​This page serves as history on the ArtNucleus children's training scheme developed by the late Ernst de Jong. Please note that classes are no longer available.  

 

1. PHILOSOPHICAL PREMISE

The system is based on the premise that art is the centre of the child’s universe. Guided by teachers who are masters in drawing, form, line, colour and texture as well as composition, structure and dynamic spatial relationships we give the child the opportunity and freedom to work and create visual things in an uninhibited way. By using these visual facets of art and design, we can develop them with the child in a non-figurative and abstract context which in turn gives the student the courage to discover the beauty and importance of art. We shape this understanding into paintings with a unique palette, composition and creative intuitive logic of intense value which becomes the integral part of their aesthetic experience – an experience so strong that it is the sole basis for the development of any idea, concept, thought, expression, story or message which the creative mind of the student may wish to convey. Conversely it may exist in a completely non-figurative way.  

 

2. BASIS OF CIVILIZATION

A civilized society must have: Freedom, Art, Beauty, Truth, Adventure and Peace. These are the basics tenets of civilization. Art is the cornerstone of human expression.

 

3. ART IS CENTRAL TO THE DEVELOPMENT TO THE CHILD’S BRAIN

Through the teaching of non-idea based art and specifically the attention given to the intuitive nature and understanding of what beauty is, triggers the brain to think creatively and logically - this is a basic need of humanity. SEQUOR PULCHRITUDINUM (Our Latin motto) ‘In Search of Beauty’  

 

The student will discover; controlled power, purpose, confidence, personality and above all their huge potential and direction which could be specifically channelled in the adult brain. This can develop in any direction with great self esteem to fulfil their life’s ambition.

 

4. MISSION

Our mission is to teach art in such a happy and creative way, that the doors will open later for any field of endeavour such as the following in the arts alone:

 

• Artist/Painter

• Creative Director

• Designer

• Architect

• Engineer

• Fashion Designer

• Film & TV Producer

• Photographer

• Set Designer

• Illustrator

• Theatre Producer

• Sculptor

• Animator

• Object designer (cars, cutlery, etc)

• Ceramist

• Industrial designer (bridges, roads, etc)

• Textile designer

• Furniture designer

 

5. HOW DO WE DO IT

We teach the S I M P L E  W A Y.

The teachers will enhance the existing need of the student to express their personality through aesthetic logic. How? By allowing the students to express themselves freely with carefully targeted instruction on the basic principle of abstract thinking and style, coupled with guided use of materials, paint and equipment.