About The Instructor
Caroline is a K-12 certified art educator, ceramic sculptor, watercolor artist, and Zazzle Pro designer. At the University of Florida, her concentration was centered around conceptual figurative sculpture. She has taught a variety of subjects to all secondary grade levels including ceramics, drawing, painting, and sculpture at IB magnet and independent college – preparatory schools. Caroline’s students have been recognized by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers with Scholastic gold/silver regional awards and a national silver medal. Additionally, she has a 100% student pass rate on the Advanced Placement 3D Art and Design College Board portfolio review. Caroline has received the New Professional Award from the Florida Art Education Association and has raised over $3,000 to enhance her programs. Caroline believes the key to learning is to keep an open mind, continually strive for growth, and always maintain a helpful heart.
Teen: Portfolio Prep
Mondays, 10 am – 12 pm
This class is designed to guide motivated middle and high school students in the development and documentation of the 2D components in a well-rounded art portfolio.. The art portfolio is an important part of applications. Schools and universities want to gauge a student’s potential to be successful in courses belonging to your major of interest. Admissions teams want to know you as an artist in a way that goes beyond grades and test scores. They will take into consideration the level of instruction you’ve had, consider your portfolio, grades, difficulty of courses taken, recommendations, and application essay. Successful artists and designers need to be creative thinkers. Creativity is often valued as much, if not more, than your technical skills as a developing artist. Documentation is vital to presenting your artwork in a finished and professional light. All artwork will be photographed with instructor assistance in preparation for a digital portfolio. 3D portfolio goals should be discussed with instructor/Lighthouse ArtCenter to gauge if we can accommodate the student’s individual needs on a private basis or in a separate course in the future.
In a portfolio, it is important to have breadth of knowledge and experimentation across mediums.
Topics that can be explored:
- Still life
- Grid Drawing
- Painting (acrylic) – no oil painting allowed
- Charcoal and Pastel
- Color Pencil
- representational vs. abstract work
- conceptual vs. observational
Student Research (prior to start of class):
If you know what schools you want to apply to, research their portfolio requirements carefully and early. While researching the portfolio requirements of each school, pay particular attention to the following information:
- Application and portfolio deadlines
- How you need to submit your portfolio
- If there are open days or portfolio days when you can present your portfolio in person
- Number of pieces you should submit
- Size requirements for the pieces
- If there are any special required pieces you must submit (for example, the Rhode Island School of Design has required all applicants to submit a drawing of a bicycle)
- You should also look at examples of previously submitted art portfolios.
Portfolio requirements often consist of the following:
Demonstrate creativity, willingness to experiment, and critical thinking
Original artwork of the student’s creation
Guided Studio: Acrylics
Tuesdays, 9 am – 12 pm
This course is an introduction to the basics of acrylic painting. Students will learn about creating a successful composition, methods of transferring a contour outline, mixing observed values and colors based on selected reference photo, application of paint to canvas, and brushstroke techniques. The instructor will assist each student in the planning and painting process from start to finish. This course is entry level, accessible for all, and individualized to meet each student’s skill level. No prior art experience is required. Each student should bring a laptop or Ipad to each class to view their reference photo while painting.
Guided Studio: Watercolor
Wednesdays, 9 am – 12 pm
This course is accessible for levels from beginner to intermediate and is perfect for those seeking personal instruction. Guided studio allows each student to explore watercolor painting while focusing on individual goals and subject matter. Skills focus on mixing observed values and layering colors based on selected reference photos. The instructor will help guide each student in the planning and painting process from start to finish as needed.
Characters in Clay
Thursdays 1-4 pm
Learn how to create a sculpture that speak volumes! Sculptures may be based on people, animals, or imaginative characters. Skills that will be explored include solid/hollow building styles, modeling features, and glaze/underglaze best practices. This class is accessible for all experience levels from beginner to advanced!
Pots with Personality
Fridays 1-4
Learn how to create eye-catching vessels with character and personality! Basic hand-building techniques (slab, coil, pinch) and glaze/underglaze best practices will be reviewed. Students may explore various themes such as decorative vs. functional vessels, sculptural additions, color, and pattern. This class is accessible for all experience levels from beginner to advanced!
Caroline Duran 