Foundation Classes
Foundation level classes present core skills projects that introduce a range of concepts and techniques needed for making realistic representational artwork. You can learn about each class in the descriptions below and read more about our approach to teaching students of all ages here.
• TWELVE CLASSES per Trimester
• Begins Wednesday, September 6th —Ends - Saturday, December 2nd
• All classes are IN-STUDIO unless marked otherwise
• Many classes are available IN-STUDIO or as SIMULTANEOUS (in-studio or online) classes
BEGINNERS DRAWING
- MONDAY: 4:30-5:30pm SIMULTANEOUS
- TUESDAY: 4:30-5:30pm IN-STUDIO
- WEDNESDAY: 4:30-5:30pm SIMULTANEOUS
- SATURDAY: 10:30-11:30am IN-STUDIO
AGES—5 (minimum) to 6.5 years
Children must be 5 years old BEFORE September 1st to register for the Beginner class level.
Children must be 5 years old BEFORE September 1st to register for the Beginner class level.
BEGINNERS DRAWING
THE LEARNING OBJECTIVES for Beginners include development of basic control and drawing skills, learning how to properly use materials, and follow general studio procedures.
By teaching young children how to use and control materials properly and safely they develop habits that are carried forward. Projects at this level are designed to demonstrate to children how to organize the process of drawing and improve their results. We emphasize planning, sequencing, problem solving, and staying on task.
This may all sound very methodical and business-like to an adult but it's all new to young children who quickly see dramatic changes in their drawings. And, we always offer opportunities and encouragement for children to express their personal creative insights as part of their artwork.
The essence of "art," regardless of the artist's age, is a result of the skills and techniques they've mastered combined with their creativity and desire to express it.
By teaching young children how to use and control materials properly and safely they develop habits that are carried forward. Projects at this level are designed to demonstrate to children how to organize the process of drawing and improve their results. We emphasize planning, sequencing, problem solving, and staying on task.
This may all sound very methodical and business-like to an adult but it's all new to young children who quickly see dramatic changes in their drawings. And, we always offer opportunities and encouragement for children to express their personal creative insights as part of their artwork.
The essence of "art," regardless of the artist's age, is a result of the skills and techniques they've mastered combined with their creativity and desire to express it.
BASIC-1 DRAWING
- TUESDAY: 6-7pm IN-STUDIO
- FRIDAY: 4-5pm SIMULTANEOUS
- SATURDAY: 9-10am IN-STUDIO
AGES—6.5 to 7.5 years
This class level is intended for students who are either: moving up from Beginners drawing; or 6.5 to 7.5 years old and new to drawing classes
This class level is intended for students who are either: moving up from Beginners drawing; or 6.5 to 7.5 years old and new to drawing classes
BASIC-1 DRAWING
Basic Drawing 1 introduces students to a structured drawing process which includes learning how to "see to draw," plan and follow through.
The class projects are designed to guide students toward developing drawing skills while encouraging personal expression and creativity. While many of the projects are guided, each student is allowed and encouraged to work with his or her own vision and produce a unique finished piece.
As in all ActonArt classes there is no critique, commentary or competition and students are encouraged to assess their own work. In this safe environment students learn that they can follow their instincts, explore new ideas and take chances in their work without fear of criticism.
Placement of children in the appropriate class level is subject to Director's recommendation.
The class projects are designed to guide students toward developing drawing skills while encouraging personal expression and creativity. While many of the projects are guided, each student is allowed and encouraged to work with his or her own vision and produce a unique finished piece.
As in all ActonArt classes there is no critique, commentary or competition and students are encouraged to assess their own work. In this safe environment students learn that they can follow their instincts, explore new ideas and take chances in their work without fear of criticism.
Placement of children in the appropriate class level is subject to Director's recommendation.
