Visual Arts Audition Information
The applicant will participate in a 30-minute, timed FIGURE DRAWING class that will focus on drawing the human figure from a model.
Evaluation of the figure drawing class will be based on the applicant’s ability to:
- demonstrate a willingness to learn and take suggestions while drawing.
- stay focused and on task during the class.
- show an understanding of line weight, line fluidity and mark-making in their drawings.
- ability to capture the essence of the poses, movement and proportions.
- synthesize all techniques presented to create a figure in space.
The applicant will complete a 30-minute, timed STILL LIFE DRAWING using a choice of materials provided by the school.
Evaluation of the still life drawing will be based on:
- an understanding of figure ground relationships and perspective.
- a demonstrated sense of proportion and scale.
- an understanding of light source, mass and volume.
- technical skill in handling and use of medium/materials, to include craftsmanship.
- a composition that includes balance, focus and movement
The applicant will create a 3-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN based on a word/idea/concept given to the student at the time of the audition in 30 minutes, with materials provided by the school.
Evaluation of the design problem will be based on the applicant’s:
- organization of time and materials.
- purposeful spatial relationships within the design.
- purposeful use of color and/or contrast (the applicant may decide not to use color).
- integrity of the design, which is the ability to relate the design to the idea.
- evidence of sincere effort with the work / craftsmanship.
The applicant will have 15 minutes to write a REFLECTIVE STATEMENT describing and discussing the applicant’s work on the Design Problem.
The prompt for the reflective statement will be to:
- describe and analyze how your composition relates to the prompt and evaluate the success of your final product
Evaluation of the reflective statement will be based on:
- describe and analyze the relationship between design and prompt
- an interpretation of the meaning/intent of the product
- an evaluation of the success of the project
SENIOR YEAR APPLICANTS ONLY – Applicants entering their senior year will participate in an interview and portfolio review. These students should bring a portfolio that contains ten samples of their artistic work and a full sketchbook for review.
Evaluation of the portfolio will be based on:
- Breadth of Work (sketchbook or journal, variety of techniques and/or materials used)
- Focus (reflection of exploration or curiosity of an idea fully)
- Quality (striving for excellence in craft, concept, and technique)
- Organization (neatness, presentation of work presented)
Evaluation of the interview will be based on:
- Motivation (desire to attend Dreyfoos, prior classes or summer programs, exhibitions, competitions, eagerness to learn and try new ideas, desire to attend college or art program)
- Ability to Communication (explanation of work in regard to concept and/or technique, expression, articulation)
