Samples of Student Artwork Ages 3-11
For two years, I taught computer graphics/art at Columbia Prep in Manhattan and have been teaching art after-school programs both at the Lycée Français de NY and Montclare Children's School for 5 years. In addition to be a substitute art teacher at various Manhattan private schools, I have also been giving private drawing/art lessons for 6 years. I've enjoyed working with children ages 3-18 and with adults of all ages.
Children's Art Classes
My classical, fine arts training and years of teaching experience come into play when working with young children, introducing them to the fundamentals of drawing; beginning with elementary shapes. We start out by drawing a basic circle (drawing a circle is difficult!), square and triangle and then quickly graduate to creating animals and objects composed of those same shapes and lines. While I am all for children painting and drawing free-form, children feel so satisfied when they are able to draw something that is easily identifiable! Acquiring these skills gives children a great boost of self-confidence and a feeling of competence.
We further explore color, texture and shading. My classes with preschoolers emphasize establishing a firm pencil grip and control of the writing tool.
While exploring their creativity, my students learn that drawing and creating art isn't about making things perfect. We try to not use erasers as we learn from the process of drawing and see where our "mistakes" may lead us.
"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." ~Scott Adams
Art for young children:
- Strengthens fine-motor skills and pencil grip
- Develops creative thinking and visual analysis
- Improves spatial relations
- Boosts self-confidence and focus
Related Articles:
PBS - Why Art Is Important
NY Times - Art Makes You Smart
Washington Post - Top 10 Skills Children Learn From the Arts
Adult Art Classes
Beginning with simple still-life projects, students will learn the fundamentals of drawing. I offer step-by-step instruction on how to develop form through line and value. We work, one-on-one to cover the basics of drawing such as proportions, value, construction and perspective, analyzing some of the great masterpieces.
Computer Graphics Classes
Learn how to edit/retouch photos, create eye-catching graphics and flyers using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
For more information about availability and pricing, please email me: badnet@mindspring.com
