The ÀNI Art Academies Curriculum is a comprehensive visual arts training program developed by professional artist/educator Anthony J. Waichulis. The program is an effective system of deliberate practice designed to produce significant development in a host of domains relevant to effective visual literacy and deliberate visual communication. These domains include but are not limited to, visual-spatial skills, visual analysis skills, visual integration skills, fine motor control, automaticity, strategic planning, information synthesis, aesthetics, and procedural fluency.
Entrance to this highly sought-after program is primarily based on an artist’s level of commitment. We believe that great artists are not born – they are educated. Therefore, ÀNI Art Academies requires no previous artistic experience and instead seeks out individuals who are dedicated to the learning process and the completion of training.
The Waichulis Curriculum (currently the core curriculum of the ÀNI Art Academies) is divided into two sections or modules, The Language of Drawing and The Language of Painting. Each module is organized into four submodules that aim to deliver a comprehensive foundation for effective two-dimensional visual communication. The activities of both modules are very similar so as to provide the students with an advantageous revisiting of the concepts and practices they have encountered thus far. The similarity in content also allows the material dynamics, which are far more complex in the LoP, to receive adequate attention during that module’s activities
1. First Marks: The Waichulis curriculum begins with an introduction to the initial materials to be employed as well as the “atomic” elements of a visual vocabulary. This submodule requires that specific, basic materials be used to complete carefully calibrated exercises that utilize dots, lines, and shapes. The learner’s initial experiences with more formal mimicry exercises come with the introduction of shape. Introductions to basic measurement techniques also occur in this submodule.
2. Governing the Material for Representation: Expanding on the previous submodule, this section offers an in-depth tour of more complex material dynamics as well as the benefits of improving both gross and motor controls. More complex aspects of visual perception are introduced while increasingly challenging activities push for an increased reliance on feedback sensitivity. Activities in this section build on the dot, line, and shape tasks in the previous submodule to introduce concepts of value and volume (form.) In the painting or LOP module, this submodule and First Marks are combined. Basic color theory and strategies are also introduced here in the LoP.
Examples of Language of Drawing Exercises
3. Form Perception and the Communication of Volume: This submodule contains a lengthy exploration of rudimentary geometric solids such as spheres, cylinders, cones, and cubes. The student learns how different configurations of shape and value can elicit perceptions of very specific three-dimensional volumes. A great amount of repetition here builds invaluable automaticity while simultaneously familiarizing the artist with the basic behavior of light as well as our perception of it, further developing the artist’s ability to communicate visually.
4. Advanced Visual Communication and Capstone(s): This submodule consists of tasks that include advanced ‘finishing’ practices, navigating higher resolutions, growing one’s capacity for more robust information synthesis, and exploring advanced concepts of visual communication. This submodule also sees the student engage in capstone projects.
Examples of Language of Painting Exercises
The artists that garner the most from this type of training system are defined by a drive and determination that is essential to meet the program’s many meticulous and painstaking challenges. This is what we look for in potential candidates. We value commitment and dedication far more than subjective “talent.” Again, great artists are not born—they are educated.
Average timeframes for the ÁNI Art Academies Curriculum (Click to open in new tab.)