Children & Teens
We strive to bring more into our academy and at this time instructions available in English, Spanish and Russian Languages !
The Basic Elements of Drawing and Design: Ages 5-8
Introduces our youngest students to the basics of art through illustration, design and painting
Detailed Description
In Basic Introductory we initially concentrate on color, composition, and basic drawing. After students have gained an elementary understanding of design and color theory we further develop their drawing skills and introduce them to painting. First time students learn by illustrating a children’s book. Students sketch ideas, improve their drawings, and design and color their illustrations to create a wonderful keepsake of their artistic beginnings. Returning 5 to 8 year old students advance into color pencils, water colors, gouache, acrylic painting. On each project they are encouraged to refine their picture-making skills as they compose scenes of increasing complexity. Through our innovative method of teaching drawing, painting, and design to our youngest students we are best able to prepare them for the advanced drawing, watercolor and oil paintings that they will create when they are older. With faithful attendance, it is not unusual for our 5 to 8 year old students to advance into drawing and painting exercises reserved for our 9 to 13 year old students as early as age seven. This is a great art class for beginners to explore their way through art and creativity. We will experiment with all types of materials and learn basic painting and drawing skills. Imagination will be used quite a bit in this class and parents please do make some extra space on a wall at home to hang and display young artists accomplishments!
Drawing and Painting Fundamentals: Ages 9-13
Students build skills through drawing, pen and ink, and get introduced to watercolor,gouache. Beginning and continuing students improve their abilities.
Detailed Description
Our Drawing and Painting Fundamentals class begins with black and white drawing exercises in pencil and pen and ink. After basic skills are learned, children advance to color pencils, pastels in watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and oil. Because our Drawing and Painting Fundamentals classes form the core of our children’s program, what follows explains our goals for students more fully.
Drawing in Pen and Ink Students dramatically improve their perception of shape and drawing skills as they work in Pencil. Then broaden their understanding of line and value as the finish their pictures in Pen and Ink. Throughout history, drawing has always been considered an artist’s most prized possession. It is the foundation upon which all other aspects of art are formed. This is true whether an artist chooses to be expressive in a realistic or abstract style. That is why we give the craft of drawing special attention at Middletown Art Academy. In our 9 to 13 Fundamentals course, special emphasis is placed on teaching the fundamentals of drawing logically and simply. Our methods promote sound draftsmanship, which dramatically improves a student’s drawing abilities. With continued practice children can then achieve higher levels of understanding and success. Many of our initial drawing exercises are executed in pen and ink so students become familiar with the expressive qualities of line, and aid in improving a student’s control and focus. Students then continue to improve their drawing skills when they move on to painting.
Watercolor and Gouache Painting After students have demonstrated a basic understanding of drawing they begin painting in watercolor and or gouache. While we emphasize line in drawing, painting is a medium devoted to the understanding of mass and color. Watercolor and gouache is a great medium to learn these concepts.
As with drawing, we approach the study of color in a systematic way. This helps prevent students from spending months or years mixing colors that interact in an unpleasant, unintentional manner. By following revered principles of color theory and color mixing, children create fresh, lively pictures the first time they paint without experiencing any undue frustration. There is much to learn about painting; and watercolor,gouache methods easily translate to other forms of painting and color mediums. Students build upon these skills when they advance into the acrylic and oil painting.
Drawing and Painting Fundamentals: Ages 14-18
Students advance skills primarily in drawing, pen and ink, color pencils, pastels, watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and oils. Individual projects develop each student’s abilities.
Detailed Description
Our Drawing and Painting Fundamentals class begins with black and white drawing exercises in pencil and pen and ink. After basic skills are learned, children advance to color in color pencils, pastels, watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and oils. Because our Drawing and Painting Fundamentals classes form the core of our children’s program, what follows explains our goals for students more fully.
Drawing in Pen and Ink Students dramatically improve their perception of shape and drawing skills as they work in Pencil. Then broaden their understanding of line and value as the finish their pictures in Pen and Ink.
