MY PRIVATE ART CURRICULUM
"Four Stages to Mastery"
I approach private art instructing as a progression of 4 necessary steps or levels. These 4 levels are outlined below:
Level 1
In level one, students work solely with graphite pencils and charcoal. By restricting students to the gray scale, they are better able to learn the foundational skills required for all other mediums such as value, lighting, perspective, etc. Level one starts with a series of exercises that each teach a foundational skill before any attempt is made to produce an actual drawing. However, by the end of level 1, students will be able to draw landscapes, still-lifes, and portraits.
Level 2
In level two, students will be working in pen and ink (black). There are still key topics that need to be addressed before color is introduced. As in level one, students will begin with a series of exercises to get acquainted with the pen and ink medium before moving on to more advanced sketches, and ultimately, to larger scale drawings.
Level 3
In level three, students begin working with colored pencils. With the introduction of color and color theory, a whole new world is introduced to students, who are now ready for the added challenge. Once again, students begin with exercises relating to color even before they start the smallest of projects. Once the idea of color is mastered on a small scale, students work up to larger or more detailed compositions. As in the first two levels, students learn to manipulate the pencils in a variety of ways suitable for landscapes, portraits, still-life, illustrations, etc.
Level 4
While level three is the culmination for many students, level four is an option for those who want to dig further and learn more about art and other mediums not covered in the first three levels. Level four is a time for students to begin developing their own style and artistic direction. Many students will opt to stick with graphite, charcoal, pen and ink, or colored pencil while others will want to combine these with mediums such as watercolor, gauche or pastel. Others may want to take a completely different path and begin in acrylics, printmaking or even photography. These are all acceptable paths and I will do my best to help individual students find their own unique niche.
Additional Comments:
Once a student achieves a level where they can render a proportional and realistic looking portrait of a person in colored pencil (including evenly blended skin tones and details down to shadows on the teeth, white highlights in the eyes, etc.) they are ready for almost anything - and that is our objective.
It is one thing for a student to be able to copy a master’s work, but a completely different thing for them to take an original idea and execute it to the same detail and craftsmanship as they would a copy. While we begin by copying the works of others for the value it provides, the goal is always to have students reach the point where they feel they can just sit down and draw any subject placed in front of them. This is why I place a high value on establishing a solid foundation in both skills and knowledge.
Please Note:
All subject material used for each level is appropriate for all ages. I DO NOT believe that the use of nude models is necessary nor do I ever approach teaching this way in my studio. If this is something that you feel your child needs, many other programs in the area offer such classes.
In addition, all exercises and larger projects I use in levels 1-3 are what are classified as “realism”. We will not be covering abstract, contemporary, or cubist styles. If a student is interested in one of these they can be explored in level four, once a strong drawing and color theory foundation has already been established.
Finally, all students, regardless of age, begin in level one and work their way up. Many may feel that they already know the “basics” and don't need to go through level one. However, a refresher is always a good idea, and the few things a student may pick up, could be the very thing that spares them time and frustration in the future. Yet, with that said, if a student has had extensive art training, I will gladly permit them to advance rapidly, as long as they can demonstrate mastery.