Art Classes in Pleasanton CA. and the East Bay Area

Primary Classes

• Creativity Art Classes (ages: 6-9)

  • Designed for the young artist, we focus on basic skills and creativity. Children of this age generally do not lack in creativity because of such vivid imaginations, so we utilize this innate creativity to strengthen and encourage their interest in art. The basic skills that we teach at this age help their understanding of how to construct these imaginative concepts on to a two dimensional surface. However its not all fun, games and silly projects. I introduce them to vocabulary, art history, and difficult concepts; I believe that introducing young children to vocabulary, art history, and difficult concepts at an early age (but in smaller doses and in terms that they can relate to) will build their comfort and understanding down the road.

• Skills Art Classes (ages: 10-13)

  • The Skills Art Classes focus on technique and repetitive exercises which fine tune the micro-muscular skills of the student. At this point the student has developed enough coordination to start exacting their art work in drawing, painting and sculpture. Projects are now assigned based on techniques that historical artists have developed. This means that emphasis is also placed on art history as well. The projects may take longer to complete in this class, because at this age we begin to emphasis quality over quantity and give the student a realistic view of the time it takes to produce wonderful art works. Some introduction to computer graphic software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is introduced tot he student to give them a head start.

• Studio Art Classes (ages: 14-18)

  • The Studio Arts Program is focused on refining the students art techniques further. More emphasis on pencil and charcoal drawing is applied to most projects, as realism and exactness is emphasized. This is to prepare them for any portfolio prjects that they will eventually need for Art Universities as well as Academic Universities. Painting skills are also more heavily focused on as well as computer graphics software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, because computer graphic software has become an essential tool that also assists in the creation of traditional fine arts. Some web design skills are introduced to the student so that they can create their own web site and online portfolio.

Advanced Classes

• Portfolio Program (ages: 14-18)

  • Our Portfolio Program is aimed at preparing the students portfolio for admission to art college or universities. We ask the student and parents to suggest three colleges of interest. We will then research the schools portfolio requirements and organize the schedule and projects to be sure to reach those requirements. When entering the portfolio program it is highly recommended that the student has taken some basic art courses and has a foundation in the understandings of value, composition, drawing and painting. If the applicant does not have these foundations, it is recommended that the student takes some basic courses in an art program or starts the portfolio program a couple years ahead of submitting the portfolios. More information…

• Intensive Drawing Course (ages: 10-Adult)

  • Is exactness your goal? Would you like to paint better? Drawing is the basis and foundation of all visual arts. One must become confident and skilled in drawing in order to become a better artist, regardless of the medium of choice. The Intensive Drawing Program is focused on getting the skills and techniques you need to begin painting and drawing realistically.

• Oil Painting Classes (ages: 10-Adult)

  • The Oil Painting Program first focuses on basic techniques that are extremely important to the creation of complex compositions and designs. After the completion of some paintings dealing with realism we soon delve into abstraction. Abstraction is after all simply simplification, so we build your abilities on the difficult techniques first so that simplification becomes simple. Many of the projects are related to historical figures and styles once realism is achieved.

• Figure Drawing Classes (ages: 16-Adult)

  • Created mainly for adults but also available to mature students in the portfolio program, The Figure Drawing Classes are created with relaxation, socializing, and fun in mind. The techniques are introduced to students of adult age in increments that follow from one task to the next. Over all the classes are a great way to have fun with art and with other artists, as they are held in a coffee shop located in Pleasanton. Coffee Drinks are available for purchase. You will be shocked at how well you draw and how quickly you progress!

Computer Arts Classes

• Adobe Photoshop Classes (ages: 10-18)

  • more information coming soon…

• Adobe Illustrator Classes (ages: 10-18)

  • more information coming soon…

• Web Design Classes (ages: 10-18)

  • more information coming soon...

Art History Classes

• Ancient Art History I (ages: 10-18)

  • more information coming soon…

• Ancient Art history II (ages: 10-18)

  • more information coming soon…

• Medieval – Renaissance (ages: 10-18)

  • more information coming soon…

• Modern Art History (ages: 10-18)

  • more information coming soon…