The Concord Academy Visual Art department fosters empathy, skill development, individual voice creation, and respect for the creative process through interpretation and critique. In the 2D studio arts, including drawing, painting, printmaking, and design, students develop their understanding of composition, color, tone, texture, line, and cultural context, allowing them to express themselves creatively in various media.
This fall semester, Jonathan Smith’s Painting 3: Observation class focused on direct observation through oil painting projects, incorporating portraits and still lifes. Students started with a mini painting of pears and a still-life painting of red and blue light. By the end of the semester, students did a hand study project, where they observed their own hands, built various stances and orientations, and painted from firsthand observations with the aid of mirrors and photographs.
Through this project, students developed their color and shape accuracy skills, worked with different composition techniques, and delved deeper into the creative process. The numerous ways of filling the canvas gave students immense freedom to present their understanding, personalities, and creativity. However, this also brought students challenges of what to fill in the background of the painting. May Zheng ‘26 said, “[Despite several modifications], I left [my background] in an interpretive state where it was kind of blank but also had slight texture into it [for others] to interpret.” Throughout the course, May mentioned, “Jonathan gave [the students] a lot of creative freedom and is very helpful in giving us tips and supporting us.” Overall, May enjoyed her painting experience with her peers in class and, at the same time, further developed her skills as an artist.
Jonathan’s Painting 3: Observation class not only pushed students further in their skill development but also encouraged them to showcase their individuality through art. Through his thoughtful advice and instructions, this course allowed students to challenge themselves, support one another, and grow as artists. This balance of guidance and creative freedom reflects how CA’s Visual Art department is dedicated to fostering a space where students develop both their technical skills and artistic voices.