UPDATE because I was thinking about this place, as I got an email from them. I get them often and…read morealways look forward to it. About 6 months before we moved from Oceanside to Temecula area, I planned on attending Watts Atelier. I did a lot of research and found them because I wanted to study anatomy, for my sculptures. Sadly, the class didn't fill up enough, for them to justify that specific class. I went to the facility priorly though. I was soo blown away by the atmosphere. Wonderful! I longed to go there and just sit, if I needed to. Sometimes you just know. Your spirit shines. I watched a demo of a portrait drawing and felt incredibly inspired by it. If I lived closer, I'd find a way to go there. I recommend them whole heartedly.

Mastery of any kind is not an easy road. Getting anywhere near the vicinity of mastery is pretty…read moregrueling. And when you start it will be frustrating and somewhat demoralizing. But nothing worth having is easy, right? Known around the world for its reputation, Watts is one of the few ateliers in the country reviving the tradition of 19th century studio study in Europe. I learned there is no 'right way to draw' in my undergrad program and I have nice, shiny diploma to prove it. But the collective energy of hundreds of years of artists like Fechin or Bouguereau have developed a way to see the human figure in greater depth and knowledge than any technique I've come across. I'm seeing my diploma has the right spirit, just not the proper guidance, so I've decided to move to Southern California to even get near this ancient knowledge I need to become a better draftsman. I discovered Watts through a rabbit hole of instructional drawing videos and landing on a video of the owner, Jeff discussing how to be a successful artist, which had all the right affirmations I was looking for. Based on what I saw, I decided to test drive their two week boot camp in August to see if I could cut it at a place like this. I was woefully unprepared and could barely hold the conte properly, let alone put anything on paper that didn't look like seismograph output. I was overwhelmed by all of the information that I was lacking - angles, proportions, plumb lines, perspective, curves vs. straights and on and on. I nearly gave up, but Jeff and Krista encouraged me to stick it out, and with the help of the instructors and other students, I had a small breakthrough. It just took a push for me to realize I knew more than I thought and was capable of understanding their technique. With that, I decided to move to the San Diego area to study as long as I can at Watts with a full-load of classes in the winter term. I am currently in week seven and will be here for the foreseeable future, nothing I've ever done has come close to teaching me this much. They are proponents of the Frank Reilly method of representational drawing and you work mostly in charcoal on newsprint for speed and efficiency. Mixing demos with one on one instruction, the skill you get to see inform your own work is mind-bending. There's no coddling here, so if you're a mildly skilled artist you will be humbled, but if you're looking for someone to stroke your ego (ahem, Chai T.) you may want to go to a wine & paint. Their program is not the hardest thing I've done, but it is up there, and I have this innate desire to keep it going. I came here to hone old skills I forgot I had after nearly 15 years focusing on visual and UI design. While I am far from being proficient, the process is invigorating. You're not learning to draw, you're learning how to build a human being on paper. And the more I learn, the more I want to know - forcing the strange, underhand grip of the charcoal to put marks on paper that come close (hopefully) to what's in my head. I have a whole range of classes from 20 minute head lay-ins, figure two, three and five minute quick sketch, fundamentals, facial expressions and even painterly drawing and I'm still reeling (in the best way possible). Jeff conjures up a certain type of energy that starts with him and permeates through the instructors down to the other students. Everyone is here to learn from the best and so willing to help one another out as no one is at the same level. I am absorbing more in two months than my whole undergrad program ever got close to, and my goal is to become proficient by the time I'm 40 and take my career in a whole different direction. If you're not serious, it may nudge you out fairly quickly, but if you have this desire to create art that you can't explain away, you will most likely find what you're looking for here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX0MrnzBJ8M

I wanted to take an art class now that I'm retired. I found Albert's studio to be the most…read morewelcoming and flexible in that I could pursue subjects that spoke to me. He has a great process that really develops your "eye" and skill set. I just followed Albert's guidance and found I could learn to draw a wide range of objects and figures and enjoy painting in oil or watercolor.

I have been attending Martin Fine Art classes for about 6 months. I am very pleased with my…read moreprogress. In class, I followed the typical process of starting with drawing, progressing to shading, then painting. I have developed the ability to see subtleties in images that I did not notice before. This alone has improved my work. I have learned to create virtually any color from a limited palette, which has greatly simplified my process compared to what I was doing prior to the class. Albert, the instructor, has a relaxed demeanor and I recommend Martin Fine Art if you want to improve your painting.