Throughout history, drawing has always been considered an artist’s most prized possession. It is the foundation upon which all other aspects of art are formed. This is true whether an artist chooses to be expressive in a realistic or abstract style. That is why we give the craft of drawing special attention at Middletown Art Academy. In our 14-18 Fundamentals course, special emphasis is placed on teaching the fundamentals of drawing logically and simply. Our methods promote sound draftsmanship, which dramatically improves a student’s drawing abilities both in class and independently. With continued practice students can then achieve higher levels of understanding and success. Many of our initial drawing exercises are executed in pen and ink so students become familiar with the expressive qualities of line, and aid in improving a student’s control and focus. Students continue to develop their drawing skills when they move on to painting.
Color and Painting Students are continually challenged to deepen their understanding of line, shape, value, color and edge relationships as they improve their painting abilities as they advance from Color Pencils to Pastels to Water Colors and possibly Gouache then Acrylics into Oils.
Watercolor and Gouache Painting After students have demonstrated a basic understanding of drawing they begin painting in watercolor and or gouache. While we emphasize line in drawing, painting is a medium devoted to the understanding of mass and color. Watercolor and gouache is a great medium to learn these concepts. As with drawing, we approach the study of color in a systematic way. This helps prevent students from spending months or years mixing colors that interact in an unpleasant, unintentional manner. By following revered principles of color theory and color mixing, children create fresh, lively pictures the first time they paint without experiencing any undue frustration. There is much to learn about painting; and watercolor,gouache methods easily translate to other forms of painting and color mediums. Students build upon these skills when they advance into the acrylic and oil painting.
Oil Painting Often considered the most challenging form of painting, oils are introduced to students after they’ve developed a firm understanding of drawing and color mixing. Our first objective is to pass safe studio methods on to students. We ensure a solvent-free environment where health and safety come first. After learning clean painting procedures students begin to advance their artistic vision by exploring the fascinating world of oil painting techniques. At The Middletown Art Academy we teach several methods of oil painting. This approach allows students to receive a well-rounded education that promotes development of a personal aesthetic based upon time-honored principles of art history.
Manga, Superheroes and Fantasy Figures: Ages 10-18
Learn about Manga, comic books, fantasy illustration, anatomy and more. Study with the pros and create your own original works.
Detailed Description
Drawing Manga, Superheroes and Fantasy Figures is designed to correlate with our Drawing and Painting Fundamentals program. The class centers around the human figure, where anatomy, construction and movement are studied in conjunction with each other. Children with a strong interest in Japanese animation (Anime), superheroes, comics and role-playing art are especially drawn to this class. For examples, we look to professional artists to set a standard of excellence. The accumulated knowledge of these fine anatomists, draftsmen and painters inspire our students to produce work of higher quality. Students develop ideas for their own characters while learning these principles from local artists who excel in the field of sequential art.
Urban Art Graffiti Skill Development: Ages 12-18
Graffiti art as an art form. Skill and Style Development, teaching how to turn every creation in one of a kind art piece!
Detailed Description
This class developed as a graffiti Sanctuary fun, stress free in a very lay back setting. Artistic guidance is offered in creative expression for individual projects develop each student’s abilities, to improve abilities in urban street art skill. Through introduction of Urban Art history will teach students proper technique and to be responsible, promote the difference between real graffiti and vandalism. We have designed this class to encourage responsible use of the paint. Artists who master the craft of painting on the street can create even greater work in studio settings, where they have more time, resources and don’t have to worry about the weather (or the police). All levels and continuing students are welcome!
