Learn essential painting and drawing techniques in an exciting studio environment designed to inspire creativity and teach you how to express yourself through artistic practices.
In this course, students will learn and refine the fundamental practice of painting and drawing through an interactive, multifaceted approach that motivates them to learn new skills and methods, while expanding their knowledge of visual communication. The course encourages mastery of the basics and builds upon skills gained throughout the two weeks, culminating in an exciting final project. Taught by practicing artists and leaders in the contemporary art world, this course will provide students with guidance, techniques, and support to encourage them to develop their own creative vision, as well as insight into the realities of being a working artist today. Students will balance a variety of expert-led sessions, site visits, and lectures with guided practice to build and further develop artistic skills in a dynamic, supportive, and inspiring setting that allows for dialogue and trial-and-error.
This program is geared towards students eager to discover their artistic passions, try something new, and prepare for college. Through a compelling program of site visits, guest speakers, and a variety of hands-on activities, the program is curated to give students a newfound sense of direction for their future studies. While no studio art experience is required or assumed for this course, students who are preparing to take AP Studio Art or apply for college can benefit from the course’s focus on the fundamentals, as well as the opportunity to develop new pieces for their portfolios.
Site Visits
Visits will include a combination of trips to major New York City art museums, artists’ studios, galleries, and other places related to painting and drawing.
In the past, site visits have included:
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- The Museum of Modern Art
- The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
- Top New York galleries, such as David Zwirner and Hauser & Wirth
- Artists’ studios
Guest Speakers
Students will hear firsthand from contemporary artists, curators, and gallerists about the topics that shape our understanding of artistic practice in a variety of settings.
In the past, guest speakers have included:
- Contemporary artists
- Gallerists
- Independent curators
- Art critics
Activities and projects may include:
- Practicing a variety of drawing techniques under guided studio time catered to the level of the student, followed by individualized feedback given by the instructor on the student’s work.
- Studying the history of stenciling and the use of the multiple in art history to create stencil projects in anticipation of the final project.
- Developing an artist statement to describe their work, collaborating via peer and instructor review sessions.
- Learning about portraiture and narrative as practiced by contemporary artists, leading to creating an expressive self-portrait series using a variety of media.
Please note: This information is subject to change at any time at the discretion of Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
