Advanced Programme in Fine Arts (APFA)

Diploma in Fine Arts (DFA)

Oil Painting Course: Brief Description

Introduction to Oil Painting

– Overview of materials and tools

– Basic techniques and safety practices

– In-depth look at brushes, paints, and mediums

– Preparing your materials and workspace

Color Mixing and Theory

– Basics of color theory

– Techniques for mixing colors and creating a color wheel

Basic Techniques

– Introduction to basic oil painting techniques (glazing, impasto)

– Practicing brushstrokes and blending

Understanding tonal values

– Techniques for creating underpainting

– Importance of tonal values

Building Layers

– Techniques for building up layers in oil painting

– Understanding the fat over lean principle

Light and Shadow

– Understanding light sources and shadows

– Techniques for depicting light and shadow

Still Life Painting

– Setting up and sketching a still life

– Techniques for painting still life objects

Landscape Painting

– Elements of landscape composition

– Techniques for painting natural elements (trees, water, sky)

Texture and Detail

– Adding texture and fine details to paintings

– Using different tools and techniques for texture

Using Mediums

– Introduction to various painting mediums

– Effects of different mediums on oil paint

Painting Nature from Photographs

– Tips for using photographs as references

– Techniques for maintaining artistic integrity

Advanced Techniques

– Exploring advanced techniques (sfumato, scumbling)

– Practical exercises on advanced methods

Developing a Personal Style

– Exploring different styles and finding your artistic voice

– Techniques for developing a unique painting style

Creative Composition

– Principles of strong composition

– Creating balanced and interesting layouts for paintings

Final Project and Review – Portfolio

– Completing a comprehensive final painting project – Portfolio

– Individual feedback and course review

Materials Needed:

– Oil paints (various colors)

– Brushes (variety of shapes and sizes)

– Canvas or painting surface

– Palette

– Mediums (e.g., linseed oil, turpentine)

– Palette knives

– Rags or paper towels

Self-assignments:

– Self-assignments to reinforce concepts learned in class

Video Lessons:

– Video lessons for preparation and review

Diploma in Fine Arts (DFA)

Watercolor Painting Course: Brief Description

Introduction to Watercolor Painting

– Overview of materials and tools

– Basic watercolor techniques and safety practices

Understanding Materials and Tools

– Detailed look at brushes, paper, and paints

– Preparing your materials and workspace

Color Theory and Mixing

– Basics of color theory

– Techniques for mixing colors and creating a color wheel

 Basic Techniques

– Introduction to basic watercolor techniques (wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry)

– Practicing brushstrokes and washes

Creating Washes and Gradients

– Techniques for creating flat washes, graded washes, and variegated washes

– Practical exercises on different wash techniques

Light and Shadow in Watercolor

– Understanding light sources and shadows

– Techniques for depicting light and shadow

Composition and Design

– Principles of good composition

– Creating balanced and interesting layouts

Still Life Painting

– Setting up and sketching a still-life

– Techniques for painting still-life objects

Layering and Glazing

– Techniques for building up layers and creating depth

– Practical exercises on layering and glazing

Detail and Texture

– Adding details and texture to paintings

– Techniques for various textures (wood, fabric, metal)

Landscape Painting

– Elements of landscape composition

– Techniques for painting natural elements (trees, water, sky)

Nature Painting from Photographs

– Tips for using photographs as references

– Techniques for maintaining artistic integrity

Special Effects and Techniques

– Introduction to special effects like salt, alcohol, and resist techniques

– Practical exercises on special effects

Advanced Techniques

– Exploring advanced techniques (negative painting, lifting)

– Practical exercises on advanced methods

Developing a Personal Style

– Exploring different styles and finding your artistic voice

– Techniques for developing a unique painting style

Final Project and Review – Portfolio

– Completing a comprehensive final painting project – Portfolio

– Individual feedback and course review

Materials Needed:

– Watercolor paints (various colors)

– Brushes (variety of shapes and sizes)

– Watercolor paper

– Palette

– Water containers

– Masking tape and fluid

– Rags or paper towels

Self-assignments:

– Self-assignments to reinforce concepts learned in class

Video Lessons:

– Video lessons for preparation and review

Diploma in Fine Arts (DFA)

