Children's classes

Elementary Level (K-Gr.5)

In this program, developed for children from Kindergarten to Grade 5, students are introduced to the elements and concepts of art, learn to observe, exercise their drawing and painting skills, and express their feelings and thoughts through art. In addition to drawing and painting, we focus on fine motor skills and creative mind development through 3D activities such as sculpting and fiber arts (weaving, sewing, felting). The main objective of art education at this time is to enhance the development of creative thinking through drawing and painting from imagination and memory. Children are learning about the essential elements of art: shapes, lines, color, and texture. The classroom organization is choice-based. Students are usually free to choose the medium they like: paints, oil pastels, markers, pencils, and/or modeling clay. I combine instructed and uninstructed practice to develop both craftsmanship and artistic approach. The classes focus on composition, sculpture, decorative arts, and illustration as a form of narrative drawing. Students will be introduced to the works of famous artists through picture books, educational videos, and fun stories. They will learn about creating compositions expressing people’s feelings and be encouraged to develop their own visual stories. These classes are 60 minutes long, and the children usually finish one project during the class, although sometimes it takes several classes to complete a longer piece.

On this level, we focus on:

• Observation, memory, and invention as sources of inspiration
• Explorations in color theory
• Visual art genres (portrait, still life, landscape, etc.)
• Narrative drawing and illustrating
• Elements of visual art (composition)
• Art vocabulary and leading persons in art history
• Exploring new mediums and techniques
• Connection of art with other disciplines.

Upper Level (Gr. 6 and up)

At this age, children are very much concerned about the level of realism achieved in the drawing. The students are increasingly critical of their drawings and easily frustrated about their lack of skills. It is essential to encourage them at this stage. To resolve the conflict between how the subjects look and how they “come out” on the paper, it’s essential to learn how to see the structure of the things and the relationship between objects. Sometimes, students draw in a cartoony style because they like it best and fear creating artwork that “doesn’t look right”. I’d recommend introducing observational drawing assignments to help find a unique artistic style and develop new skills. My main goal as an art educator is to help them see their artwork as a whole, not just a “pretty” and “real-looking” piece, but also an expression of their feelings and thoughts.

During the drawing sessions, we will use values, light, and perspective to create the illusion of depth in drawings. The favorite drawing mediums are probably markers, pens, and graphite pencils. In painting sessions, we usually use acrylics, gouache, and watercolors. Oil pastels are often used in combination with other painting materials. Students are now encouraged to use canvases and easels instead of painting on flat paper. The illustration projects may combine materials and techniques, including colored pencils, inks, and professional alcohol-based markers.

On this level, we study:

• Perspective, space, and depth in visual art
• Creating volume in two-dimensional art
• Drawing and shading techniques
• Color, light, and value
• Principles of composition
• Art history and art appreciation, including the study of works of the Old masters and contemporary artists
• Creating an art portfolio
• Including digital art and technology in the art process
• Interdisciplinary art practices

The classes are 60 or 90 min, and completing one project may take 2 or 3 lessons. Each lesson includes painting or drawing practice (3D art is not included in the curriculum) and a brief introductory talk with a slideshow or other visual support.