Helpful tips for Parents :
The Name: Graffiti (singular: graffito; the plural is used as a mass noun) is writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place.Graffiti ranges from simple written words to elaborate wall paintings, and has existed since ancient times, with examples dating back to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire.Graffiti and graffito are from the Italian word graffiato (“scratched”). “Graffiti” is applied in art history to works of art produced by scratching a design into a surface. A related term is “sgraffito“, which involves scratching through one layer of pigment to reveal another beneath it. This technique was primarily used by potters who would glaze their wares and then scratch a design into it. In ancient times graffiti was carved on walls with a sharp object, although sometimes chalk or coal were used. The word originates from Greek γράφειν — graphein — meaning “to write.”
History: The term graffiti referred to the inscriptions, figure drawings, etc., found on the walls of ancient sepulchres or ruins, as in the Catacombs of Rome or at Pompeii. The earliest forms of graffiti date back to 30,000 BC in the form of prehistoric cave paintings and pictographs using tools such as Animal bones and pigments.These illustrations were often placed in ceremonial and sacred locations inside of the caves. The images drawn on the walls showed scenes of animal wildlife and hunting expeditions in most circumstances.The only known source of the Safaitic language, a form of proto-Arabic, is from graffiti: inscriptions scratched on to the surface of rocks and boulders in the predominantly basalt desert of southern Syria, eastern Jordan and northern Saudi Arabia. Safaitic dates from the 1st century BC to the 4th century AD.
Facts:“The increasing popularity of graffiti as an art form has won commercial success for its artists and a regular presence in pop culture and the contemporary art world.”
USA The current era in graffiti is characterized by a majority of graffiti artists moving from subway or train cars to “street galleries.” The Clean Train Movement started in May, 1989
In Australia, art historians have judged some local graffiti of sufficient creative merit to rank them firmly within visual art. Oxford University Press‘s art history text Australian Painting 1788–2000 concludes with a long discussion of graffiti’s key place within contemporary visual culture, including the work of several Australian practitioners.
Between March and April 2009, 150 artists exhibited 300 pieces of graffiti at the Grand Palais in Paris — a clear acceptance of the art form into the French art world. Many contemporary analysts and even art critics have begun to see artistic value in some graffiti and to recognize it as a form of public art. According to many art researchers, particularly in the Netherlands and in Los Angeles, that type of public art is, in fact an effective tool of social emancipation or in the achievement of a political goal.
Conclusion: The concept of fine art is and will no doubt always be a very traditional way of thinking. There are definite elements of art that art included, such as painting and sculpting, but then there are now elements in the modern world that there is much debate over. In fact, the debate over one particular modern art form has raged for many years now and still shows no signs of abating. Does graffiti constitute fine art or not? Traditionalists argue strongly that it is not, whereas the more modern minded that appreciate art for what it is argue that it is fine art because of the tradition behind it, and the fact that it is technically painting for those that are feeling especially pedantic. Graffiti is important and powerful art form!
Art Portfolio Development : Age 15 and up all levels
Whether you are applying to college, university or another art and design based course, you will need a portfolio to showcase your work, ideas, and skills. High quality arts training and guidance for all levels and purposes is carefully tailored to individual needs.
Detailed Description
What is a portfolio? A portfolio of artwork needs to be a collection of your best and most recent work. It is a crucial part of your application to a professional art schools, colleges, and universities . Many different portfolios are necessary during your career as an artist. The preparation of each portfolio varies according to its purpose. Already have a portfolio? No problem! Get your portfolio assessed professionally, complete with specific recommendations, advice, resources, and an action plan specifically tailored to getting into your art school program. Portfolio development classes are designed to individually guide artists through the development of a complete portfolio representative of the artist’s skill and style. Bring in your current work for a friendly critique, set goals for yourself, and create a portfolio with the breadth and focus you desire. Additionally, we offer a letter of recommendation and help with writing required essays for your art school’s application submission process or how to create a resume, artist’s statement and cover letter appropriate for professional practice in the visual arts. We have been through the application process ourselves as both students and admission reviewers and understand what it takes to build an exceptional body of work.
Private Lessons : Ages 5-18
Work one on one with an experienced artist in a quiet and private atmosphere designed around your child’s artistic needs.
