Motion Capture and Animation Foundations – Teen Arts at McMaster

Motion Capture and Animation Foundations – Teen Arts at McMaster is a two-week intensive program designed to introduce high school students to the foundational skills and creative techniques behind digital animation and motion capture technology tools widely used in film, television, gaming, and digital media production.

Participants will gain hands-on experience using Blender, a professional-grade 3D animation software, as they create original characters, 3D objects, and digital environments. Students will also be introduced to motion capture technology, learning how real-world movement is captured and applied to animated digital characters using digital skeletons.

Key areas of focus include:

• 3D modeling and character design
• Object scaling, rotation, and transformation
• Sequencing and scene composition
• Lighting and sound integration
• Applying motion data to drive character animation

The program is ideal for students interested in animation, game development, digital arts, or media production. No prior experience is required, only an interest in creativity, technology, and storytelling. This immersive learning opportunity not only introduces students to industry-relevant tools and practices but also encourages creative exploration and problem-solving within a supportive and engaging environment.

Drawing Foundations – Teen Arts at McMaster

Drawing Foundations – Teen Arts at McMaster is a week-long program designed for students in grades 9–12 who are eager to strengthen their foundational drawing skills and expand their artistic practice. Through a structured exploration of key concepts including observation, form, perspective, value, and composition, students will develop the ability to draw accurately and confidently from life. Emphasis will be placed on learning to observe and render subjects realistically, capturing light, shadow, depth, and spatial relationships.

Students will engage in a variety of drawing exercises focused on still life, figure drawing and portraiture, architectural forms, and landscapes, all set against the backdrop of our inspiring campus. They will have the opportunity to experiment with multiple media, such as charcoal, graphite, pastel, conte, pen and ink, and colored pencil, encouraging both technical growth and creative exploration.

This intensive is ideal for students who are preparing portfolios for post-secondary art programs or who are simply seeking to advance their drawing abilities in a supportive, studio-focused environment. In addition to developing technical proficiency, the course aims to build artistic confidence and foster a disciplined approach to practice.

Painting Foundations – Teen Arts at McMaster

Painting Foundations – Teen Arts at McMaster is designed to develop students’ painting skills through the exploration of key art concepts such as color theory, composition, and technique. Students will be introduced to a variety of painting styles and notable art movements, with a strong emphasis on composition and balance. By understanding the role of light, volume, form, and color, students will be better equipped to bring their artistic visions to life.

From abstraction to realism, students will have the time and space to pursue a long-term painting project that would be suitable for inclusion in portfolios for post-secondary applications.

This weeklong intensive also encourages students to explore their own artistic voices. A combination of plein air and studio work, along with group discussions and individual feedback, will challenge students to step outside their comfort zones. These peer-to-peer exchanges and one-on-one instruction are foundational elements in the development of a strong, personal art practice.

Students will explore key art concepts such as:

• Color theory
• Composition & technique
• Light, volume, form, and balance
• Famous painting styles & art movements

They’ll work both in-studio and outdoors (plein air), developing their own creative voice through a mix of guided instruction, peer feedback, and individual mentorship.

Photographic Foundations – Teen Arts at McMaster

Photographic Foundations – Teen Arts at McMaster is a four-day intensive course that will introduce students to the art, science, and technical foundations of photography. Through a structured curriculum, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of camera operation, including essential functions such as ISO, aperture, and shutter speed, while developing core skills in exposure, composition, and lighting. The course encourages students to explore the creative potential of photography by applying compositional techniques, such as the rule of thirds, and experimenting with light to enhance visual storytelling.

Emphasis is placed on cultivating each student’s individual artistic vision, while reinforcing the technical precision required to execute it effectively. Students will also engage in post-processing using fully equipped digital labs, where they will learn how editing techniques contribute to the overall impact of an image. This component of the course ensures students develop a complete photographic workflow, from concept to final presentation. A series of practical assignments, paired with group discussions and individual feedback sessions, will challenge students to expand their creative boundaries. These peer-to-peer interactions and one-on-one instructional moments are integral to the development of a personal photographic style and a strong portfolio suitable for post-secondary applications or personal enrichment.

Students will:

• Master DSLR basics: ISO, shutter speed, aperture
• Learn creative techniques: composition, lighting, rule of thirds
• Work in our fully equipped digital lab for photo editing and post-processing
• Explore their own artistic vision through fun assignments
• Get peer feedback and one-on-one guidance
• Create portfolio-worthy work for college or art school applications

Whether they’re into nature, portraits, or candid moments, this course will teach your teen how to capture powerful images and have fun doing it!

Drawing Foundations – Teen Arts at McMaster

Drawing Foundations – Teen Arts at McMaster is a week-long program designed for students in grades 9–12 who are eager to strengthen their foundational drawing skills and expand their artistic practice. Through a structured exploration of key concepts including observation, form, perspective, value, and composition, students will develop the ability to draw accurately and confidently from life. Emphasis will be placed on learning to observe and render subjects realistically, capturing light, shadow, depth, and spatial relationships.

Students will engage in a variety of drawing exercises focused on still life, figure drawing and portraiture, architectural forms, and landscapes, all set against the backdrop of our inspiring campus. They will have the opportunity to experiment with multiple media, such as charcoal, graphite, pastel, conte, pen and ink, and colored pencil, encouraging both technical growth and creative exploration.

This intensive is ideal for students who are preparing portfolios for post-secondary art programs or who are simply seeking to advance their drawing abilities in a supportive, studio-focused environment. In addition to developing technical proficiency, the course aims to build artistic confidence and foster a disciplined approach to practice.