Weekly Themes

Each week of summer art camp has a different theme. We will explore materials, techniques, and historical references related to the weekly theme as jumping off points to creativity. At the end of each week, there will be a student art show where students will have the opportunity to display their creations on the walls of the studio. We invite families and friends to come to see the student art shows each Friday from 2:30-3:00pm. Camp runs from 9am to 3pm each day, with before camp available from 8-9am and after camp from 3-5pm ($15/hr, available in one hour blocks, no partial hours). There is no after camp on Fridays, camp ends at 3pm. We limit each summer camp session to 10-12 full-week students, so that each student receives individual attention. Daylong immersion days are also available, $125/day.

Week 1: June 10-14 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 17-21 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 24-28 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 will provide inspiration for this week.

Week 4: July 1-5 People & Faces (4 day week) We will explore the basic proportions and shapes of faces and the human body. Exercises will explore how to capture figures in motion as well as the personality of individuals in portraits.

Week 5: July 8-12 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 15-19 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 22-26 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 will provide inspiration for this week.

Week 8: July 29-August 2 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 5-9 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 12-16 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 19-23 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 will provide inspiration for this week.