BASIC-2 DRAWING
- MONDAY: 6-7pm SIMULTANEOUS
- TUESADY: 4-5PM ONLINE
- WEDNESDAY: 6-7pm SIMULTANEOUS
- SATURDAY: 12-1pm IN-STUDIO
AGES—7.5 to 9 years
This class level is intended for students who are either: moving up from Basic-1; or 7.5 to 9 years old and new to drawing classes
This class level is intended for students who are either: moving up from Basic-1; or 7.5 to 9 years old and new to drawing classes
BASIC-2 DRAWING
Basic Drawing 2 continues presenting more complex projects within a structured drawing process. Pre-planning and organization become more important as the projects increase in challenge level.
The class projects are designed to continue guiding students toward developing drawing skills while encouraging personal expression and creativity. While all of the projects are guided, each student is allowed and encouraged to work with his or her own vision and produce a unique finished piece.
As in all ActonArt classes there is no critique, commentary or competition and students are encouraged to assess their own work. In this safe environment students learn that they can follow their instincts, explore new ideas and take chances in their work without fear of criticism.
Placement of children in the appropriate class level is subject to Director's recommendation.
The class projects are designed to continue guiding students toward developing drawing skills while encouraging personal expression and creativity. While all of the projects are guided, each student is allowed and encouraged to work with his or her own vision and produce a unique finished piece.
As in all ActonArt classes there is no critique, commentary or competition and students are encouraged to assess their own work. In this safe environment students learn that they can follow their instincts, explore new ideas and take chances in their work without fear of criticism.
Placement of children in the appropriate class level is subject to Director's recommendation.
INTERMEDIATE-1 DRAWING
- MONDAY: 4-5:30pm SIMULTANEOUS
- THURSDAY: 4-5:30pm IN-STUDIO
- THURSDAY: 4:30-6pm ONLINE ONLY
- FRIDAY: 6-7:30pm SIMULTANEOUS
- SATURDAY: 9-10:30am SIMULTANEOUS
AGES—9 (minimum) & up
This class level is for students who are a MINIMUM of 9 years of age. It is also appropriate for adults who don't mind the mixed age environment.
This class level is for students who are a MINIMUM of 9 years of age. It is also appropriate for adults who don't mind the mixed age environment.
INTERMEDIATE-1 DRAWING
INTERMEDIATE-1 drawing offers a continuing focus on visual training, planning and process. These older students seek both naturalistic realism and an opportunity for creative expression. Class projects develop visual perception and drawing skills while exposing students to a wide variety of techniques and media. Subject matter may include: animals, landscape, still life, the human form, as well as various artists and art periods. Students will be encouraged to develop their own style and creative approach. Placement of students in the appropriate class level is subject to Director's recommendation.
These classes are intended for students who are:
• 9 years old at a minimum, and moving up from BASIC-2 DRAWING,
• or older and less confident in their skills, INCLUDING ADULTS.
• INTERMEDIATE-1 Students are first year students at this level. Projects are specific and predominantly guided.
NOTE: INTERMEDIATE CLASSES ARE DIVIDED INTO TWO LEVELS, 1 and 2 , WITH 2 BEING MORE EXPERIENCED.
• STUDENTS MOVING UP FROM Basic-2, or coming in as a new student without prior ActonArt experience should join an INTERMEDIATE-1 class.
• STUDENTS WITH A FULL YEAR or more of experience at the Intermediate-1 level should join a LEVEL 2 class. This assumes they can fully engage with projects and use all available class time without rushing to completion. Students who routinely finish early and state that they are "done" should not move into an INTERMEDIATE-2 level.
These classes are intended for students who are:
• 9 years old at a minimum, and moving up from BASIC-2 DRAWING,
• or older and less confident in their skills, INCLUDING ADULTS.
• INTERMEDIATE-1 Students are first year students at this level. Projects are specific and predominantly guided.
NOTE: INTERMEDIATE CLASSES ARE DIVIDED INTO TWO LEVELS, 1 and 2 , WITH 2 BEING MORE EXPERIENCED.
