Week 1: June 12-16  Drawing  We will explore the use of charcoal, oil pastel, pencil, and colored pencil on a various types of paper. Shading, form, contour, value, and subtraction techniques will be introduced and each student will have time to explore their favorite medium using their own subject matter.

Week 2: June 19-23  Paint: Color  We will use liquid tempera paint to mix all the colors of the rainbow, all the colors in between, and tints, shades, and tones. Basic color theory and color harmonies will be introduced to enhance students’ use of color. We have 22 beautiful colors of pre-mixed non-toxic liquid tempera paint and as much high quality acid-free paper as each student needs. We will introduce exercises designed to expand the use of materials and techniques, including dry brush, wet-into-wet, and alla prima painting. We’ll explore figurative and abstract painting, and draw inspiration from art history using monographs on specific artists such as O’Keefe, Matisse, Chagall, Cezanne, Pollock and more.

Week 3:  June 26-June 30  Animals & Imaginary Creatures  We will explore the basic proportions and shapes of animal bodies as well as the texture of animal skin, fur, and feathers. We will pay special attention to the gesture of the animals’ movement in their natural habitats. Using these principles, students will have the opportunity to create hybrid and imaginary creatures. A special visit from animal guests of the Oakland ZooMobile or the East Bay Vivarium will provide inspiration for this week

Week 4: July 3-7  People & Faces  We will explore the basic proportions and shapes of faces and the human body. Shading and contours of the face using different media and color techniques will be included. Exercises will explore how to capture figures in motion as well as the personality of individuals in portraits. We will hold camp on July 4th.

Week 5: July 10-14  Landscape, Still Life & Oceans  We will venture into the outdoors to draw from our surroundings. Students will have the opportunity to draw and paint water, trees, mountains, and fields as well as elements of the urban landscape. Traditional and contemporary still life paintings will serve as the basis for our exploration of this genre. Students will have the opportunity to set-up their own still life with objects from the studio and objects that they bring from home.

Week 6: July 17-21 Drawing  We will explore the use of charcoal, oil pastel, pencil, conte crayon and colored pencil on a various types of paper. Shading, form, contour, value, and subtraction techniques will be introduced and each student will have time to explore their favorite medium using their own subject matter. 

Week 7:  July 24-July 28 Animals & Imaginary Creatures  We will explore the basic proportions and shapes of animal bodies as well as the texture of animal skin, fur, and feathers. We will pay special attention to the gesture of the animals’ movement in their natural habitats. Using these principles, students will have the opportunity to create hybrid and imaginary creatures. A special visit from animal guests of the Oakland ZooMobile or the East Bay Vivarium will provide inspiration for this week.

Week 8: July 31-August 4 Paint: Color  We will use liquid tempera paint to mix all the colors of the rainbow, all the colors in between, and tints, shades, and tones. Basic color theory and color harmonies will be introduced to enhance students’ use of color. We have 22 beautiful colors of pre-mixed non-toxic liquid tempera paint and as much high quality acid-free paper as each student needs. We will introduce exercises designed to expand the use of materials and techniques, including dry brush, wet-into-wet, and alla prima painting. We’ll explore figurative and abstract painting, and draw inspiration from art history using monographs on specific artists such as O’Keefe, Matisse, Chagall, Cezanne, Pollock and more.

Week 9: August 7 – 11 Landscape, Still Life & Oceans   We will venture into the outdoors to draw from our surroundings. Students will have the opportunity to draw and paint water, trees, mountains, and fields as well as elements of the urban landscape. Traditional and contemporary still life paintings will serve as the basis for our exploration of this genre. Students will have the opportunity to set-up their own still life with objects from the studio and objects that they bring from home.

Week 10: August 14-18 Drawing  We will explore the use of charcoal, oil pastel, pencil, conte crayon and colored pencil on a various types of paper. Shading, form, contour, value, and subtraction techniques will be introduced and each student will have time to explore their favorite medium using their own subject matter.

Week 11:  August 21-25 Animals & Imaginary Creatures  We will explore the basic proportions and shapes of animal bodies as well as the texture of animal skin, fur, and feathers. We will pay special attention to the gesture of the animals’ movement in their natural habitats. Using these principles, students will have the opportunity to create hybrid and imaginary creatures. A special visit from animal guests of the Oakland ZooMobile or the East Bay Vivarium will provide inspiration for this week.