Curriculum

For Students ages 8 and up, this class puts the emphasis on tonal drawings. Small compositional studies are used for framing and quick drawing. No erasers allowed. The use of shapes and patterns of light and dark are emphasized. Learn the gray scale using graphite pencils working with still life and learning how light effects objects. in studio/online art lessons

For students that have learned the fundamentals and are skilled in layout, values and construction of the figure. This class works on rendering techniques and long studies for each project. Line quality, tones, simplification and gesture are emphasized.

In order to create detail drawings; one must learn how to sketch. Drawing loose, drawing through and drawing with rhythm is the beginning to each class.  Warm up with marker boards and make many mistakes. Learn through them and become skilled after the first class. Learn to draw the figure, head and hands quickly using proportions, light weight, construction and simple shapes. No details allowed. Art Classes in Castro Valley kids art classes painting art classes

(Ages 5 and up) Students learn foundational techniques, tools, and materials for each project. Proper setup and cleanup of painting stations are required. Projects include laying out a palette, mixing tints and tones for every color, applying an initial wash followed by thicker strokes for coverage, outlining shapes, and utilizing a light source and gradations for a more rendered feel.

"Learning From The Masters" are techniques that are taught from famous artists from past generations. This unique course of study help the student to render form and apply a layering process to their work while learning strokes from Van Gogh,  Monet's color theory and Picasso's use of shapes. 

In order for an artist to improve in their skills no matter what their age, one must choose the medium of their choice. Watercolor, Pastels, Graphite, Pen & Ink, Markers, Colored Pencils & Acrylics. (Oils are not provided but can be brought by student). This method will enable the artist to improve faster and feel comfortable while learning new techniques. Each student will work with transparent color and finish with a rendered work of art. Beginners will study values and simplify shapes and start with monochromatic studies and progress into color harmony. Photographs are selected by the artist with instructor guidance. 

To animate is to create movement on the computer. Start with a stick figure falling, jumping or running then advance into layers of detail. Prerequisite: Drawing 101.

For the student who enjoys drawing on the computer, this class is learning the layering process and building techniques. Using innovated software for digital design this class starts with a line drawing and applies tones, color and detail for a rendered work of digital design.  Great for portfolio presentation. 

Graphic Design begins with learning the basics in Adobe Photoshop. This software is industry standard and essential for the digital design for creative art. Begin by creating your own logo.  The artist creates an identity of themselves and uses it for business cards, letterheads and envelopes. A fundamental step for self promotion and portfolio presentation. Once the manipulation of letters transforms into a self identity for the student the journey continues with page layout. Arranging elements to a page in an interesting and easy to read presentation. Excellent for portfolio presentation. 

Learn foundational techniques to paint natural scenery, skies, and outdoor environments. Students practice layering, managing light sources, and building atmospheric depth from background to foreground. Includes: Values, shapes , layout, perspective, color. 

Learn the essentials of fashion design sketching, garment construction details, and figure proportions. Students explore fabric textures, draping, and color rendering to bring their clothing designs to life on paper.

Learn the fundamentals of drawing unique characters, expressions, and dynamic poses. Students explore proportion, styling, and storytelling through manga and character illustration, moving from concept sketches to finished artwork.

For intermediate students who take graphics to an advanced level. Learn the tools one by one and create visuals for book covers, flyers, promotional advertising and more. 

No matter what your age, the portfolio begins after each class. In order for parents, teachers, students, friends and family to see advancement or skill level in an artist, a portfolio is always recommended. After an 8 week course the instructor can critique and recognize what is lacking and what needs to be developed to further advance each artist. 

Sample Portfolios are available for view at studio. 

Get inspired by Picasso, Kandinsky, Mondrian and many more Masters. The abstract projects loosens up the artists' arm, wrist and fingers while making a continuous motion creating shapes using circles, spirals, zig zags or what ever your creative mind desires. Explore scribble scrabble and turn it into something. So much fun to color and share. Advanced students who are working on portfolio pieces, this is highly recommended to explore. 

Learn the fundamentals of visual storytelling by turning creative ideas into sequential panels. Students practice character development, composition, and pacing to map out narratives, comic books, or animation sequences frame by frame.

Explore color and start with complimentary colors and take oolor into new levels of understanding. This class is all about the color wheel and how color relates to it. The student will create their own color wheel and learn compliment colors and the tint and shade to each color. With every project, the color wheel is used and explored. Once this is mastered, the student can adventure into endless possibilities. 

Sculpting with clay helps the drawing ability of each artist. To mold the clay and think 3D is essential for better understanding of 2D. Begin by learning the proportions of the clay. Put the pieces together and add the details. Finish by painting on your sculpture and glaze for the finish touch.

For ages 5-6. 

 A special "Mom/Dad and Me" class where parents participate right alongside their child. Designed to build confidence and develops their attention span through fun, hands-on learning and creating projects of their choice together. Options: 1 -2 hours. 

See Camps, Parties and Events for Arts and Crafts. Ages 4.5 and up.

Explore the vibrant world of marker illustration and rendering. Students learn blending techniques, layering, and how to create rich shadows and highlights using professional marker tips. Great for graphic styling, fashion design, and dynamic illustrations.

Ceramics are perfect for the student that wants to give the gift of art.  Make a tea pot, cup and saucer, a beautiful plaque to hang and more. Use color combinations, patterns and texture and design a one of a kind work of art. Kids love the endless possibilities and all ideas coming from them.