Prerequisite: None

This is a one-semester course designed for the student to explore the world of Art. The student will learn the various methods of drawing. They will also learn color theory and will apply it to several two-dimensional projects. They will work with pencil, charcoal, pastels and paints. Clay, the three- dimensional project, will include pottery methods, firing and glazing. Students will have a beginning understanding of universal arts and their social impact.

Art 1 (610) Drawing

Prerequisite: Intro to Art (621) or teacher recommendation.

This is an introductory year-long course with a strong core curriculum of learning how to draw. Basic drawing skills are essential to the framework of Art. The students will master the drawing skills to further advance their talent in contour drawing, shading, perspective in portraits, still life’s and landscape. The students will then extensively delve into Color theory, and color as Value. Through studio practice and Art history, they will have a good understanding of the sequence of Line-Value-Color-Painting. Careers in art will be covered and discussed.

Art 2 (630) Painting and the Masters

Prerequisite: Art 1 –Drawing (610) or teacher recommendation

This intermediate year-long course is designed to take students from beginning to end on painting a picture as the Masters would do. Starting with rough draft sketches (this will include a review of the drawing methods of Art 1), to sketches on the canvas, to color mixing and technique exercises, to the final painting. Students will explore several mediums such as charcoal, pastels (chalk and oil), watercolor, acrylic, tempura and even oil paints. Students will study the Renaissance, Impressionists and Modern Art Movements, their projects will include painting a Master painting, painting in the technique of the Master or painting a Master painters’ favorite subject. The students will then focus on a medium or subject of their choosing to begin an art portfolio.

Art 3 (650 ) Student Art Portfolio

Prerequisite: Art 2-Painting (630) or teacher recommendation

This is an advanced course for the serious artist who wants to develop a comprehensive art portfolio of their talent, for a career in the arts. Drawing will again be emphasized so their drawing skill will be at college level. Included in the portfolio will be a variety of art mediums to show diversity and knowledge, as well as emphasis on the student’s medium of choice and their strong capabilities with that modality. Timeline of art history and its impact on society and the principles of design will be studied and assessed in works of art, including their own. The culmination of this course will be a thematic unit of a subject matter, an art movement or era, using a variety of mediums, to accomplish the completion of their portfolio requirements.

Art History (612)

Introduction and survey course of Western and non-western civilizations major contributions to the history of prehistoric art to modern art. Emphasis on the identification of universal concepts, interpretation of artistic expression and analysis of the visual, applied and fine, i.e. painting, sculpture, architecture and multi-media. Focus on critical thinking and analysis. Studio applications, slide presentations, classroom discussions, reading and writing assignments required.

Fenster Boarding School – A Strong Foundation in the Fine Arts

At Fenster, we provide our students with opportunities to develop their talents in any area and not just academics. From sports to arts, we pride ourselves on being an institution with a well-rounded curriculum.

If you’re looking for an art boarding high school for you teenager, you might want to consider the several advantages that Fenster offers its student body. On our 150-acre campus, located at the foothills of the Santa Catalina mountains, students have a peaceful environment in which they can explore all of their interests, whether it be in the academics, fine arts or athletics.

All students at our art boarding high school receive the attention they need to excel in all their studies. We accept only the highest levels of performance from our students in order to prepare them thoroughly for college and for their future careers. We encourage our students in their areas of interests while also helping them develop a well-rounded set of skills that will serve them anywhere they go.

To find out about more opportunities your teen can have at our art boarding school, you can contact our office at 520-749-3340. You can also call our Headmaster Don Saffer at 520-465-0990. Any of our staff members will be more than happy to tell you about the student life and studies at Fenster, and we can also set up a time for you and your adolescent to tour our beautiful campus.