Sketching and Drawing Course: Brief Description

Introduction to Sketching and Drawing

– Overview of materials and tools

– Basic techniques and safety practices

Line and Shape

– Understanding and practicing line types

– Drawing basic shapes and forms

Proportions and Measuring

– Techniques for accurate proportions

– Measuring and scaling objects

Perspective Basics

– Introduction to one-point perspective

– Drawing simple objects in perspective

Advanced Perspective

– Introduction to two-point perspective

– Drawing more complex scenes

Light and Shadow

– Understanding light sources

– Techniques for shading and creating depth

Texture and Detail

– Techniques for drawing various textures

– Adding fine details to drawings

Still Life Drawing

– Setting up and drawing a still life

– Focus on composition and detail

Drawing the Human Figure

– Basic human anatomy

– Proportions and structure of the human body

Drawing Faces and Expressions

– Facial proportions and features

– Capturing different expressions

Landscape Drawing

– Elements of landscape composition

– Techniques for drawing natural elements

Drawing from Photos

– Tips for using photographs as references

– Maintaining artistic integrity

Composition and Design

– Principles of good composition

– Creating balanced and interesting layouts

Exploring Different Styles

– Introduction to various drawing styles

– Experimenting with different techniques

Developing a Personal Style

– Finding and developing your artistic voice

– Techniques for creating unique works

Portfolio: Final Project and Review

– Completing a comprehensive final project – Portfolio

– Individual feedback and course review

Materials Needed:

– Graphite pencils (various grades)

– Charcoal pencils

– Erasers (kneaded and standard)

– Drawing paper

– Sketchbook

– Blending stumps / Smudging Tool

– Ruler

Self-Assignments:

– Self-assignments to reinforce concepts learned in class

Video Lessons:

– Pre-class video lessons for preparation and review

Diploma in Fine Arts (DFA)

Perspective Drawing Course: Brief Description

Introduction to Perspective Drawing

– Overview of course objectives and materials

– Basics of perspective drawing, understanding horizon line and vanishing points

Drawing Tools and Techniques

– Detailed look at pencils, rulers, and erasers

– Techniques for creating straight lines and accurate measurements

One-Point Perspective Basics

– Understanding one-point perspective

– Drawing simple objects using one-point perspective

One-Point Perspective Applications

– Applying one-point perspective to more complex scenes

– Drawing interiors and streetscapes

Two-Point Perspective Basics

– Understanding two-point perspective

– Drawing simple objects using two-point perspective

Two-Point Perspective Applications

– Applying two-point perspective to more complex scenes

– Drawing buildings and landscapes

Three-Point Perspective Basics

– Understanding three-point perspective

– Drawing simple objects using three-point perspective

Three-Point Perspective Applications

– Applying three-point perspective to more complex scenes

– Drawing towering buildings and aerial views

Atmospheric Perspective

– Understanding atmospheric perspective

– Techniques for creating depth using value and color

Drawing Curved Objects in Perspective

– Techniques for drawing circles and curves in perspective

– Drawing cylinders, arches, and other curved objects

Ant’s View and Bird’s View

– Techniques for drawing Ant’s view and Bird’s View in perspective drawings

– Adding realism to the drawing

Perspective in Architectural Drawing

– Techniques for drawing architectural elements in perspective

– Drawing buildings and structures accurately

Materials Needed:

– Graphite pencils (various grades)

– Rulers, compasses

– Erasers (kneaded and standard)

– Drawing paper

– Sketchbook

Self-assignments:

– Optional assignments to reinforce concepts learned in class

Video Lessons:

– Pre-class video lessons for preparation and review

Diploma in Fine Arts (DFA)

Portrait Drawing Course: Brief Description

Introduction to Portrait Drawing

– Overview of course objectives and materials

– Basic techniques and proportions of the human face

Understanding Facial Structure

– Anatomy of the skull and facial muscles

– Proportions and alignment of facial features

Drawing the Head from Different Angles

– Techniques for drawing heads in various perspectives

– Practicing front, profile, and three-quarter views

Detailed Features: Eyes

– Structure and anatomy of the eye

– Techniques for drawing realistic eyes

Detailed Features: Nose

– Structure and anatomy of the nose

– Techniques for drawing realistic noses

Detailed Features: Mouth

– Structure and anatomy of the mouth and lips

– Techniques for drawing realistic mouths

Detailed Features: Ears

– Structure and anatomy of the ears

– Techniques for drawing realistic ears

Drawing Hair

– Techniques for drawing different hair textures and styles

– Understanding the flow and volume of hair

Light and Shadow

– Understanding light sources and their effects on the face

– Techniques for shading and creating depth

Expressions and Emotions

– Techniques for drawing various facial expressions

– Understanding the muscles involved in expressions

Drawing Children and Elderly Faces

– Adjusting proportions for different ages

– Techniques for capturing the essence of age

Portrait Composition and Layout

– Principles of good composition in portrait drawing

– Creating balanced and interesting layouts

Drawing Hands and Gestures

– Anatomy and structure of hands

– Techniques for drawing hands in different poses

Full-Figure Portraits

– Combining head, hands, and body for full figure portraits

– Techniques for maintaining proportions and balance

Drawing from Photographs – Loomis Method

– Tips for using photographs using the Loomis Method

– Techniques for maintaining realism and avoiding distortions

Materials Needed:

