Advanced Art: Introduction to Artistic Design Concepts
Grades: Upper Elementary–High School (Prerequisite: Basic Art Foundations)
Cost: $75 per semester / $40 per month per student
This advanced-level course invites students to dive deeper into the world of artistic design. Building on fundamental skills, students will explore design elements such as line, shape, shading, composition, and perspective with increased depth and sophistication. Global art history will be woven into the curriculum to provide context and inspiration.
Color is intentionally limited to grayscale in this course to sharpen students’ understanding of visual structure and contrast. Expect to explore artistic decision-making, develop personal technique, and participate in group critiques to grow artistic insight.
Prerequisites:
Students should already be familiar with basic concepts such as line, shape, shading, focal points, perspective, figure foundation, foreground, and background. These will only be briefly reviewed before moving forward.
Expectations:
Students are expected to:
Complete all assignments to the best of their ability.
Bring required materials and completed outside work to each class.
Participate in in-class critiques and discussions, which are essential to the course.
Required Materials (student-provided):
Spiral-bound hardcover sketchbook with multi-/mixed media paper
Drawing pencil(s)
White eraser
These items are available at most art supply stores, including Hobby Lobby. Watch for sale events for savings
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Suggested Materials (optional but helpful for home practice):
Pencil sharpener
Kneaded eraser
Grayscale hard charcoal or Conté crayons
Your Instructor
Bonnie Hardison
Mrs. Bonnie Hardison’s artistic journey began in childhood at the side of her father, who had studied under his own grandfather—continuing a long legacy of creativity passed down through generations. Encouraged to explore the arts from an early age, Bonnie was placed in high school-level art classes while still in middle school and went on to take college-level courses before even graduating high school.
Although Studio Art was not offered as a major during her time at Agnes Scott College, Bonnie pursued it passionately as a minor—ultimately graduating with more hours in studio art than in her declared major. Over the years, her work has earned regional awards and multiple solo gallery shows.
A multifaceted artist, Bonnie has taught a wide range of art classes, managed an art gallery, judged student art competitions, completed commissioned pieces, and built a successful career as a professional portrait and event photographer. For her, artistic expression isn’t just a skill—it’s a way of life.