Current Courses (in-session)
These courses are currently in session but there's still time to join! You can catch up with recordings and be ready to jump into the remaining live sessions. You'll have access to the recordings for a year*.
*The Essential Drawing Course for Beginners includes lifetime access to recordings.

Soft pastel painting by Edmond van Offel
Realistic Portrait in Soft Pastel
-
Following the steps of traditional portraiture, we’ll focus on the technical aspects of portraits, strengthening our drawing skills, learning all the ins and outs of soft pastel, but also strive to emphasize the beauty of light on the skin, expressive features of the character, texture on the hair and clothing, and most importantly - try to express it in our own unique style. For intermediate and advanced artists.

"Black Birds" by Lucia Jin, Portfolio student
The Art of Ideas: How To Use a Sketchbook
-
A sketchbook is a fundamental tool for artists – it’s a must-have for any creative. In this course, you’ll learn how to use it effectively to lay the foundation for all of your future work. The objective is to learn how to catalyze creativity, gather ideas for art, and let go of perfectionism. Every class will introduce you to practical and fun ways to fill your sketchbook.

Painting by Denise Wright, a Prima Materia student
Faux Glow: How to Create Fluorescence Without Neon Paint
-
In this course, you will learn how to achieve a magical, glow-in-the-dark effect with regular paints. This course will explain the secret behind this striking visual phenomenon step by step: how depending on the amount of white or black you create this expression of radiance. This is a project where students are invited to use their own images to create a unique and personal painting.

Paul Kauffman at the opening reception, next to his painting "Eye Candy", accepted into the Athenaeum's 32nd Annual Juried Show, La Jolla, California
From Studio to Spotlight: Creating Art That Gets Noticed
-
Learn how to prepare and submit your artwork to juried exhibitions, competitions, and galleries—with expert guidance to refine your pieces, develop your voice, and stand out as a professional artist.

Finished drawings made by students who completed the Essential Drawing Course.
Essential Drawing Course for Beginners
-
In 12 classes, you’ll learn the techniques of drawing from the beginning. The drawings above are by students who joined this course as absolute beginners. You will build the skills by rendering objects and environments with a teaching method found nowhere else. All drawings will be created in monochrome (black and white) to focus on the basics: light and shadow, line, and dimension.
New courses are on the way! Be the first to know about upcoming courses by signing up for our newsletter.