Monart and Markers
In this two-part, two-semester course we will be diving into the Monart method and learning to draw!
The Monart Method, created by Mona Brookes, involves training students to perceive an “alphabet” of sorts focused on five basic elements of shape families that combine to form all objects. By learning to view the world through these five elements and how to transcribe the information to paper, everyone, so-called “drawers” and “non-drawers” can learn to become artists in their own right and develop their own unique style of realistic interpretation.
This widely acclaimed method gives children structured information to improve visual perception and realistic drawing skills.
“We don’t expect children to play the piano, study dance, or learn a sport without showing them the basic components of these subjects. Why do we expect them to understand the complexities of drawing on their own?”
And, regarding the Monart method, Brookes says:
“Everyone loves to draw if they are given a non-threatening environment with enough structure for success and enough freedom for creativity. That is what Monart provides. The particular sequence of lessons in this book builds a safe environment as it teaches students to use an alphabet of shape to analyze and break down what they see. Development of perceptual and analytical skills increases critical thinking and problem solving. Easy and quick artistic success also builds self-esteem, and this confidence is transferable to other educational areas.”
“The method emphasizes step-by-step guidance for drawing in a learning environment that is non-competitive and non-judgmental, where when pencil meets paper there is no right or wrong.” — Don Oldenburg, Writer, The Washington Post
Giving children the tools to draw accurately actually gives children the confidence and skills to portray what they see and to share their creative ideas with the world.
Monart Part 1 (Fall Semester): for Ages 6 – 12 (12 weeks)
We’ll begin by exploring:
Encouraging us to draw through new attitudes and abilities
How to prepare your work-space
Starting level exercises
Introducing the five basic line elements of the contour shape family
Level 1: Learning the basics & warm up exercises
Level 2: Drawing with Graphics (Leo the lion, tropical birds, carousel horse, etc.)
Level 3: Drawing from Still Life (also setting up Still Life)
Level 4: Volume Drawing (Positive & Negative Space)
Level 5: Widening our Drawing Horizons (media tips, design concepts, people, faces, environments).
Monart Part 2 (Spring Semester): for Ages 6 - 12 (12 weeks)
In this Section we’re continuing our exploration of drawing with the elements of shape: the Dot, Circle, Curved, Straight, and Angular line families. With all new drawing subjects, we’ll explore 5 drawing styles and even learn how to develop our own style. We’ll also be weaving in the elements of design: Line, Shape, Color, Value, Form, Texture, and Space.
The drawing styles we’ll be discovering in this course:
Abstract
Symbolic
Flat
Realistic
Integrated
Your own Style
By the end of the Monart course, the goal is for students to have become more confident in their drawing abilities and prepared for further art courses, such as Drawing 1. Once children have mastered the Monart concepts of drawing they will be confident to tackle more complex concept like perspective, shading, and life drawing!
"Both of my sons have thoroughly enjoyed Mrs. Jennings' drawing classes. Her patient and reassuring style encourages even the most reluctant artist. She brings her vast knowledge of art, her skill as an artist, and her experience as a homeschool mom into her teaching. We love Mrs. Jennings!"
-Christina T., California
