Studio MH
0

Art Forms

  • Painting

    Our painting courses combine traditional techniques with creative exploration. Students can choose to experiment with materials, styles, and concepts while developing their own artistic voice.

    • Color theory — mixing and applying color to create mood and atmosphere.

    • Brushwork & mark-making — using different tools to build texture, depth, and movement.

    • Still life, landscape, & portrait painting — capturing light, form, and perspective.

    • Realism & abstraction — from lifelike representation to expressive experimentation.

    • Mixed media & collage — layering materials for dynamic visual effects.

    By the end of the course, students produce a portfolio that showcases technical growth, creativity, and personal vision.

    Drawing

    Drawing courses build the foundation of all visual art. Students strengthen technical skills while exploring expressive approaches to mark-making and composition.

    • Foundational principles — line, shape, form, texture, and value.

    • Media exploration — graphite, charcoal, ink, pastels, and colored pencils.

    • Perspective & composition — creating depth and balance in visual storytelling.

    • Expressive drawing — experimenting with personal style, history, and color theory.

    Students leave the course with a portfolio of drawings that demonstrate both technical mastery and conceptual development.

  • Design & Digital Art

    Students gain a strong foundation in graphic design while learning to think and work like designers. Through hands-on projects, they may explore:

    • Visual communication & design theory — how to craft clear, impactful messages through design.

    • Typography & composition — using text and layout to guide attention and meaning.

    • Creative problem-solving — applying design thinking, research, and user-focused methods.

    • Industry tools — Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for professional results.

    Students build technical skills while developing their own creative voice. By the end, they will produce original, polished work that reflects both their design knowledge and personal style.

  • Photography

    Photography courses combine technical instruction, conceptual exploration, and digital retouching. Students learn how to use the camera as a tool for both documentation and artistic expression.

    • Digital Camera skills — exposure, aperture, shutter speed, and composition.

    • Digital editing — using industry software for image refinement and creative manipulation.

    • Lighting & perspective — natural and studio techniques for mood and clarity.

    • Visual storytelling — building a series of images with narrative or conceptual depth.

    Students will be able to produce a cohesive photographic portfolio that reflects their artistic interests and technical skills.

    Illustration

    Our illustration offerings bridge traditional drawing with contemporary visual storytelling. Students will be able to experiment with style, media, and technique to bring ideas to life.

    • Fundamentals of drawing & composition — clarity and impact in visual communication.

    • Media exploration — ink, watercolor, digital illustration, and mixed media.

    • Character & concept development — building narrative-driven imagery.

    • Editorial & applied illustration — creating visuals for publications, branding, and design contexts.

    Students refine their unique voice as illustrators while producing professional portfolio pieces.

    Sculpture

    Our sculpture based offerings immerse students in three-dimensional art-making using a variety of materials and techniques.

    • Form, scale, & proportion — how shapes occupy and transform space.

    • Materials & processes — clay, plaster, wood, wire, found objects, and mixed media.

    • Surface & texture — experimentation with finishes that enhance expression.

    • Conceptual approaches — connecting sculpture to personal vision and contemporary practice.

    Students create sculptural works that highlight craftsmanship, experimentation, and conceptual strength.

  • VISUAL ARTS (HS):

    Piece 1: A self-portrait using a graphite drawing pencil and paper done from observation (from observation means you draw yourself by looking in a mirror).

    Piece 2: A still life of at least 3 items, using a graphite drawing pencil and paper done from observation (from observation means you draw objects placed before you on a surface in front of you).

    Piece 3: A figure drawing, using a graphite drawing pencil and paper. You may pose a friend or a family member in front of you. Draw the human figure from observation (from observation means you draw a live person). If you do not have access to a friend or family member, see the tutorial on figure drawing on this visual arts portfolio resources

    Pieces 4-7: Add 1 to 4 additional pieces to your portfolio. You may select pieces that were created using any material in any form. They may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional

    Piece 8: (only for Art and Design High School, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Art, and/or Frank Sinatra School of the Arts) “Fantastical Sandwich Imagination Pencil Drawing”

    Piece 9: Video Student Introduction. Select three pieces of artwork from your portfolio (Piece 1 and Piece 2 must be included). Upload a short video about the three uploaded pieces of original artwork. Discuss your choice of subject and materials, motivation, and influences.

    ——————————————————-

    DIGITAL ARTS, DESIGN (HS):

    Piece 1: Self-portrait, Piece 2: Still Life, Piece 3: Figure Drawing

    Pieces 4-7: Additional 1 to 4 pieces to your portfolio. You may select pieces that were created using any material in any form. Suggestions: Re-design 5 characters from your favorite live-action TV show or movie. Create a poster design promoting an upcoming event or advertising a new product. Include imagery and text. Create a book cover design of your favorite book: Include title and author. Redesign a logo from one of your favorite companies.

    Piece 8: For Animation: Fantastical Sandwich. Using pencil and paper, stage an interesting scene of a character eating a sandwich in 3 phases. For Graphic Design: MTA Subway Poster Advertisement. (Image and brief description of the sandwich, Name of the restaurant and sandwich, Slogan for the sandwich stating why it is special)

    *After applying, callbacks and live auditions are scheduled for selected students.

    ———————————————————-

10 reasons why AEA students- grow into successful artists:

  1. Thinking Creatively – take risks, play, and push past the obvious.

  2. Exploring Materials – paint, draw, build, mix, and experiment.

  3. Finding Your Voice – develop a style that’s all your own.

  4. Growing Ideas – brainstorm, sketch, and turn visions into art.

  5. Reflecting & Revising – look back, refine, and make it stronger.

  6. Talking Art – share meaning, emotion, and ideas with others.

  7. Connecting Contexts – link your work to history, culture, and today’s world.

  8. Learning from Influence – get inspired by artists past and present.

  9. Building Portfolios – create polished work for schools or applications.

  10. Mastering the Basics and Beyond – practice unity, balance, rhythm, and proportion.