Description: Have you ever looked at a painting and wondered why something strange is in it? Why do the people look the way they do? Why are there so many swords? In this class, you'll become an art detective — uncovering the stories behind great masterworks while learning the skills that made their creators legendary.

Over 22 of the 30 weeks of CHAT, we'll open the story of a master artist each session — from Leonardo and Rembrandt to Monet and Picasso — and sleuth out what's in their paintings and why.

But this class is far more than art history. More than half of each session is spent making art. We'll start with drawing and shading everyday objects, nature, animals, and the human figure, then move into color theory — because color has a voice of its own. You'll also explore multiple mediums including pencil, chalk pastel, oil pastel, acrylic, and watercolor, so you can discover what you love most.

These skills carry further than you might expect. The foundations you build here overlap naturally into web design, logos, fashion, costuming, interior design, architecture, and more.

God made beauty, and beauty has a way of lifting our hearts back toward Him. By developing your artistic eye and hand, you'll open a door to draw closer to God — and to bring others along with you.

And I promise: you will improve.

Students will have the opportunity to showcase their work at the CHAT Christmas Celebration and the Spring Showcase.

Tutor: Andrea Merboth has a BA degree in Occupational Therapy. Andrea has been involved in several art shows, art exhibits, and canvass painting parties amidst friends and a relaxing backdrop. She has taught art classes for many years to varied age groups, primarily to the homeschool population. In addition to enjoying painting on canvas, Andrea paints furniture, walls, fabric, room murals, and has also painted a 10’x20’ mural in a library and worked with students and locals on another large mural in Ciudad Juarez, MX. She has also painted sets for several full-length plays. Andrea and her husband have a passion to help ground young people in the Christian faith, realizing that all forms of communication, including art have the ability to either draw you towards or away from the truths of God. She believes that beauty is a reflection of God, and art classes can empower students to find creative ways to share God with the world.

Cost:  $254, $264 or $274 per semester (depending on registration date)
Level: Grades 7-12 (Please see note in the class description above)
Prerequisite: None
Homework: A weekly ten point/question test about the artists as well as an art exercise
Text: none
Supplies:  The price of the class (above) covers most of the materials needed for the class. Students need to purchase (available at Michael's): Strathmore (Best) water color paper (cold press) size 11" x 15" (for 2nd semester), Strathmore Drawing Paper, 300 series (yellow) 14" x 17," and a drawing pencil set with eraser and sharpener.  Students will need either chalk pastels or oil pastels for homework assignments.

Image samples of the instructor's work: