🍂 Founding Fall Semester

Fine Art Foundations

15 Weeks | Wednesdays & Thursdays | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Semester Theme

The Founding Fall Semester introduces students to the fundamental principles of fine art while building creative confidence, observation skills, and problem-solving through drawing, painting, and mixed media. Each lesson builds upon previous weeks, creating a strong artistic foundation that prepares students for future semesters.

Month 1

Building the Foundation

Week 1

Welcome to the Academy

• Academy orientation

• Studio expectations

• Sketchbook introduction

• Holding drawing tools correctly

• Learning to truly observe

• First confidence drawing

Week 2

Lines, Shapes & Observation

Students learn:

• Line quality

• Basic geometric shapes

• Positive & negative space

• Seeing before drawing

• Observation exercises

Project:
Simple still life drawing

Week 3

Value & Shading

Students explore:

• Light and shadow

• Form

• Blending

• Texture

• Cross-hatching

Project:
Sphere, cube, fruit studies

Week 4

Drawing from Nature

Students begin learning to draw from real-life references.

Project ideas:

• Leaves

• Pinecones

• Flowers

• Shells

Month 2

Color & Painting

Week 5

Understanding Color

Topics:

• Primary colors

• Secondary colors

• Warm vs cool colors

• Mixing paint

• Brush care

Project:
Color wheel painting

Week 6

Acrylic Painting Basics

Students learn:

• Brush techniques

• Layering

• Paint consistency

• Clean edges

Project:
Simple landscape

Week 7

Painting Light

Understanding:

• Highlights

• Shadows

• Atmospheric color

• Depth

Project:
Sunset landscape

Week 8

Creative Painting

Students begin making more artistic choices.

Project:
Landscape using personal color choices

Month 3

Creative Exploration

Week 9

Composition

Students learn:

• Rule of thirds

• Balance

• Focal points

• Movement

Project:
Original landscape planning

Week 10

Texture & Mixed Media

Students experiment with:

• Layering

• Texture

• Different materials

• Creative surfaces

Week 11

Nature Studies

Observation-based drawing and painting.

Possible subjects:

• Birds

• Trees

• Wildlife

• Mountains

Week 12

Creative Problem Solving

Students create artwork while making more independent artistic decisions.

Month 4

Bringing Everything Together

Week 13

Personal Project Planning

Students begin designing their own final artwork using the techniques they've learned throughout the semester.

Week 14

Final Project

Students complete their semester masterpiece.

Individual guidance throughout class.

Week 15

Gallery Preparation & Reflection

Students:

• Finish artwork

• Prepare pieces for display

• Reflect on their growth

• Celebrate accomplishments

Semester Exhibition

At the conclusion of the semester, students will participate in the Founding Fall Student Exhibition, where selected artwork will be professionally displayed in Ethan's Gallery & Studio for family and friends to enjoy.

Each student will receive:

• Founding Student Certificate

• Completed Student Portfolio

• Semester Artwork

• Recognition as a member of the Founding Class

Skills Developed Throughout the Semester

Students will progressively build confidence in:

• Observation

• Drawing Fundamentals

• Shape & Form

• Value & Shading

• Acrylic Painting

• Color Theory

• Composition

• Texture

• Mixed Media

• Creative Thinking

• Problem Solving

• Artistic Confidence

• Patience & Perseverance

• Craftsmanship