Chris is truly a great art teacher and person. He has so much knowledge about art and is eager and willing to share it with his students. You will learn so much more from him than anyone else and he will save you a lot of time and money experimenting with different things cause he has tried it all already. Trust the process and you will become a skilled artist! read more

didomizio arts center - one of the drawing exercises we had to do - Art Classes Near Me - Roswell, Georgia

Highly recommend! I've been taking art classes with Chris diDomozio in Roswell for about a year, and my skills have improved dramatically. Chris is an incredible instructor--his knowledge, talent, and teaching method make a huge difference. Even after learning the basics, I continue to grow with every class. Whether you're just starting or want to advance your painting and drawing, Chris is the real deal. read more

Chris is devoted to learning about art and passing his knowledge on to his students. I have been attending the class for two years. I have watched new students with no art background join the class and produce beautiful paintings. This is a serious class where you will learn how to both draw and paint. You will learn to hold each stroke accountable. You will learn to make choices that enable you to express your personal message as art. Along the way, you will learn to appreciate artists that you may have never discovered. This class is not easy but if you have a strong desire to make art, I highly recommend that you join. You will make art at a high level. read more

Wish I could give zero stars. Biggest waste of time and money spent. Went to 2 initial classes, total of 4 hours. He spent at most 15 minutes with me and another student but 12 minutes of that was spent listening to how he has the wealthiest clients all over the world and painted presidents, actually just one, and how fabulous he is (legend in his own mind). Could find nothing about him on an internet search except the same 3 paintings. Even if you are an experienced artist, he insists that you take his complete course that starts with shading squares. Seriously!??!! This guy only wants you to learn as a 5 year old so he can keep you paying monthly. He spends most of his time wandering around the room taking about how great an artist he is. Most of the people there got no attention. Seriously, I've seen much better artists than him. Don't waste your money or time. read more

We took one 8 week session before others in the class told us it took them close to a year before the instructor would let them paint, and the painting program would take another year so this would be a 2 year commitment at $225 every session. I only wish the curriculum had been clearly outlined before signing up as we would have found another class that actually lets you work with oil paint within the first session. After all that's what I thought I was paying for. When we asked to let us skip some of the repetitive pencil work (I'm talking 3 hours blackening in a background) and move on to oil he said NO. To be honest, some of us wondered if this was his business plan to keep the cash flow coming. He will not know or remember your name, and when we needed a moment of his time it was practically impossible to drag him away from talking religion with the ladies in the class that would indulge him in those lengthy conversations. He told the class he got disillusioned and stopped painting in 1996. He said he used to charge +$30,000 per portrait back in the day, but doing an Internet search we could not find any links, images or reviews of him or his portrait work online anywhere. I read many positive reviews about his class before signing up but noticed most only wrote one review each on those sites, which made me question their validity. To be fair I think you can learn to paint well in this class...eventually. There are a few students who have stuck it out and continue to come. One even drove over from Alabama. If you are a beginner, if you like a slow pace or can afford to sit around and do pencil drawings for months, this could be for you. If you would like a faster pace, shop around. I found another class that offers great instruction in oil painting at a beautiful gallery in Duluth (2 Smith Gallery) and I finally feel that I am getting a good value and am learning something. I did not feel that way in di Domizio's class. I saw a number of students just quit, even after paying for the whole session. By the way, he will NOT refund your money, even if you break a wrist as happened to one student. Side note, I have found some amazing tutorials on YouTube by very talented and generous professional artists (drawmixpaint.com) who will freely teach their techniques and tips. read more

I've taken two 8-week drawing sessions and I've loved every minute. I didn't just study drawing - but I understand ART now. I understand composition, color, shading, feeling, technique... I recommend the classes here to everyone that wants to take art seriously. I will continue to sign up for every session I can! Why all the negative reviews? Why!? This place is awesome! Do you have to take at least one 8-week session in drawing first? Yes. Is it worth it? YES! You aren't just learning how to draw, you're learning how to create a masterpiece. These techniques will stay with you for ANY medium you use in the future. I don't think there is an abbreviated intro/drawing class for people that have experience drawing/painting - you still have to do the drawing class that everyone else does. Not that it's bad, to be honest, because you learn so much. Who should sign up? People that want to create ART and want to become an artist. This isn't a casual "Sips n Strokes", "Dip n Dab", "Cork n Canvas" or *insert cheesy, alliteration heavy name here* where you're there just to socialize and drink wine. This is a class for dedicated wannabe/current artists that want to learn to think like an artist... and sell their art for lots of money (because they do). Scroll down and see how many (5 star!) reviews are hidden under the non-recommended review area. Around 29 at the time I wrote this review. And they're all real reviews. The instructor is really that good, however hard it is for the review algorithm to believe. I gave 4 stars because all the 5 star reviews are blocked and I didn't want my review to be hidden. Take a look at the students' art- that says it all. Sign up before the classes fill up! read more

