Course Descriptions
The Introductory Courses listed below are recommended for students at any level who may benefit from a structured review of one or more session/unit. Art schools often refer to these classes as "foundation" courses.
Introduction to Painting is developed around the basics of oil painting. Because oils allow a student to be most careful and attentive to color, and given the fact that the structure of an oil painting is complex, I believe it is an ideal teaching medium. It is necessary for students to learn these fundamentals before handling acrylics or other painting media. With careful observation and attention to nature, the student will proceed through a series of exercises designed to enlarge the painting vocabulary, to expand vision, and increase technical ability. Students will also be exposed to the history of painting and will enter discussions on the technical aspects of various past masters.
Introduction to Drawing is designed to teach the student to see three-dimensional form clearly and to describe it on a two-dimensional surface using the traditional methodology of the western world. By doing various exercises using classical technical means, the students will learn to translate the visual world into the world of art. There is an emphasize on proportion, value, balance, weight and mass. The student will use pencil, charcoal, and pen and ink. As all artists can improve their drawing skills, no matter how advanced, the beginning drawing course is recommended for all studio artists.
Introduction to Design is perhaps the most important of all foundation courses. Here you will explore both traditional and
contemporary compositions. It is through application and arrangement of the elements of design, within the principles of design, that artists are able convey their artistic intent and guide the viewers interpretation.
- Principles of Design: Balance, Emphasis, Unity/Harmony, Variety, Pattern, Rhythm/Movement, Proportion/Scale,
- Elements of Design: Line, Shape/Form,
Color, Space/Perspective, Value, Texture