Been looking all over for a figure drawing place to to improve my eye at work. Super stoked i…read morestumbled into Elissa's awesome sanctuary. Wonderful cozy studio i go to every Sunday evening, Elissa provides a very warm welcoming environment with friendly professional figure models. You can only get better by simply just doing the thing you wanna get good at, SDAL is a great place to provide that space for all levels.

We are so happy we found this place! My daughter wanted to draw and paint in an intimate studio,…read morewhere the owner cares. Elissa is the right person, and now, after more than two years, we share the feedback. It's a fantastic place. Elissa has coached her, encouraged, and she provides each student with instructions catered to her skill level, passion, and comfort zone. Our daughter plans to continue honing her skills for next couple of years, until the end of High school. 5 Stars!

I went for fashion week San Diego. That's where they hosted it this year. The shows were great. Too…read morebad Friday got a bit rained out. Saturday show was amazing but very small space for the show. It would have been great if the stage was a bit more raised. As for the gallery, it's a beautiful and Small gallery that gives you the opportunity to interact with the artist creating the artwork. It's worth walking along the short path which features sculptures among the plants and has a nice little out door venue area between all the art. Great little local place to check out if you have never been

I am so thrilled that Lux Art Institute exists in Encinitas! I say this, because I had no idea that…read moreit does exist. I've driven by a million times, and for some reason thought it was apartments. Yikes! It most certainly is not. It is a beautiful and well curated space that displays art by the current artist in residence. (I believe they stay two months at a time.) Today was my first visit and I didn't have time to see everything, so I will come back this weekend. What I did see was some extraordinary embroidery work. The people who work at the institute introduced themselves and approached me with inspiring information about the art when they saw me looking at it and heard that it was my first visit. I love this place! I agree with the other reviewer that it feels warm and inclusive and inviting. No attitude here. Can't wait to come back.

Loved the class and gorgeous charcuterie wood platter I have! I did this with a few girlfriends for…read morea birthday. It was a great experience because: 1) She went step by step and made it very easy 2) She was open to using other colors besides blues for the typical ocean design 3) She was also very friendly 4) You could use her expertise as needed for a certain step

Took the class as a sister birthday present weekend! It was four of us and we really enjoyed it. It…read moreis located in a small art studio. We made resin jewelry which we were able to take home immediately rather than a later pick up. Kay was great and helped us along the way. I would recommend it for a girl's weekend or mother/daughter activity.

We visited Artberry kids art studio during their open house, and it was such a wonderful…read moreexperience. My kiddo had a blast in the sample class, and I was so impressed with how organized and thoughtfully set up the space is. The studio is bright, cute, and very inviting. You can tell the founder has a ton of experience and a true passion for helping kids explore their creativity. So excited to have this in our Town Square!

From the owner: Artberry Creative Studio is a welcoming art space where kids explore their creativity through…read morehands-on art and craft projects. We offer: • Weekly Art Classes in small groups after school • Creative Art Birthday Parties with custom themes • Spring & Summer Art Camps – inspiring projects and fun activities during school breaks • A wide range of high-quality materials • Flexible scheduling – didn’t find the right spot? Let us know! We’re building our schedule around your needs Founded by a local art docent (San Elijo Elementary School) and professional designer & illustrator, Artberry is all about joyful learning, creative expression, and a caring community vibe. Enrollment is now open! Join us and make something amazing!

Amazing teachers and very convenient parking! Miss Linda always greets you and has so many…read moreinteresting stories to tell!

My kids are really enjoying their experience here. I am really amazed at how quickly the…read moreinstruction is helping them blossom. Thank you for your amazing school, as well as amazing outlet (during this pandemic). My family is so grateful!

Spramani did a fantastic job with my daughter's 9th birthday party, teaching and walking them…read morethrough painting a canvas. She was very accommodating and easy to work with. It was quite amazing how she was able to teach children ranging from ages 3 to 10. She has the knack. The other adults at the party were equally impressed. Thumbs up!

From the owner: Mobile Art Studio, Art Parties,…read morePaint Birthday Parties, Corporate Paint Parties, Paint Night, Custom Art Events

This is the most magical place to unwind and destress. EHOA has been a place of solace for me and…read moremy family for many years now. I recommend taking your children, friends and family there to experience creativity you never knew you had inside you.

Phenomenal Magic Tree House art party for a batch of 5-6 yr olds. Gigi was awesome! Parents were…read morereally impressed and enjoy a break on their outside patio. A great, more mellow, birthday alternative! Can't wait to take my kiddo back for some additional classes :)