High School Art Elective

Oil painting is the most flexible form of painting; therefore it is best suited for learning the craft of painting. The medium first became popular in 15th century Italy (despite Michelangelo, who favored fresco, and scornfully quipped, "Oil paint is fit only for the lazy and well to do.") The benefit of oil paint is that it can achieve thick impasto texture as well as luminous glazes.

 

The eighteen-week elective course will follow traditional painting instruction. Students will begin with simple still life paintings and then progress to portrait work. In late May and June, students will move outdoors for plein air landscape painting.

 

There are three elements of the course.

 

First, students will learn the craft of painting. This includes knowing the qualities of traditional pigments, using solvents and mediums, taking care of brushes, choosing painting surfaces, mixing paints, and handling brushes.

 

Second, students will learn composition through exercises that show the visual effect of different designs. Students will learn how to arrange still life and landscape paintings according to successful and proven compositions.

 

Third, students will be encouraged to develop their own artistic voice and explore their individual creativity. In the final still life of the year students will compose their own still life arrangement and color palette.

 

Mr. Walter says, "I look forward to teaching an elective course in which I am able to share my passion for art. Hopefully, the students end the semester with a good understanding of the fundamentals of oil painting as well as a sense of accomplishment for their own creative output."