• STUDENTS MOVING UP FROM Basic-2, or coming in as a new student without prior ActonArt experience should join an INTERMEDIATE-1 class.
• STUDENTS WITH A FULL YEAR or more of experience at the Intermediate-1 level should join a LEVEL 2 class. This assumes they can fully engage with projects and use all available class time without rushing to completion. Students who routinely finish early and state that they are "done" should not move into an INTERMEDIATE-2 level.
INTERMEDIATE-2 DRAWING
- TUESDAY: 6-7:30pm SIMULTANEOUS
- WEDNESDAY: 4-5:30pm SIMULTANEOUS
AGES—10 & up
This class level is intended for students who have already taken one to two years, or more than four trimesters, of INTERMEDIATE-1, or new students who can provide sample artworks that demonstrate appropriate skills for this level.
This class level is intended for students who have already taken one to two years, or more than four trimesters, of INTERMEDIATE-1, or new students who can provide sample artworks that demonstrate appropriate skills for this level.
INTERMEDIATE-2 DRAWING
INTERMEDIATE drawing offers a continuing focus on visual training, planning and process. These older students seek both naturalistic realism and an opportunity for creative expression. Class projects develop visual perception and drawing skills while exposing students to a wide variety of techniques and media. Subject matter may include: animals, landscape, still life, the human form, as well as various artists and art periods. Students will be encouraged to develop their own style and creative approach. Placement of students in the appropriate class level is subject to Director's recommendation.
These classes are intended for students who are:
• 9 years old at a minimum, and moving up from BASIC-2 DRAWING,
• or older and less confident in their skills, INCLUDING ADULTS.
• INTERMEDIATE-1 Students are first year students at this level. Projects are specific and predominantly guided.
NOTE: INTERMEDIATE CLASSES ARE DIVIDED INTO TWO LEVELS, 1 and 2 , WITH 2 BEING MORE EXPERIENCED.
• STUDENTS MOVING UP FROM Basic-2, or coming in as a new student without prior ActonArt experience should join an INTERMEDIATE-1 class.
• STUDENTS WITH A FULL YEAR or more of experience at the Intermediate-1 level should join a LEVEL 2 class. This assumes they can fully engage with projects and use all available class time without rushing to completion. Students who routinely finish early and state that they are "done" should not move into an INTERMEDIATE-2 level.
These classes are intended for students who are:
• 9 years old at a minimum, and moving up from BASIC-2 DRAWING,
• or older and less confident in their skills, INCLUDING ADULTS.
• INTERMEDIATE-1 Students are first year students at this level. Projects are specific and predominantly guided.
NOTE: INTERMEDIATE CLASSES ARE DIVIDED INTO TWO LEVELS, 1 and 2 , WITH 2 BEING MORE EXPERIENCED.
• STUDENTS MOVING UP FROM Basic-2, or coming in as a new student without prior ActonArt experience should join an INTERMEDIATE-1 class.
• STUDENTS WITH A FULL YEAR or more of experience at the Intermediate-1 level should join a LEVEL 2 class. This assumes they can fully engage with projects and use all available class time without rushing to completion. Students who routinely finish early and state that they are "done" should not move into an INTERMEDIATE-2 level.
DRAWING FOR TEENS
- Monday: 6-7:30pm SIMULTANEOUS
AGES—12.5 (7th grade) & up
This class level is intended for teenage students who wish to join classes without having significant prior instruction. The class provides foundation level projects comparable to INTERMEDIATE-1 but in a class comprised of teenage students only.
This class level is intended for teenage students who wish to join classes without having significant prior instruction. The class provides foundation level projects comparable to INTERMEDIATE-1 but in a class comprised of teenage students only.
DRAWING for TEENS
One of our most popular classes, Intro Drawing for TEENS, is designed specifically for NEW teenage students who want to learn core drawing skills. This population is frequently age sensitive and this class addresses that issue by grouping only older students together. It will parallel the Intermediate A class curriculum and present a complete drawing program.
