MY PRIVATE ART CURRICULUM

"Four Stages to Mastery"


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, composition and perspective. 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 portraits, landscapes, figures, still-lifes, and architectural structures.

Level 2

In level two, students will be working in pen and ink (primarily black ink). There are still key techniques 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, 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, illustration, etc.


Level 4

While level three is the culmination for many students, level four is an option for those who wish to dig further and learn new techniques and 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 wish to stick with graphite, charcoal, pen and ink, or colored pencils, while others go on to combine these with watercolor, gauche, pastel, etc. Still others wish to begin in acrylics, printmaking or even photography. All of these are acceptable paths and I do my best to help each student find their own unique niche.


Additional Comments:

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 that a student may pick up, could be the very things 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 demonstrate mastery.