printed designs. 


Much of modern design is computer based, but the focus of this class will be on the key concepts and timeless skills that remain the same as they were before we had the computer. Thus, that's where the emphasis will be - on grasping the concept of print designs in printmaking. 


The computer is an incredibly useful tool for design, and each student should have access to the internet and a computer at home. No computers will be needed in class. No special computer software will be required for this class.

  • This Class should be considered Art III.

  • Projects will require more time & concentration than other class levels.

  • Student will be introduced to the concept of original prints.

  • Student will gain an understanding of the functions and purposes of printmaking in history.

  • Students will examine the various printmaking processes and distinguish why artists chose particular techniques for special effects.

  • Student will to be able to distinguish different print media.

  • Student will become aware of the large impact printmaking has had in the advancement of civilization and technology as we know it today.

  • Student will complete a variety of hands-on projects including a three color reduction print and a linoleum cut print.

Watercolor

Suggested Age:

12-18

Process/Purpose:

Welcome to our watercolor course! Throughout the school year we provide students with a comprehensive introduction to both the technical and artistic aspects of watercolor painting. The course was designed to help students develop a solid foundation in watercolor techniques while encouraging creativity and self-expression.


At the start of the year, students learned about the essential tools of watercolor painting, including different types of brushes, watercolor paints, and papers. This class focuses on creating a comfortable learning environment where students could explore their artistic voices while developing the necessary skills to express their ideas through watercolor.


Throughout the year, students practiced several core techniques, starting with basic ones such as gradient washes, color mixing, and brush control. They will be taught how to create smooth, seamless gradients, vibrant colors, and varied textures by adjusting water-to-paint ratios and controlling the amount of moisture on both the paper and the brush. Students were encouraged to experiment with the wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry methods, learning the differences between the two approaches and how each one can create different effects.


As the course progresses, the students will expand their knowledge of more advanced techniques, such as creating texture with salt, masking fluid, and lifting paint. They explored concepts like color theory, understanding the role of warm and cool tones, complementary colors, and how to use contrast and harmony in their work. Students also studied how light, shadow, and composition impact the final painting, refining their ability to convey depth and emotion in their pieces.


One of the key focuses of this class is helping students find and develop their personal artistic style. With the guidance of their instructor, students are encouraged to experiment with different subject matters, such as landscapes, florals, abstract compositions and much more. This flexibility allowed students to explore various themes and discover what resonated most with them. Whether working with a detailed still life or an impressionistic landscape, students are given the freedom to incorporate their unique perspectives and interests into their work.


Throughout the year, students were given both structured assignments and open-ended projects. The assignments were designed to challenge their technical abilities, while independent projects providing space for creativity and exploration. Students worked both individually and collaboratively, providing feedback to their peers, learning from one another, and gaining inspiration from the diverse styles within the class.


The final stage of the class involved a culminating exhibition, where students showcased their best pieces. This event will be an opportunity to celebrate their growth, creativity, and technical achievements. The exhibition allows students to reflect on their yearlong journey, recognizing the development of their artistic skills and how they had transformed over the course of the school year.


By the end of the course, students will have a strong watercolor foundation, providing them with the tools and knowledge to confidently approach the medium while fostering a sense of artistic expression and discovery.

Sculpture 1: 3-D Design

Suggested Age:

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