– Graphite pencils (various grades)

– Charcoal pencils

– Erasers (kneaded and standard)

– Drawing paper

– Sketchbook

– Blending stumps

Self-assignments:

– Optional assignments to reinforce concepts learned in class

Video Lessons:

– Pre-class video lessons for preparation and review

Diploma in Fine Arts (DFA)

Charcoal and Soft Pastels Drawing Course: Brief Description

Charcoal Drawings

Introduction to Charcoal Drawing

– Overview of materials and tools

– Basic techniques and safety practices

Understanding Charcoal Tools and Techniques

– Different types of charcoal (pencils, sticks)

– Techniques for blending, shading, and erasing

Drawing Basic Drawings

– Practicing Basic Drawings

– Understanding techniques while doing Basic Drawings

Value and Tone

– Creating value scales

– Techniques for achieving different tones

Still Life Drawing

– Setting up and sketching a still-life

– Techniques for capturing detail and composition

Abstract Portrait Drawing with Charcoal

– Proportions and features of the face

– Techniques for realistic portraits

Landscape Drawing with Charcoal

– Techniques for drawing landscapes

– Capturing natural elements and atmospheric perspective

Advanced Charcoal Drawings

– Exploring advanced techniques (subtractive drawing, fixatives)

– Doing Advanced drawings

Soft Pastel Drawings

Introduction to Soft Pastel Drawing

– Overview of materials and tools

– Basic techniques and safety practices

Understanding Soft Pastel Tools and Techniques

– Different types of pastels and papers

– Techniques for blending and layering colors

Basic Soft Pastels Drawings

– Practicing Basic Drawings

– Understanding techniques while doing Basic Drawings

Still-Life Drawing with Pastels

– Setting up and sketching a still-life

– Techniques for capturing color and composition

Landscape Drawing with Pastels

– Techniques for drawing landscapes

– Capturing natural elements and atmospheric perspective 

Advanced Soft Pastels Drawings

– Exploring advanced techniques (subtractive drawing, fixatives)

– Doing Advanced drawings

Materials Needed:

– Charcoal: Charcoal pencils, sticks, blending stumps, kneaded erasers, fixative spray, drawing paper.

– Soft Pastels: Soft pastels, pastel paper, blending tools (tortillons, blending stumps), fixative spray.

Self-assignments:

– Optional assignments to reinforce concepts learned in class

Video Lessons:

– Pre-class video lessons for preparation and review

Cartoons and Caricature Course Curriculum

Introduction to Cartooning and Caricature

Overview: Introduction to the art of cartooning and caricature. Discuss the history, styles, and the difference between cartoons and caricatures.

Activities:

   Understanding basic shapes and forms used in cartoons.

   Sketching simple characters using geometric shapes.

Assignment: Create a basic cartoon character using circles, squares, and triangles.

Understanding Facial Proportions and Exaggeration

Overview: Learn about the basic facial proportions in cartooning and how to exaggerate features to create caricatures.

Activities:

   Drawing standard facial proportions.

   Experimenting with exaggeration techniques.

Assignment: Draw a caricature by exaggerating specific features of a known person.

Drawing Expressive Faces and Emotions

Overview: Focus on capturing various emotions through facial expressions in cartoons and caricatures.

Activities:

   Practice drawing different facial expressions (happy, sad, angry, surprised, etc.).

   Experiment with exaggerating expressions in caricatures.

Assignment: Create a set of cartoon faces expressing different emotions.

Understanding and Drawing Cartoon Body Proportions

Overview: Introduction to cartoon body proportions, from simple figures to more detailed characters.

Activities:

   Practice drawing simple body shapes and postures.

   Experiment with exaggerating body proportions in caricatures.

Assignment: Create a full-body cartoon character with exaggerated features.

Character Design and Development

Overview: Learn to design unique and consistent cartoon characters.