This is an ideal class for students who are not able to participate in art classes in school, but have a desire and aptitude for creative endeavors. No prior experience is needed. Only a positive attitude and an open mind!
This is an ideal class for students who are not able to participate in art classes in school, but have a desire and aptitude for creative endeavors. No prior experience is needed. Only a positive attitude and an open mind!
THE ART YEAR
-
- Tuesday: 6-8pm IN-STUDIO
AGES—12 & up
• A 3-trimester commitment is required for this class
• 2 Hours
PRE-REQUISITE CLASSES: Intermediate 1 and 2 Drawing
• A 3-trimester commitment is required for this class
• 2 Hours
PRE-REQUISITE CLASSES: Intermediate 1 and 2 Drawing
THE ART YEAR
The Art Year provides:
• A capstone time of art studies and practical application for students completing foundation classes and seeking to continue artistic development
• A gateway time for serious art students seeking higher level studies and continuing creative development
• A transition time emphasizing 3D studies, independent thinking, and problem solving
• A recommended pre-requisite for any student seeking to optimize their experience in mediums classes such as painting and mixed media.
OVERVIEW:
The Art Year is designed as the next step for intermediate level students (A2 or higher) who have a committed interest in art and wish to continue developing their skills. It builds upon our foundation drawing classes and begins introducing a more detailed study of materials, more advanced techniques, and conceptual thinking and problem solving. Most importantly, students in this level will be guided toward artistic independence, in which they are encouraged to try new ideas, materials and processes and begin making their own original artwork. Nearly all projects will be multi-week with an emphasis on finishing the projects. Jackie Musto will lead this class during the Fall trimester, Chris Parent in the Winter trimester and Julie Ripley in the Spring trimester.
OBJECTIVE:
As students enter their teen years they are able to integrate a sophisticated vision of their artwork which also begins to involve interpretation and conceptualization. This series of classes is designed specifically to help in the development of high level skills at a time when many children are able to begin integrating all the “pieces” (planning, materials, concepts, techniques, problem solving and finish) together. Designed to be taken after Intermediate A2, for 7th grade students or higher, The Art Year will include segments on all core technical and conceptual art skills, including but not limited to: dry drawing media, wet painting media, composition, color theory, art history, creative thinking, sculpture, and graphic design.
• A capstone time of art studies and practical application for students completing foundation classes and seeking to continue artistic development
• A gateway time for serious art students seeking higher level studies and continuing creative development
• A transition time emphasizing 3D studies, independent thinking, and problem solving
• A recommended pre-requisite for any student seeking to optimize their experience in mediums classes such as painting and mixed media.
OVERVIEW:
The Art Year is designed as the next step for intermediate level students (A2 or higher) who have a committed interest in art and wish to continue developing their skills. It builds upon our foundation drawing classes and begins introducing a more detailed study of materials, more advanced techniques, and conceptual thinking and problem solving. Most importantly, students in this level will be guided toward artistic independence, in which they are encouraged to try new ideas, materials and processes and begin making their own original artwork. Nearly all projects will be multi-week with an emphasis on finishing the projects. Jackie Musto will lead this class during the Fall trimester, Chris Parent in the Winter trimester and Julie Ripley in the Spring trimester.
OBJECTIVE:
As students enter their teen years they are able to integrate a sophisticated vision of their artwork which also begins to involve interpretation and conceptualization. This series of classes is designed specifically to help in the development of high level skills at a time when many children are able to begin integrating all the “pieces” (planning, materials, concepts, techniques, problem solving and finish) together. Designed to be taken after Intermediate A2, for 7th grade students or higher, The Art Year will include segments on all core technical and conceptual art skills, including but not limited to: dry drawing media, wet painting media, composition, color theory, art history, creative thinking, sculpture, and graphic design.
ActonArt: 69 Great Rd, Acton, MA 01720 * 978-266-1600 * info@actonart.com
