Art student from youth program focusing on an art project in a classroom

Studio Series

Watkins College of Art

Youth Programs (ages 12-14)

For more experienced artists, ages 12-14, our Studio Series camps focus on specific media, projects or themes each week, introducing basic principles and elements while exploring advanced techniques for further practice. This age group also learns how to discuss their work and give and receive constructive critiques. These programs are a great way for students to take a deep dive into topics of special interest or experiment with new media! Stay up to date on announcements about this summer program by signing up for our newsletter. Registration begins in early January.

 

Summer 2025 Programs:

hand holding a marker drawing a comic

WEEK 1 - Drawing & Illustration Camp

This camp teaches the basics of drawing and illustration. Students will spend half the day working on observational drawing exercises to sharpen their eye for detail. Students will learn the basics of light, value, and perspective in their drawing class, as they learn to observe the natural world more closely. Students will spend the other half of their day working on illustration techniques to create expressive illustrations based on their favorite fictional characters or original characters and stories. Students will learn to work in colored pencil, pen, and watercolor to create dynamic, layered compositions. Students will conclude the week by showing off their work in an exhibition with their peers. 

hand rolling ink onto a printing block

WEEK 2 - Printmaking & Mixed Media Camp

This camp helps students improve their creative problem skills through instruction in both mixed media and printmaking. Students will spend the first half of their day working with multiple materials in the mixed media class to construct unique compositions layering different materials and techniques. Students will explore the use of paint, paper, fabric, found objects and more to push their creative boundaries. Students will spend the other half of the day learning various printmaking processes, including printing with presto plates, creating monotypes, and reduction prints. Students will conclude the week by showing off their work in an exhibition with their peers. 

hands holding photographs with tongs over a rinsing tray

WEEK 3 - Photography Camp

This camp teaches students the basics of photography in both digital and darkroom formats. Students will spend half the day learning about photography in a traditional black and white dark room class. Students will learn how to develop their own film and create prints. Students will spend the other half of the day learning how to take digital photographs. Students will learn how to optimize manual camera settings as well as manipulate lighting in a traditional light studio.   

hand holding a marker drawing a comic

WEEK 4 - Drawing & Illustration Camp

This camp teaches the basics of drawing and illustration. Students will spend half the day working on observational drawing exercises to sharpen their eye for detail. Students will learn the basics of light, value, and perspective in their drawing class, as they learn to observe the natural world more closely. Students will spend the other half of their day working on illustration techniques to create expressive illustrations based on their favorite fictional characters or original characters and stories. Students will learn to work in colored pencil, pen, and watercolor to create dynamic, layered compositions. Students will conclude the week by showing off their work in an exhibition with their peers. 

Contact Us

Watkins College of Art

1900 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37212

Phone:  (615) 460-6770

Email Us