Summer Foundation Classes
For children, teens, & adults
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.
• SIX CLASSES
• Monday, June 24th through Friday, August 2nd (+ Thursday, August 8th due to July 4th closure)
• Many classes are available IN-STUDIO or as SIMULTANEOUS (in-studio or online) classes
• Monday, June 24th through Friday, August 2nd (+ Thursday, August 8th due to July 4th closure)
• Many classes are available IN-STUDIO or as SIMULTANEOUS (in-studio or online) classes
BEGINNERS DRAWING
Tuesday: 4:30-5:30pm
SIMULTANOUS
Wednesday: 4:30-5:30pm
IN-STUDIO
Friday: 4:30-5:30pm
SIMULTANOUS
SIMULTANOUS
Wednesday: 4:30-5:30pm
IN-STUDIO
Friday: 4:30-5:30pm
SIMULTANOUS
AGES 5 to 6.5 years old
Children must be 5 years old BEFORE September 1st to register for Beginner class level.
Children must be 5 years old BEFORE September 1st to register for 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
Monday: 4:30-5:30pm
SIMULTANEOUS
Tuesday: 6:00-7:00pm
SIMULTANEOUS
Friday: 6:00-7:00pm
SIMULTANEOUS
SIMULTANEOUS
Tuesday: 6:00-7:00pm
SIMULTANEOUS
Friday: 6:00-7:00pm
SIMULTANEOUS
AGES 6.5 to 7.5 years old
This class level is intended for students who are 6.5 to 7.5 years old as of June 1st.
This class level is intended for students who are 6.5 to 7.5 years old as of June 1st.
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
Wednesday: 6-7pm
IN-STUDIO
SIMULTANEOUS
Wednesday: 6-7pm
IN-STUDIO
AGES 7.5 to 9 years old
This class level is intended for students who are 7.5 through 9 years old as of June 1st.
This class level is intended for students who are 7.5 through 9 years old as of June 1st.
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: 6:00-7:30pm
IN-STUDIO
SIMULTANEOUS
Thursday: 6:00-7:30pm
IN-STUDIO
AGES 9 (minimum) to Adult
This class level is for students who are a MINIMUM of 9 years of age. We cannot place students under the minimum age in this class level. 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. We cannot place students under the minimum age in this class level. 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
Wednesday: 4-5:30pm
SIMULTANEOUS
SIMULTANEOUS
AGES 10 to Adult
This class level is intended for students who have already taken 3-4 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 3-4 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
SIMULTANEOUS
AGES 12.5 (7th grade) to 19
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!
DRAWING FOR ADULTS
Thursday: 6:30-8pm
IN-STUDIO
IN-STUDIO
AGES Adult
• No critiques, criticism, or comparisons
• No prior skills needed
• No critiques, criticism, or comparisons
• No prior skills needed
DRAWING FOR ADULTS
Have you ever wished you could draw but didn't know where to begin? Perhaps you even feel intimidated by the idea of taking a drawing class because you don't believe you have "talent" or don't already know how to draw. Drawing is a skill that can be taught and learned and it's never too late to learn. ActonArt's Drawing for Adults course will introduce you to the concepts and visual perceptions that are the basic foundation of realistic / representational drawing in a relaxing, no-critique environment. Guided projects and exercises will cover the use of line (edges), tone (light and shadow), spaces (negative and positive), and relationships (perspective, proportion, etc.) A variety of mediums may be used, including graphite, charcoal, marker, soft pastel or colored pencil. No experience is necessary or expected. All high quality materials are included in the course fee.
ActonArt: 69 Great Rd, Acton, MA 01720 * 978-266-1600 * info@actonart.com