The Upper School Painting & Drawing program emphasizes developing visual and critical thinking skills through the adventurous pursuit of intuitive ideas and expression, while fostering the laborious discipline-based training and the responsibility necessary to meet the criteria of objective learning. Students are strongly encouraged to gain technical skills by classical drawing and painting techniques including Bargue drawing technique while exploring abstract and conceptual art work.  The program values the “Process” that integrates simultaneous use of visual, motor, and cognitive to strengthen intellectual development beyond mere aesthetical pictorial concerns.

Students draw in graphite, charcoal, pastel, conte, pen and ink, and unconventional or invented drawing materials. They paint with water color and acrylic paint. The oil paint medium is introduced to advanced level students. Students participate in art competitions regionally and nationally. Past students have earned the distinction of Finalist in the YoungArts National Arts Competition in 2-D Art Division. Students’ artwork play an ambassador role, representing Marksmen’s talent, as their pieces adorn the walls on campus and throughout the Dallas community.