213 W Institute Place • #210 • Chicago IL 60610
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Youth Program

Art departments in schools nationwide are struggling. Faced with increasing pressure to boost scores on standardized tests, educators are compelled to focus more on so-called “core” subjects while art classes get pushed aside, their budgets slashed or cancelled altogether. But research shows how important art instruction can be to a vital and meaningful education. Students who take high quality art classes develop mental and physical skills that can apply to a broad array of life’s challenges. By becoming better artists young students can become better prepared for life.

At Vitruvian we believe we can make a valuable contribution to the education of young people. This is why we’re proud to announce this year a new program of study geared specifically toward younger students. Based on the same principles we teach in our adult classes, our Youth Program offers an opportunity for children and teens to grasp at an early age what many would-be artists don’t learn until later in life.

Our step-by-step method develops a tangible and useful skillbase that students will remember for life. They begin by learning simple concepts like shape and proportion while honing the manual skills necessary for proper handling of art materials. Then they move on to study more complex concepts such as structural form, light & shade, and perspective. This is a classical approach to teaching drawing that has proven effective for centuries in training both the eye and the hand. With time and practice students of this method will develop a repertoire of skills they can call upon to approach increasingly sophisticated subject matter and capture what they see with deftness and accuracy.

The Program

Basics Course

Drawing

Drawing is the foundation of all studio practice. To ensure our students get a good start, the first part of our Basics Course focuses on developing sound drawing skills. Students begin by learning that any subject can be broken down into simple shapes. With step-by-step instruction students learn to use these shapes to create basic line drawings. We then teach students how to measure the unique relationships between different parts of their drawings in order to check for accuracy. Once mastered, these basic skills allow students to identify the differences between what they see and what they draw and correct their own mistakes. This ability to develop and revise drawings independently puts students in control of their work, fostering confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

 

Painting

Once each student develops drawing skill commensurate with his/her age, it’s time to move on to painting. Color is introduced with a series of projects in pastel – an excellent transitional medium – and students again receive individualized and intensive instruction in the principles of color theory and handling of the material. Once a basic familiarity with color is attained in pastel, students make the final  materials transition within the Basics program to painting. Using artist quality painting materials including oil and acrylic, different painting techniques are discussed and demonstrated in detail. A broad range of subjects is addressed: Still Life, Portraiture, Landscape, and painting from the imagination are all part of the program. Throughout the painting curriculum students utilize and build upon their drawing skills as each new painting project presents new drawing challenges.  Students will be guided through the program at an appropriate pace according to their age and skill level.

Advanced Course

Once students have a sound grasp of the drawing and painting principles of the Basics program, they are eligible to move on to more advanced study. At this stage the curriculum becomes further customized to the needs and interests of individuals. A series of Special Topics classes is available to students at this stage, each offering an opportunity to focus on a particular aspect of studio practice. For example, a student with a particular affinity for portraiture may choose to focus on developing his/her portrait drawing and painting skills, or become more familiar with contemporary and historical portrait artists. Projects at this level are quite varied. Each is designed to offer new challenges and to further the individual student’s artistic development.

Youth Program Enrollment Details

Enrollment in the Youth Program is on a monthly basis. Students proceed through the curriculum at their own pace and may continue for as long as they wish.

Ages:

Our curriculum can be tailored to suit students from 7 to 18 years of age. Class sessions meet once a week for 1.5 hours.

Tuition:

$120/month. Payment is due on or before the first class session of the month.

Class Sessions:

Classes meet on Saturday mornings. 9:00 and 11:00 sessions are available. Weekday time sots will become available in line with enrollment.

Spring Enrollment Special! Sign-up before May 1st and get free materials for a year!

Try us out! Parents are invited to schedule a Free Introductory Class for their child.

The use of nude life models is not part of the Youth Program.