Detailed Description
Students seeking a very focused and personalized learning experience may choose private lessons. Although our regular classes have a remarkably small student to teacher ratio, private lessons provide ideal learning conditions. Projects are tailored to the individual’s needs and goals, while still honoring our core belief that practice builds skills which in turn fosters creativity.
Children and Teens often flourish under one on one instruction. Students might copy from master works to build skills; or they may work from life, drawing and painting still lifes, interiors and landscapes, or paint a portrait of a friend or family member.
Teens applying to Art Colleges will greatly benefit from private lessons as they build and improve their portfolios under our careful guidance. We’ve been through the application process ourselves as both students and admission reviewers and understand what it takes to build an exceptional body of work.
Travel to your home or studio may be possible at an additional cost.
Children and Teens can now keep up with their skills by taking advantage of this extra hour or two a week of supervised art practice. Open to all Studio aka “ART FLAT” for Still Life, Live Models, and Drawing & Painting, allowing anyone to join in on prepaid basis. We suggest that interested parties RSVP early in the week to secure a spot for their children due to limited space. For next “ART FLAT” scheduled days and times please see Children and Teens class schedule and refer to your appropriate age group.
“ DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY ”: Age 6-18
Do you remember the excitement you felt as a child taking your first picture? Or getting your first camera? If you’re like me, your earliest memory of photography instruction from Mum and Dad amounted to something like:
“Don’t waste the film!”
Film is expensive and developing it isn’t any less so. But while saving a lot of money, this advice doesn’t do much in the way of helping a child learn the joy and skill of photography. Thanks to digital cameras, photography is much more inviting and easier to learn.
What does Photography offer kids?
Art & Science Appreciation
Photography is both art and science. As an art, photography is a marvelous tool of creative, self-expression.
And as photojournalists know, a photograph can open a person’s mind or even change it. Photography communicates.
But it also is a wonderful technical tool, teaching lessons in science (light, math, etc.) and computer skills.
Confidence
Besides the confidence gained from mastering a new skill and creative expression, learning to take good pictures can also do wonders for children who are shy because photography is one of those skills that makes it easier to take part in activities that otherwise might leave a shy child hiding in the background.
For example… A teacher might appoint the young photographer to take pictures at a classroom party. An older child may find taking pictures for the school paper is fun and that “hiding behind the camera” makes it so much easier to get to know others.
This focus on others can do a lot for removing self-consciousness and improving confidence.
As skills increase, others will want your child to take their pictures, or pictures of their pets, their hobbies, sports events, etc. This is an excellent way to make friends – and get lots of interesting and fun pictures!
Pride & Satisfaction
Imagine a child’s satisfaction and pride in seeing how his or her pictures affect others!
For example, landscape and vacation photos can transport the viewer to another time and place, a beautiful or silly picture can uplift a mood, and a nice portrait can boost confidence.
Consumer Education/A Critical Eye
Becoming a photographer rather than just the passive viewer helps kids better understand the advertising images they’re bombarded with every day.
It helps them to see how photographs can evoke emotion and persuade, meaning they can develop a more critical eye, seeing the actual photography rather than being bowled over by the underlying sales message.
FUN!
But most of all, photography, especially digital photography, is just plain fun.
Whether your child hasn’t yet taken his first picture or she’s a young enthusiast always on the lookout for new equipment, there are skills to learn that can make this an enjoyable and captivating hobby.
A child hooked on photography is a child who rarely says “There’s nothing to do.” Armed with skills, a digital camera and charged batteries, there’s always something to do – rain or shine in Conneticut.
How to Teach Kids Photography
The best way to teach photography to children is with hands on lessons. Sitting down to read a complicated manual or long winded book can be boring and confusing.
On the other hand, some sort of visual (text and picture) instruction is usually needed. Even where the parent is a photo geek and can teach the skills, kids like to be able to refer to something quickly when they have a question or want to learn something the parent doesn’t know how to explain in a way that’s easily understood.