Activities:

   Create character turnarounds (front, side, and back views).

   Discuss how to maintain consistency in character design.

Assignment: Design your own cartoon character, complete with different views.

Caricaturing Celebrities and Public Figures

Overview: Focus on creating caricatures of wellknown personalities, emphasizing recognizable features.

Activities:

   Analyze photos of celebrities and identify key features.

   Practice drawing caricatures of celebrities.

Assignment: Create a caricature of a wellknown celebrity or public figure.

Cartooning Animals and Anthropomorphic Characters

Overview: Learn how to cartoon animals and create anthropomorphic (humanlike) animal characters.

Activities:

   Practice drawing simplified animal shapes.

   Create anthropomorphic characters by combining animal features with human characteristics.

Assignment: Design an anthropomorphic character based on an animal of your choice.

Developing a Cartoon Strip or Comic Panel

Overview: Introduction to storytelling through cartoon strips or single panel comics.

Activities:

   Learn about the structure of a cartoon strip or comic panel.

   Practice creating a short story or joke in cartoon format.

Assignment: Create a 34-panel cartoon strip with your characters. 

Adding Movement and Action to Cartoons

Overview: Learn how to depict movement and action in cartoon characters.

Activities:

   Practice drawing characters in dynamic poses.

   Experiment with motion lines and other techniques to convey action.

Assignment: Create a cartoon scene where characters are engaged in an action sequence.

Final Assignment: Complete a final project that includes a character design, a caricature, and a short cartoon strip.

This curriculum offers a comprehensive journey through cartoons and caricatures, allowing students to develop fundamental and advanced skills.

Acrylic Painting Course Curriculum

Introduction to Acrylic Painting

 Overview:

•  Introduction to acrylic paints, their properties, and advantages.
•  Understanding the necessary tools and materials.
•  Basic color theory and mixing techniques.

 Activities:

•  Introduction to different types of brushes, canvases, and painting surfaces.
•  Demonstration of paint consistency (thick vs. thin applications).
•  Practice mixing primary colors to create secondary and tertiary colors.
•  Create a color wheel using acrylic paints.

Assignment:

   Prepare a simple abstract painting using primary and secondary colors to explore paint handling and brush control.

Brush Techniques and Textures

 Overview:

•  Exploring various brush strokes and techniques to create different textures and effects.
•  Introduction to palette knife painting.

 Activities:

•  Practice techniques such as dry brushing, scumbling, stippling, and blending.
•  Experiment with creating textures using palette knives and other tools.
•  Create a textured abstract piece incorporating different brush techniques.

 Assignment:

   Create a small painting focusing on utilizing at least three different texture techniques learned in class.

Understanding Light and Shadow

 Overview:

•  Learning how to depict light and shadow to create depth and dimension.
•  Introduction to value scales and grayscale painting.

 Activities:

•  Create a value scale using black and white acrylic paint.
•  Study and paint simple geometric shapes emphasizing light source and shadows.
•  Discuss techniques for achieving contrast and depth.

 Assignment:

   Paint a monochromatic still life focusing on accurate representation of light and shadow.

Color Theory and Harmonies

Overview:

•  Deepening understanding of color theory, including complementary, analogous, and triadic color schemes.
•  Exploring emotional and psychological effects of colors.

Activities:

•  Create small studies using different color harmonies.
•  Discuss warm vs. cool colors and their impact on mood and composition.
•  Experiment with creating a mood board using selected color schemes.

Assignment:

   Develop a painting using a chosen color scheme to convey a specific mood or emotion.

Still Life Painting

Overview:

•  Applying learned techniques to create a detailed still life painting.
•  Understanding composition, focal points, and arrangement.

Activities:

•  Set up and sketch a still life arrangement considering composition rules (rule of thirds, balance).
•  Begin painting the still life, focusing on accurate shapes, proportions, and color application.
•  Learn techniques for layering and building up details.

Assignment:

   Complete the still life painting started in class, paying attention to details and finishing touches.

Landscape Painting Basics

Overview:

•  Introduction to landscape painting, including perspective, depth, and atmosphere.
•  Studying different elements such as sky, trees, water, and landforms.

Activities:

•  Learn about atmospheric perspective and how to create depth through color and value changes.
•  Practice painting different natural elements (clouds, water reflections, foliage).
•  Start a simple landscape painting from a reference photo.

Assignment:

   Complete the landscape painting, focusing on capturing depth and realistic natural elements.

Exploring Abstract Art

Overview:

•  Understanding the concepts and techniques behind abstract painting.
•  Encouraging personal expression and experimentation.

