Session 1: Elements of Art & Principles of Design

Our 4-week art program is designed to give young artists a strong foundation in the visual arts by introducing them to the Elements of Art and Principles of Design in an engaging and age-appropriate way.

Over the course of four weeks, students will discover how artists use line, shape, color, texture, form, space, and value. They'll also begin to understand how the principles of design, such as balance, contrast, emphasis, rhythm, and unity.

Each weekly session includes a short, interactive lesson introducing a new concept, followed by a guided demonstration and plenty of time for hands-on creation. We encourage a process-based approach, which means that the focus is not on creating a “perfect” finished product, but rather on learning, experimenting, and finding joy in the creative journey. Projects will include drawing, painting, collage, and/or mixed media, allowing each child to explore a wide variety of tools and materials.

Here's a glimpse of what our four weeks together might look like:

Week 1 – Line, Shape & Pattern
We begin by exploring the building blocks of art—line and shape. Students will learn to identify different types of lines (straight, curved, zigzag, etc.) and use them to create patterns and designs.

Week 2 – Color & Value
Students will dive into color theory—learning about primary, secondary, and complementary colors, as well as how to mix and layer colors. We’ll explore value by working with tints and shades to add depth to paintings, and children will begin to see how light and dark create contrast and mood.

Week 3 – Texture, Space & Form
This week, we bring in both visual and tactile texture, using a variety of tools and techniques to create artwork that invites touch and exploration. We’ll also talk about space—positive and negative—and explore how to make 2D art feel 3D by creating layered compositions.

Week 4 – Principles of Design
In our final week, students will apply what they’ve learned by creating a final piece that combines several elements and introduces key design principles like balance, unity, and emphasis.

This 4-week program is more than just art—it’s a chance for young learners to build confidence, express themselves, and develop a lifelong appreciation for creativity.