This instruction shouldn’t talk down to them or oversimplify (as many how-to books for kids are prone to do).
And a good photography course shouldn’t be filled with a disproportionate amount of photo craft activities that lack in basic photography instruction (as many do). Unlike us grownups, kids can grasp new subjects like photography fairly easy, given the right kind of instruction.
Detailed Description
The Basics
- Painting with Light (the role of light in photography, a little history and an intro to a really cool form photography.
- The Exposure Triangle: depth of field, aperture, shutter speed
- Composing the Shot
- Meet Your Camera (what parts do what and how to take care of them)On-camera Flash
- Candles (includes how to take those challenging pictures of candlelit birthday cake ceremonies)
- Night Portrait
- Fireworks
- HolidaysTypes of digital cameras and accessories Applications
People Pictures - Photojournalism (street photography)
- Family Portraits
- Shooting in No-Flash Zones
- Lighting (no off-camera flash required)
- Portraits (silly and formal) Things that Glow in the Night
- On-camera Flash
- Candles (includes how to take those challenging pictures of candlelit birthday cake ceremonies)
- Night Portrait
- Fireworks
- Holidays
Sports Photography
- Where to focus in a game for the most exciting pictures
- How to pan just like a pro
- Freeze!
- Blurring on purpose – a cool way to show movementUpload to your Computer and Getting Organized
- Edit & Manipulate your Photos (includes intros to these techniques – from cropping to special effects – and links to the most popular photo editing software from basic to advanced, including free downloads.)
- Share your Photos: (printing, photo sharing sites, preparing photos for email, and photo crafts & gift ideas.
- Explore
- Photography CareersTips from professional sport photographers
Landscapes- How to use light and shadows
- Composition Tips
- Secrets of Great Sunset Shots
- Shooting Urban Landscapes
- Winter Wonderlands
- Beaches without glare
Flower Power
- Picture Perfect Flowers
- Angle & Light
- Blowing in the Wind
- Going Macro (how to get fantastic close-ups of anything)
Vacation Photos
- Adding Drama
- Clutter Clean-up
- Photographing the Locals (etiquette and more)
- Candid or Posed?
- Telling your vacation story through photos
- Logistics (what to bring)
The Digital Darkroom
- Upload to your Computer and Getting Organized
- Edit & Manipulate your Photos (includes intros to these techniques – from cropping to special effects – and links to the most popular photo editing software from basic to advanced, including free downloads.)
- Share your Photos: (printing, photo sharing sites, preparing photos for email, and photo crafts & gift ideas.
- Explore
- Photography Careers
Digital Art and Animation : Age 13 – 18
All classes MUST be taken sequentially. (exceptions may be considered at the discretion of the instructor) Animation is very complex and demanding, time consuming. Fundamentals should not be skipped unless the student is near expert level proficiency with multiple programs and operating systems.
Animation Prep/Digital Fundamentals
Digital Fundamentals I
Establish basic workflows, learn proper project setup and organization skills, source logging, file format primer & CODEC primer.
Students will be able to generate simple very short animations and time lapses by the end of this class.
Digital Fundamentals II
Introduction to basic concepts – Raster and 2D animation and graphics, Alpha channels and masking, overlays, transparencies, blending, blurring.
Digital Fundamentals III
Application of basic concepts – putting it all into motion.
Animation I
Project mapping and construction, generation of components, design fundamentals.
Animation II
Different types of animation, keyframing, tweening, and composite creation.
Animation III
Assembly- Learning how to create polished finished pieces, final compression options for various delivery modes. Rendering and output basics.
3D Primer 3 sections
3D I
Basic modeling, lighting, cameras & basics.
3D II
Raytracing and surface textures introduction. Specularity and aliasing as time allows.
3D III
Create a final short using all prior techniques and 3D models. Abstraction, no story. Comp work with audio as necessary.