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Curriculum
Spring Program 2013
New England’s Classical Atelier Program
The Atelier program at Wethersfield Academy for the Arts provides the serious artist-in-training an opportunity to be coached and mentored by a distinguished faculty member. Atelier students work side-by-side with their instructors in the beautiful north light studio. Students are provided with individual space within the studio to complete projects independently or with the guidance of their instructor. It is advisable to meet with an Atelier instructor before the beginning of each session. For more information, please contact the Academy at 860-436-9857.
Atelier Figure Drawing
Beginner through Advanced
Instructor: Christina Mastrangelo www.christinamastrangelo.com
Figure Drawing 1 curriculum is set to allow the student to follow a logical drawing process to create a solid figure. It is foundational to drawing everything else. This class is open to any level.
This course covers the many principals and methods academic artists use to draw the figure accurately, including how to start the drawing, gesture, balance and the center line, knowing comparative measurement tricks, maintaining proportion, and shape accuracy. This class also covers conceptualization, basic anatomy, and how to understand the structure and alignments of the body so we do not have to chase the pose every time it shifts.
During these sessions we will study works and teachings of Charles Bargue, Andrew Loomis, George Bridgeman, Harold Speed, Robert Beverly Hale, and many others respected in the figure drawing field.
After understanding the basic steps of drawing the figure, students will then draw the model with long poses. Students will utilize concepts learned to construct and articulate solid figures.
Figure Drawing 1
Fee: $295. members; $325. non-members
Model fees extra
Figure Drawing 2 curriculum is the long pose. Here we will draw the figure with one long pose for the 6 weeks. First we will construct and articulate a solid figure using what was learned in Part 1. Once we’ve achieved this we will render the halftones and bring the drawing to a beautiful finish. Students will learn how to master graphite and the figure. Emphasis is on accuracy.
For this class, all six sessions must be attended. The principles taught are progressive and presented for the duration of the session.
Figure Drawing 2
Monday Evening 5:30pm to 8:30pm; 9-weeks Session 3; April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, (not 27), June 3, 10, 17
Thursday Afternoon 1:30pm to 4:30pm; 6-weeks Starting May 9, 2013
Fee: $420. members; $450. non-members
Model fees extra
Bargue Drawing
These drawing courses revolve around traditional European technical training of Charles Bargue from the 19th century French academies with a focus on shapes, form, line, and values. Students will start with graphite pencil on paper, receiving demonstrations on materials, how to approach a drawing, sight-size and comparative measurement drawing, and tricks to aid in the making of more representational drawings. Students will be given a group demonstration on technique, and then work individually on practicing this technique for understanding. The curriculum starts with simple projects and moves progressively onto harder more complex work, each one incorporating more techniques to build upon previous lessons. Main projects are copies of Bargue drawings, as done in atelier schools in the 19th century (of which are also continued in today's atelier schools).
Students will be working on more complex Bargue drawings, incorporating the fundamentals learned and adding new challenges of value, intricacy, and size. Lessons are tailored to the individual levels of the students but focus around the same fundamental material. Development of your skills depends on focus in conjunction with demonstrations, practice, targeted projects, and continual guidance. Emphasis is on accuracy and training your eye so as not to be dependent on grids or tracing, thus making it possible to pursue drawing actively and freely in other areas like portraiture from life and landscape sketching. There is also a some homework that is recommended but not mandatory.
This is an ongoing class that students go at their own pace once they get started. Bargue #1 continues onto #2 all the way up to #4. The weeks are split into 6 week sessions. The principals taught are progressive and presented for the duration of the session.
Bargue Drawing
Monday Afternoon 1:30pm to 4:30pm; 6-weeks Session 1 Starting March 25, 2013 Session 2; May 6, 13, 20 (not 27), June 2, 10, 17
Thursday Evening 5:30pm to 8:30pm; 6-weeks Starting May 9, 2013
Fee: $295. members; $325. non-members
Portrait Drawing & Painting
Instructor: Jack Montmeat www.jackmontmeat.com
Wednesday – 12:30pm to 3:30 pm; 6 week session
Fee: $295. members, $325. non-members
Model fees extra
Award-winning artist Jack Montmeat has designed this course for both beginners and experienced artists interested in refreshing and honing their skills. Students may choose to work from a live portrait model. Those working from the portrait model will enjoy a 3-hour pose each week, and concepts covered will include placement of the subject on the page, proportions, likeness, clothing, lighting, line quality and basic anatomy, as well as discussions on drawing each feature of the face. Students may also work from still life set-ups with instruction in light, shadows, drapery and perspective. Handouts will be given each week to illustrate key concepts, and Jack will include demonstrations, gentle guidance, and individual attention during each class. All levels are welcome.
Atelier Teen Portfolio Development
Instructor: Jack Montmeat www.jackmontmeat.com
Wednesdays – 3:45 pm to 5:45 pm, 6 week sessions
Call for information on dates and availability
Fee: $220. members; $250. non-members
Your portfolio is the key to success in being admitted to a top art school. The goal of this studio course is to provide how-to advice and tips on portfolio development to help you prepare the best presentation for getting into the college of your choice. Instruction focuses on areas of students' portfolios that need improvement. Each class will delve into subjects like plaster cast drawing, still-life, copying from old master plates, drawing animal skulls, or perhaps an intro to portrait class. So it will have a variety of subjects, but the basics of drawing (proportion, line quality, composition, the block-in, measuring, light and shade, etc.) will be thoroughly covered in detail. Come to the first class with examples of work (your present portfolio), an 18" x 24" drawing pad, and charcoal.
Studio Arts Program
LIVE STUDIO: Figure & Portrait Sessions
Drop-in, ongoing
Monitored, non-instructional
Every Tuesday – 6:30-9:00 pm
Fee: $12 per evening
These sessions give artists the opportunity to draw or paint from a live model. No need to sign up ahead, just come with your pad and drawing tools.
Youth Program - Drawing and Painting
Ages 6 and Up
Instructor: Nick Frasco
Saturdays – 9:30-11am or to 11:00-12:20pm; 6-week sessions ongoing
Thursdays - 4 to 5:30pm; 6-week sessions ongoing
Fee: $195 (member) / $225 (non-member)
This course will teach the basic fundamentals of drawing, composition and painting, how to mix and apply paint, and use of a variety of art materials. Students may bring a project of their own to work on. The ultimate goal of the Youth Program is for the student to enjoy a rewarding experience and to create a work of art that is satisfying.
Wethersfield Academy for the Arts continually adds new courses to its curriculum.
Please check back with us!