Foundations in Fine Art

Build your artistic confidence with the basics in drawing, watercolor, and charcoal.

Overview
Foundations in Fine Art is a small-group course (max 6 students) designed to give teens the essential skills and confidence to grow as artists. Classes are tailored to each student’s level and interests, so everyone progresses in a way that feels natural and exciting.

Course Goals

  • Master drawing fundamentals and techniques. We primarily use the Loomis Method for learning portraits

  • Explore watercolor and charcoal with skill and confidence.

  • Develop observation, composition, and creativity.

  • Build an artistic foundation for future exploration.

How Classes Work

  • Twice a week, 90 minutes per session.

  • Mid-session start welcome — no catch-up stress; one-on-one breakout time provided.

  • Materials: students can supply their own or opt for a shipped kit.

  • Classes are live, interactive, and hands-on — sessions are not recorded.

  • Parents: encouraged to support but not micromanage; check-ins welcome anytime.

Who This Is For

  • Teens (13–17) excited to develop their artistic skills.

  • Students who want mentorship, guidance, and growth, not just copy-paste instruction.

  • Anyone ready to have fun while building real artistic confidence.

Choose Your Path

6-Week Exploration
A focused introduction to drawing, watercolor, and charcoal. Perfect for trying out your skills and discovering what inspires you.

  • Frequency: Twice a week, 90 minutes per session

  • Goal: Build confidence, basic skills, and a love for creating.

12-Week Deep Dive
All the foundations plus deeper creative exploration, personalized projects, and mentorship.

  • Frequency: Twice a week, 90 minutes per session

  • Goal: Strengthen skills, start developing your own style, and create a small portfolio.

6-Month Mastery
Full immersion for ambitious teens who want to refine their skills, develop a body of work, and explore advanced techniques.

  • Frequency: Twice a week, 90 minutes per session

  • Goal: Comprehensive skill development, portfolio-ready projects, and preparation for future art opportunities.

Next Steps:
Once a program ends, students are encouraged to continue exploring by joining another course in the teen program or transitioning into young adult courses when ready.

Program Outline

6-Week Exploration

Goal: Spark curiosity, build confidence, and learn the essentials.

Week 1: Intro to drawing basics – lines, shapes, and observation exercises
Week 2: Value and shading – making 2D drawings feel alive
Week 3: Watercolor foundations – washes, blending, and layering
Week 4: Charcoal fundamentals – marks, textures, and expressive drawing
Week 5: Personal project – combining techniques from previous weeks
Week 6: Showcase & reflection – share your work, discuss growth, and set goals

12-Week Deep Dive

Goal: Strengthen skills, develop style, and explore creative problem-solving.

Week 1–2: Foundations in drawing – advanced observation, proportion, and perspective
Week 3–4: Watercolor techniques – layering, color mixing, and controlled washes
Week 5–6: Charcoal mastery – textures, depth, and expressive composition
Week 7: Exploring mixed media – combine drawing, watercolor, and charcoal
Week 8: Introduction to composition – creating balanced and engaging pieces
Week 9: Personal project planning – select subject and medium, define goals
Week 10–11: Guided creation – refine style, mentor-led critiques, and skill growth
Week 12: Final showcase & feedback – celebrate achievements, discuss next steps

6-Month Mastery

Goal: Deep artistic immersion, portfolio development, and creative independence.

Month 1: Drawing essentials – foundational skills, mark-making, and perspective
Month 2: Watercolor practice – advanced techniques, layering, and experimentation
Month 3: Charcoal expression – textures, value, and dynamic compositions
Month 4: Mixed media exploration – combining mediums to discover personal style
Month 5: Personal project development – mentoring, iterative refinement, and skill mastery
Month 6: Portfolio & showcase – curated body of work, final critique, and celebration

Classes are grouped by age

13 -14 | 15 - 17

Ready to sign up and take your teens art to the next level? We’d love to have you!