So, it's been a few years since I took a series of several classes. I'd echo people's concerns that, it is a painting class, but you don't get to paint for a very long time. I never did get to to paint. That could have been a little more transparent as, though it is framed as a process later on, it also seems like a ploy to keep you committed to coming (and paying). To be fair, I did learn some things, but I've taken some short workshops elsewhere that have really delivered in terms of learning , as well. A heads up that Chris does see his classes as a 'mission field', also. Meaning, you are a captive audience to his mini sermons. Didn't bother me as I'm a Christian. However, Christianity and right wing political opinion were very, sadly intertwined. read more

This is the real deal. Chris is well worth the 2 1/2 hour drive into Roswell thru Atlanta. Not unheard of for most to drive over an hour to Take his classes. Many of his students have been with him for well over 5 years taking more then one class consecutively. Many receiving recognition from various art societies, college. scholarships, others becoming paid professionals for the work they produce after Chris's help. read more

Di Domizio is talented and one could learn a lot from him. A However, as a Jew I was confronted with what I can only describe as blatant anti-semitism. His scripture quoting and religious lessons were not my problem, though there is lots of that. But when I was stereotyped and lumped together with the other two Jews in the class labeled"demanding " and as "troublemakers," to everyone in attendance, I could not in good conscious remain in the school. Whatever his excuses for the outburst, there can be no excuse for this type o bigotry. From what I heard for the eight weeks I spent in his class, he is both a zealous Christian and a bigot. What would Jesus do?? If you share his conviction then it should be a great place to study. The star above was clicked in error. read more

This is one of the greatest art classes that I have taken. I have a paining professionally for 20 years and I have learned more in his class than any other class I have taken. read more

I have been an art student at diDomizio Arts Center for about a year. It has been my best art instruction experience ever. I have studied art before, with several other teachers in well-known studios.... and this by far has advanced my skills more than any other class. It is a very self-paced course. Some folks breeze through, and others might be on the same assignment for a lengthy period of time. It is all about the energy we put into it! It takes a lot of patience...but the results are extra-ordinary! The class is structured on specific exercises. When you accomplish the task, you move forward. I appreciate the dedication that Chris DiDomizio applies to his class preparation. I've watched my fellow art student colleagues have the same experience. read more

Chris is an incredible teacher. He has such talent, and his patience is comforting. A great man whose art instruction I would recommend to anyone and everyone. read more

Chris Didomizio ("Dee-doh-MEE-zee-oh") is as fine of an art instructor as there is. The wealth of what he has to offer his students is tremendous -- knowledge, experience, product analysis, etc. If you are thinking of pursuing art, forget the art schools and sign up for these classes. His program can take your art to a very high level if you stick with it. This is not a "come and play in paint" class, but a program founded on classical drawing techniques. In this class I've learned that "most painting problems are really drawing problems." He has developed a series of drawing exercises that teach critical principles and are completely worth the time and effort involved. This is the real deal -- he very well may become nationally recognized as a leading and groundbreaking teacher in art. His class structure accommodates both beginning and advanced artists in the same class. I began with him about 5 years ago, already a professional artist, but little did I know how little I knew! I chose his class because the student work (you can see it on his website) was so far above what the other places seemed to be producing. It's taken patience and endurance, but my art has improved dramatically because of this program. As to the other review saying he doesn't spend much time with individuals, that should improve since he's decreasing the size of his classes this fall. It's also partially true because he also does an art talk/lecture in every class, so you are still learning even when he's not working directly with you. Plus, he welcomes you watching and learning from how he helps others. Once you're at a certain point, if he feels like you are doing fine, he doesn't comment much except for quick suggestions -- unless you ask. You do need to assert yourself with voicing your questions and frustrations. He'll often give very thorough help by taking your work and using it as a demo for the class. The watercolor and classes for kids (including homeschoolers) are excellent as well. read more

Chris is a highly educated, classically trained artist. I'm taking a pencil, charcoal drawing class, moving on to oil painting basics shortly. While I'm learning very disciplined fundamentals, Chris also adds 15 minute demonstrations on things like making your own inexpensive canvases or how certain additives and brushes can give your oil painting strokes different effects. Chris is an excellent teacher with a quirky sense of humor. read more

I know there are many teachers out there, I've been to many of them and spent thousands of dollars on art classes around the country, and I would be very surprised to find another teacher that offers what DiDomizio offers. If you come by and spend time in the studio, you will be inspired! Thank you DiDomizio for reviving my passion for art! -Dylan Pierce read more

In my previous review, I shared how valuable I feel Chris diDomizzio's classes are. 6 years later, I feel this even more strongly, if that is possible. Chris is one of the most passionate and knowledgeable teachers I have ever met! His goal is to make his artists successful at developing her/his talent. With the knowledge he shares he also does all he can to assist students, like myself, overcome their fear for failure and become sucessful. read more

