At
Bass Arts Studio, it is our mission to recognize, affirm and
support a child’s emerging individuality, and help strengthen
a child’s sense of self through art-making. We create
a safe environment where children are encouraged to playfully
explore and experiment with media, engage in creative problem
solving and learn to take creative risks.
We
are dedicated to assisting in the development of a child’s
appreciation of beauty and sensitivity to form, line, value,
shape, color, texture, rhythm and movement.
In
each class, children are exposed to the ways artists throughout
history have employed formal principles of picture making and
technique in order to translate their deepest feelings and thoughts
into a visual statement.
Class
discussion centering on the analysis, interpretation and critique
of art work is an integral part of every class. We encourage
children to learn to articulate their thoughts and feelings about
what they observe and what they create. We spark discussion by
asking the right questions and supply children with the vocabulary
they need to talk about art.
The
Product:
There is a show at the end of every semester. Children are encouraged to complete
their pieces to the best of their ability and present them in a professional
manner.
In
each class, there is a strong emphasis on developing the ability
to see. With young children, this happens through the exploration
of materials and close observation of what occurs in the process.
Older kids develop their ability to see largely through observational
drawing and painting from life. In classes at Bass Arts Studio,
children will achieve competence in drawing what they see in
a variety of media.
4/5
Year Olds
Art at this age is all about exploring materials and the delight of “seeing
what happens”. Basic ideas about color theory and formal principles such
as contrast, line, shape and rhythm are gently introduced while children playfully
experiment with media. Physical movement and music are incorporated into visual
excercizes.
6/7
Year Olds
Children at this age are able to work on projects with
a more sustained focus. Lesson continue to reinforce formal concepts
while imaginations are allowed to run free.
8-10
Year Olds
Learning continues to be project based, engaging the
imagination and providing opportunities for creative problem solving.
Children are encouraged to tap into their own experiences in order
to create art that is personally meaningful. More attention is
paid to formal aspects of picture making and the foundation is
laid for learning to draw from life.
10-12
Year Olds
At this age, children long to make things “look
real”. In classes for this age group, observational drawing
becomes more of a focus. Projects are designed to combine the use
of imagination with the acquisition of skills. Students learn measurement
techniques to understand proportion, study value and shading, learn
color theory, color mixing and the elements of composition and
design.
12-14
Year Olds
This is the time when students make the transition from
project based painting, drawing and mixed media classes to classes
specifically focused on drawing and oil painting from life. In
the beginner painting and drawing classes, there is a strong emphasis
on learning technique while maintaining the fluidity of self expression.
14-17
Year Olds
Students at this age are actively pursuing the acquisition
of drawing and painting skills. Those who have reached a level
of competence in realistic rendering are encouraged to explore
content and create art that communicates their personal viewpoint.
Many students at this stage are working toward developing college
portfolios.
Portfolio
Preparation
We offer a class in college portfolio preparation and
work with students privately on their portfolios and essays. We
are available to photograph 2D work and create digital prints or
CD’s.
