Atelier (uh-teh-lee-aay), a French term that simply means studio, describes the particular techniques used to train the masters of the Renaissance (14th - 17th century) through the 19th century. SCA students receive classical atelier instruction.
Drawing
Painting
Sculpting
Atelier Benefits
The discovery of art is an exciting subject for every student, because it is taught in a way that every student can learn, regardless of talent.
Better hand-eye coordination
Higher visual literacy (seeing in a more nuanced way)
Greater historical awareness and interest through the study of art history
A greater understanding of geometry and math concepts
The acquiring of a skill set for self-expression
Discipline
Modern-Day
A typical modern-day art class celebrates above all, individualism and originality.
Classical Atelier
A Classical Atelier classroom celebrates a humble willingness to learn, and instructs our hearts in the love of what is true, beautiful, and good.
After several years, the art produced by the student through atelier training is a wonder to behold; however, the greatest work of all is what is done within the student.
Concepts & Skills
Developed in Each Stage
Grammar Stage (1st-4th Grade)
Learning the language of drawing, through the use of line, shape, and value
Learning to observe closely through the study of great historical art
Basic perspective, drawing from life, both outside “en plein air”, and in the studio
Beginning color theory and paint handling
Beginning sculpting techniques
Logic Stage (5th-8th Grade)
Integrating art history with SCA world history and literature studies
Building fluency in the language of drawing
Increased precision in the use of value to describe light on form
Drawing the human portrait and figure
Landscape drawing and painting
Introduction to oil painting and pastel techniques
Architectural Drawing
Rhetoric Stage (9th-12th Grade)
Integrating and in-depth art history with SCA world history and literature studies
Drawing at a high level of precision and skill
Studying and copying oil paintings of the masters
Moving toward painting original works
Juniors/seniors apply their knowledge to the creation of sculpture culminating in the Senior Capstone Project
All great art is a work of the whole living creature, body and soul, and chiefly of the soul.
Sayers Classical Academy admits students of any race, color, sex, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally available to all students. SCA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national, and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship program, and athletic and other SCA-administered programs.