Activities:

•  Discuss various styles and movements in abstract art.
•  Experiment with spontaneous painting techniques, including pouring, dripping, and gestural strokes.
•  Create an abstract piece emphasizing color, form, and texture.

Assignment:

   Develop an abstract painting that expresses a personal concept or emotion using techniques explored in class.

Developing Personal Style and Creative Process

Overview:

•  Focusing on identifying and developing individual artistic style.
•  Understanding the creative process from concept to completion.

Activities:

•  Discuss ways to find inspiration and develop unique concepts.
•  Engage in brainstorming and sketching s for final project ideas.
•  Begin work on a final project that reflects personal style and skills learned throughout the course.

Assignment:

   Continue working on the final project outside of class, incorporating feedback and refining techniques.

Final Project Presentation and Critique

Overview:

•  Presenting and discussing final projects.
•  Reflecting on learning outcomes and progress made throughout the course.

Activities:

• Students present their final artworks, discussing their inspiration, process, and techniques used.
• Participate in a group critique, offering and receiving constructive feedback.
• Discuss the next steps for continued artistic development and exploration.

 Assignment:

   Reflect on personal growth and set goals for future art projects and skill development.

This curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for students interested in exploring the versatile medium of acrylic painting. Through structured lessons and hands-on practice, students will build foundational skills and discover their unique artistic voice.

Textured Painting Course Curriculum

Course Overview

This course is designed for artists of all levels who want to explore the creative possibilities of textured painting. The course covers various techniques for adding texture to paintings, including the use of different tools, materials, and mediums. Students will learn to create depth, dimension, and tactile qualities in their artworks, ultimately developing their unique style in textured painting.

Introduction to Textured Painting

• Understanding Texture in Art:
  • Explore the concept of texture in visual art, including actual (tactile) texture and implied (visual) texture.
  • Study how texture affects the mood, depth, and overall impact of a painting.
• Materials and Tools:
  • Overview of materials used in textured painting, including thick acrylics, gels, pastes, and mixed media.
  • Introduction to tools for creating texture, such as palette knives, brushes, sponges, combs, and unconventional items (e.g., scrapers, household objects).
• Surface Preparation:
  • Learn techniques for preparing surfaces to accept texture, including priming and sealing canvases, wood panels, and other substrates.

Exploring Texturing Techniques

• Impasto Technique:
  • Practice the impasto technique using thick layers of paint applied with palette knives and brushes to create bold, three-dimensional effects.
  • Experiment with creating different textures and patterns by manipulating the paint surface.
• Modeling Paste and Gel Mediums:
  • Explore the use of modeling paste and various gel mediums to build up textures on the canvas.
  • Experiment with adding texture using tools, stencils, or organic materials (e.g., sand, fabric) mixed into the paste.

Creating Depth and Dimension in Textured Paintings

• Layering Techniques:
  • Study the importance of layering in textured painting to create depth and dimension.
  • Experiment with building layers of texture and color, using glazing and dry brushing techniques to enhance the effect.
• Using Light and Shadow:
  • Understand how light interacts with textured surfaces to create highlights and shadows.
  • Learn techniques for enhancing the three-dimensionality of a painting by strategically placing textures and manipulating light.

Personal Expression and Creativity in Textured Painting

• Developing a Unique Style:
  • Encourage exploration of personal expression through texture, focusing on developing a unique artistic voice.
  • Experiment with combining various techniques learned throughout the course to create original works of art.
• Abstract vs. Representational Textures:
  • Explore the use of texture in both abstract and representational art.
  • Understand how texture can enhance narrative and emotional expression in different painting styles.
• Creating a Textured Series:
  • Develop a series of paintings that explore a particular theme or concept using textured techniques.
  • Focus on maintaining coherence and progression across the series while experimenting with different textures and materials.

Final Project: Textured Painting Masterpiece

• Concept Development:
  • Brainstorm and develop a concept for a final textured painting that incorporates multiple techniques and materials learned during the course.
  • Plan the composition, color scheme, and texture placement to achieve the desired effect.
• Execution and Refinement:
  • Create the final textured painting, applying advanced techniques and experimenting with materials.
  • Focus on refining details, achieving balance, and ensuring the artwork aligns with the original concept.
• Presentation and Critique:
  • Present the final project, discussing the techniques used, the creative process, and the artistic vision behind the work.
  • Participate in a group critique, offering and receiving constructive feedback on the final projects.