Studio Arts
Sharing your vision of the world is a daily practice in the studio.
Whether the stroke of a brush or the spin of the potter’s wheel, Pomfret students use the visual arts to communicate beyond words and numbers. In a program created and guided by accomplished artists, you will discover and develop your ability to translate a creative impulse into a compelling visual expression.
Painting & Drawing
The Painting and Drawing studio is a place to explore and experiment. Students have access to the space at all times. The curriculum is project based, using a wide range of materials and methods, and includes a sequence of courses from introductory to college level. The program also includes gallery opportunities on and off campus, guest artists and the chance to study abroad. Artists of all levels will find this studio both welcoming and challenging.
- Term » Intro to Painting and Drawing I
- Term » Intro to Painting and Drawing II
- Term » Intermediate Painting and Drawing I
- Term » Intermediate Painting and Drawing II
- Year » Honors Painting and Drawing
- Year » Advanced Painting and Drawing
- Travel » Drawing in France: L'Atelier au Chateau
Term » Intro to Painting and Drawing I
Any student wanting to enroll in Painting and Drawing (other than Advanced or Honors) should sign up without indicating a specific course level. Once the term begins, the teacher and the student will together establish the level which best corresponds to that student's ability (see individual course descriptions). That course title will appear on his/her transcript.
In the Intro to Painting and Drawing class students learn basic drawing and rendering skills. They are given projects that teach them how to look. Students work from still life and photographs, and experiment with several drawing and coloring techniques. They will learn to transfer images to scale using a grid system. By the end of the term, each student completes numerous pieces in a variety of sizes, styles, and mediums. Students are encouraged to push the media by developing a unique and creative relationship with it. All projects are completed in the art studio. Grades are based on attendance, and classroom performance.
Term » Intro to Painting and Drawing II
Any student wanting to enroll in Painting and Drawing (other than Advanced or Honors) should sign up without indicating a specific course level. Once the term begins, the teacher and the student will together establish the level which best corresponds to that student's ability (see individual course descriptions). That course title will appear on his/her transcript.
The Intro to Painting and Drawing II course, while including a review of basic drawing skills, is designed to introduce students to a variety of drawing, painting and rendering techniques. Each assignment is an introduction a new medium and/or material. All projects are completed in class, but the studio is always open for them to use outside of class time. Grades are based on attendance, and classroom performance.
Term » Intermediate Painting and Drawing I
Any student wanting to enroll in Painting and Drawing (other than Advanced or Honors) should sign up without indicating a specific course level. Once the term begins, the teacher and the student will together establish the level which best corresponds to that student's ability (see individual course descriptions). That course title will appear on his/her transcript.
In the Intermediate Painting and Drawing class, students are presented with a challenging topic which they are required to depict visually. They will experiment with a range of mediums and create original pieces through various painting and drawing techniques. All projects are completed in class, but the students are encouraged to use the studio outside of class time. Intermediate Painting and Drawing students are expected to display strong drawing skills and think outside of the box. Students are graded on attendance, productivity, and effort.
Term » Intermediate Painting and Drawing II
Any student wanting to enroll in Painting and Drawing (other than Advanced or Honors) should sign up without indicating a specific course level. Once the term begins, the teacher and the student will together establish the level which best corresponds to that student's ability (see individual course descriptions). That course title will appear on his/her transcript.
The Intermediate Painting and Drawing II class is designed for responsible, creative and self‐motivated students with good drawing and painting skills. Students are expected to have an understanding of the human figure, color, composition, and the use of different mediums. Each student works on independent projects chosen either by themselves or in collaboration with the painting instructor. Students are expected to keep a personal sketchbook and are encouraged to challenge themselves and experiment with materials. Grading is based on attendance, classroom performance, creativity, time management, and productivity. Students are expected to complete all pieces to the best of their abilities and be able to explain the inspiration behind their works. Students are also encouraged to spend time in the studio outside of classroom time. Prerequisite: Intermediate Painting & Drawing or be approved by the instructor.
Year » Honors Painting and Drawing
The Honors Painting and Drawing is designed for responsible, creative and self-motivated students with strong drawing and painting skills. In this yearlong class students will work under the tutelage of four to six guest artists. These professional artists will share their passion for the arts, and work alongside the students for a two-week session. Grading is based on attendance, classroom performance, creativity, and productivity. Students are expected to complete all pieces to the best of their abilities, and be able to explain the inspiration behind their works. Prerequisite: Intermediate Painting & Drawing and Intermediate Painting and Drawing II to be considered for this course or with approval by the instructor.
Year » Advanced Painting and Drawing
The Advanced Painting and Drawing class is geared toward dedicated, responsible, creative and self-motivated students with strong drawing and painting skills. The students are expected to have an understanding and a command of a variety of different rendering techniques. Students are expected to challenge themselves and experiment with the materials they use. They must complete all their artworks to the best of their ability and be able to explain the inspiration behind their works. Grading is based on attendance, classroom performance, time management, and creativity. As advanced students they are also expected to spend time outside of class time in the studio, and participate in all figure drawing sessions. The goal of this class is to successfully complete a portfolio that clearly showcases the artist's creative abilities. Approval by the instructor is required for enrollment.
Travel » Drawing in France: L'Atelier au Chateau
At L’Atelier, we provide you with an opportunity to grow your artistic ideas, sharpen your skills with expert advice, and develop or add to your portfolio as an art student. Whether you are supplementing an advanced level portfolio or just exploring your passion for drawing, this program offers you the time, space, and guidance you need while providing a global experience through food, culture, and authentic French accommodations and excursions. Each student is involved in three art sessions per day and is required to show his or her work in a public exhibition on the final evening of the program. Drawing in France: L'Atelier au Chateau is one of many travel-based experiential learning opportunities available at Pomfret.
Sculpture & Ceramics
The Sculpture and Ceramics studio seeks to give students a hands-on experience in creating three-dimensional form, whether it is working on hand built projects using clay or making functional ware on the potter’s wheel. Reductive sculpture, additive work assemblage, casting in plaster and glass, and site-specific work are all included in the curriculum. Students are encouraged to pursue and develop their master of a variety of techniques to realize their own vision of three-dimensional form.
- Term » Ceramics I
- Term » Ceramics II: Handbuilding
- Term » Ceramics II: Intro to the Wheel
- Year » Advanced Ceramics
Term » Ceramics I
This course is an introduction to the basic techniques of clay forming. Students will experiment with a range of hand-building techniques while answering studio assignments, and creating both functional and non-functional work. The aesthetics of form and surface will be a principle focus. Ceramic history and ceramic geology will be integrated into the course work. Open to all students.
Term » Ceramics II: Handbuilding
Term » Ceramics II: Intro to the Wheel
Year » Advanced Ceramics
This course is designed for students who have completed Ceramics I and II and wish to continue their study. As an advanced course, students will be asked to expand on their existing knowledge of ceramics, strengthen their technical skills, and create a cohesive body of work throughout the year. A gallery show will be the culminating piece and evaluation for each student. In addition to their own work in the studio, students can expect to pursue some research and inquiry into the work of contemporary ceramic artists.