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Visual Arts

Conservatory Visual Arts classes take a classical approach to teaching drawing and painting. The program goes beyond arts and crafts. Students learn how “to see” in a new way. They learn to draw as if their hands are an extension of his or her eyes. Students will learn same way that the artists during the Renaissance did: by studying and copying from the great masters, who themselves did so years before becoming masters. Candidates for the Visual Arts Conservatory program must have the desire, passion and maturity for art. The ability to do art is not always given through inheritance; it must also be learned through constant practice.

In the Conservatory Visual Arts classes, the student will work individually at his/her own pace but in a group setting. Skill level will be taken in consideration when doing a project.

Art I
(1st – 2nd Grade)

Tuesdays or Wednesdays
3:00 – 3:45

45-minute class once a week
$85 monthly + $80 (yearly supplies fee)

Students will experience basic art processes in drawing, printmaking, and 3 dimensional art.

Art II
(3rd – 5th Grade)

Wednesdays
4:00 – 5:30

1 ½ hour class once a week
$110 monthly + $80 (yearly supplies fee)

Students will continue to focus on Art processes. Projects will become more challenging.

Art III
(6th – 8th Grade)

Tuesdays
3:50 – 5:30

1 hour and 40 minute class once a week
$120 monthly + $80 (yearly supplies fee)

Students signing up for this class are expected to be self-motivated and ready to apply knowledge of art processes.

The yearly curriculum includes:
(subject to change)

DRAWING

pencil, charcoal, etc, about 7 weeks
Basic introductory format is composed of 3 essential components of visual arts: (Perception, Perspective and Composition)
1. Shape (form)
2. Volume (size)
3. Composition (placement)
Using a step by step (from simple to complex depending on skill level) method the student will understand what is needed in order to draw successfully. Drawing techniques will be from a traditional approach. Depending on drawing skill level, the program will include still-lives, animals, landscape, portraiture and master studies (copying from the masters). In the process, we will examine a variety of medias and techniques of drawing such as charcoal, graphite and oil pastels/conte crayons.
Materials: are extremely important. Students will be taught not only what to use, but also how to use it and take care of the materials.

ACRYLIC PAINTING

about 8 weeks
Students will learn application and manipulation of materials. The binder in acrylic paint is a plastic synthetic. Therefore, acrylics dry quickly and are water soluble.
Students will also learn:
– Brushes and paint care.
– Arrangement of color in the color palette
– Mixing specific hues.
– Paint application, brush techniques and clean-up.
Program will include:
– Still life
– Animals
– Landscapes
– Master Studies.
– Impasto = paint apply thick
– Morbidezza (Italian delicate) = an extreme delicacy and softness of coloring in painting. Advanced students at this stage will be able to choose or create their own subject matter. However, using their knowledge of the great masters composition and symbolism in their paintings.

WATERCOLOR

about 7 weeks
Painting is like drawing with a brush; therefore, drawing skills are continuously stressed. However, the subject matter should become more 3-dimensional. Students will learn the basic techniques of painting with a brush, brush manipulation, and care. Students will also learn the use of watercolor terms such as dry brush, wash, and glazing.

OIL PASTELS

about 7 weeks

JOIN THE LEGACY

For 87 years, Conchita Espinosa Conservatory of the Arts (CEC) has maintained their commitment to the development of young artists. CEC offers students exceptional technical and artistic training within a nurturing environment that allows them to develop into human beings with a deep understanding, appreciation, and respect for the Arts. Enrollment is open to the community and not limited to students from the Academy. Classes are also available for professionals and adults.