FOUNDTIONS
The Foundations Course at The Art Club is designed for students with little to no prior experience who want to build both confidence and a strong base in essential artistic practices. Through guided instruction in drawing, anatomy, composition, color theory, and ideation, the course prepares learners to advance into higher level workshops with a solid grounding in the fundamentals. Emphasizing both theory and hands on practice, it encourages creative thinking while supporting technical growth, offering a clear pathway toward professional level study.
Upon completion, students receive a certificate that provides recognition of achievement and affirms their readiness to participate meaningfully in all of The Art Club’s workshops. For those considering admission to traditional colleges or universities, the certificate may also serve as a valuable pre-college credential, highlighting academic readiness and a recognition of strong foundational practices. Participation in the Foundations Course is optional and not required for enrollment in all other workshops and Lectures at The Art Club.
Dates
Wednesdays - Jan 8 - Feb 5
Time
5:00pm - 10:00pm EST
Location
Creative Lab Workshops - Discord: <https://discord.gg/TZb8wK292j> Blue Classroom
FORMAT
Class meets once a week on Discord
Recorded Access: Class recordings are provided after the course, viewable for one year.
Homework must be uploaded to Google Drive folder before the next class begins
The class enrollment is limited to a maximum of 10 students.
THE FACULTY
Nick Leysens is a designer, storyboard artist, illustrator and animator who has been working for the last 10 years in the tv/film, tech, and commercial industries. His clients include Nickelodeon, Warner Brothers, Titmouse, ShadowMachine, Miley Cyrus, Duolingo, Cinemax, Fox, and Adult Swim. Nick studied at the Laguna College of Art & Design. Nick has worked on shows such as Animaniacs, Looney Tunes, BoJack Horseman, Spongebob Squarepants, The Simpsons, Baby Shark’s Big Show, Mike Judge Presents Tales from the Tour Bus, and Clone High.
Nick has taught on the collegiate level for 5 years at the Cleveland Institute of Art and also serves at the School of Visual Arts MFA program as a mentor.
Prerequisites
This is an all-level design class. In order to have a productive learning experience for all, prospective students need to fulfill the following requirements:
Drawing/Painting software (Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, ect…)
Computer with microphone (camera optional)
Access to Google Drive
Access to Discord
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Students will explore the fundamentals of drawing through a structured, step by step approach, learning how to build forms using basic construction techniques. The students will build on these techniques by introducing human and quadruped anatomy, focusing on simplifying complex structures into foundational shapes and understanding how to apply them to dynamic poses.
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Students will focus on gaining a strong fundamental understanding of perspective. Building on this foundation, students will explore the fundamentals of composition, learning how to guide the viewer’s eye and create visual clarity. The course will build on the previously discussed topics and introduce blocking, where students will apply these concepts to sequential storytelling, using composition to stage scenes and communicate narrative effectively.
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Students will explore foundational rendering techniques that enhance form, depth, and visual focus within a composition. Students will shift to the thoughtful application of color, examining how hue, value, and saturation can be used intentionally to support storytelling, mood, and clarity in visual work.
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Students will engage in a hands-on workshop centered on creative ideation. Exploring strategies to generate original concepts and move beyond visual cliches. Students will then be introduced to research-based methods for strengthening visual development, encouraging students to ground their ideas in meaningful references and context.
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On the final day, students share their work for a group critique, receiving constructive feedback from peers and the instructor to reflect on progress, strengthen skills, and leave with clear takeaways for future growth.
Who is this Course for?
The Foundations Course is all about building a strong starting point for your creative journey. This course will help you develop the core tools, habits, and confidence you’ll need to grow as an artist. Whether your next step is joining workshops, applying to art school, or simply continuing your personal practice with a stronger foundation.
Pre-College Students – who want a structured introduction to art fundamentals. Upon completion, students receive a certificate of completion that can be used strengthen their art school applications and help them stand out in the admissions process.
Current College Students – who wish to strengthen their core skills and build confidence before advancing to higher level coursework.
Professionals – who may have experience but want to refresh their fundamentals.
Hobbyists – who are passionate about art and want a guided, structured way to develop essential techniques.
Certificate
The Fundamentals Certificate formally acknowledges the successful completion of foundational coursework and affirms the recipient’s demonstrated understanding of course fundamentals necessary for advanced study. Within The Art Club, the certificate provides students with both recognition and credibility, ensuring preparedness to engage meaningfully with all the workshops offered at The Art Club. For those seeking admission to traditional colleges or universities, the certificate further serves as a pre-college credential, signaling academic readiness and a clear commitment to pursuing education in the arts.