I had originally given a good review but this was when I was in the drawing program years ago. As other reviewers have stated, Chris is talented with art but he is extremely arrogant and many people put up with it as long as they can until he does something so obnoxious, they can no longer justify coming. For me, it began when made a very blatant, racially disparaging remark right out loud to my face (I was only one in class of my heratage) in front of the class for no other reason but to try and unnerve me. I remained calm, but directly after this, he made very polarizing politically charged remarks which caused the entire class to erupt in heated argument. He seemed very satisfied by this. But the end began for me when I thought about it and realized that he literally had, over the months, avoided, refused, evaded and escaped answering my questions about art for some time since I had entered the painting portion of the "class". I'd always start, then become discouraged and stop. I realized it was his bad attitude and his tactics that made it impossible to be consistently present. His refusal to teach had caused me to be stuck on the first assignment for months. I was paying for lessons every session but not progressing on the first painting assignment - the apples. I figured out this was a tactic he was using: milk more money by saying very little to certain students. Of course the students he didnt have a fundamental opposition to - one of differing racial, religious, social, or political leanings - he pushed them, shared information freely, and their work thrived accordingly. I had asked him for more help. I sent emails asking for help. Most he simply ignored. One he sent one word back. I even compared notes with a few other students. One said she noticed how badly he treated me and that he refuses to answer my questions. The other confirmed he doesnt love to teach, help, and his attitude is bad. What helped really wake me up was going to the Portrait Society of America's annual event and meeting someone there of another ethnicity. This woman told me her experience and how she had to drop the class also due to his obnoxious behavior and in some cases, abuse. She told me that she too had figured out the tactic of drawing out classes and thus milking money from students. She said his reputation in the community reflected his behavior. This was the bitter end. I left the class immediately and began another program where I am doing very well and learning from ACTUAL INSTRUCTION, not paying to listen to tirades and enduring attacks and everything unerlated to art such as my experience in Chris' class. I am so glad I am free. Some people have wasted years. Go to an art event outside of this class and see there are many talented instructors who have their own methods and actually teach so students move forward and don't become discouraged. Its easy to become brainwashed thinking there is no one that can take his place, there are many. Don't get stuck here as I once was. read more

I have been studying at di Domiziio's Art Centre for over a year and a half. During that time, my understanding, appreciation, and skill with my pursuit my art has increased immeasurably. Chris is an authentically gifted artist and teacher. He presents his program with a series of exercises, each building upon the last. His desire is for all of his students to succeed and take their art to their highest possible level. Like anything worth learning, it takes time and effort, and one should expect triumphs as well as frustrations. This is an amazing program. read more

diDomizio Arts Center is an amazing place to practice and study painting and visual art in general. Chris diDomizio has a profound knowledge of drawing, painting, and photography that will help artists of all levels and disciplines grow. The curriculum is well defined, systematic, and guarantees success of the artist but with that being said, Chris is flexible and works with students who want to do specific exercises. I would highly recommend following the curriculum and advice of Mr. diDomizio in order to get the most from your studies because he has years of experience teaching and knows what exercises will best help the artist. In addition to Chris' classical drawing and painting program the center also offers an abstract and design class with his wife JoDette who is an extremely talented abstract artist. Chris' program has changed my life and I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in art. read more

Different than any other art schools I've been in. The program is excellent for both adults and children.

I have been a student in multiple art programs through the years from art colleges to individual artists. There has not been one instructor I have encountered that has spent more time and effort to help me learn the fundamentals of art, so I can truly learn to become an artist. The people that have continued in the program, paint beautifully and many end up doing commission pieces. It is true that you must learn to draw first, but now that I am painting, I truly appreciate that I had to develop that skill first so I could build on it. I am amazed at the level of my own paintings. Any teacher can give you a brush and let you start painting immediately, but only one that is dedicated to your long term art goals would make you draw first, even at the risk of losing students, because he knows that you will benefit in the long run. Developing an eye and touch for art takes time. If you really want to learn about art, there is no better place than di Domizio's Art Centre. read more

He is very knowledgeable but very money minded. He thinks more about money than teaching you. He hardly spends time with you as he has lots of students. Sometimes we have to just keep waiting for him to come, even 1hr after the class starts. read more

Without repeating everything Amy G. said, let me say that I agree with every word. I studied under Chris for 8 years. Then, because of life's circumstances, I took a break from art. I wish I never had. I am back now and Chris is better than ever! And that is saying a lot! He is an incredibly gifted artist and teacher. Over my life, I have studied art from numerous people, but there is no one like Chris. At my first class years ago, I heard him say that all one needs to paint very well is desire. That is true! Skill can be developed with the right teacher. And Chris is that teacher. If you are new and want to paint, I suggest that you submit to the discipline of learning to draw. It is the foundation to good painting. Chris teaches the principles of art that are fundamental to becoming an excellent artist. If you are serious about art, I suggest you look no further than Chris diDomizio. read more

When I started art classes with Chris, I looked at his students' paintings and thought these are beyond what I can even imagine to do. However, I don't know how he did his magic, I learnt to paint in their level after a couple of years. He is an amazing teacher who explains all the details through examples and through his unique teaching skill. He is also personally very kind who generously share his knowledge with others. Without his encouragements, accurate critics and kindness it was impossible for me to be where I am now with my art works. read more

If you've never drawn or painted before, this is the place to start. Chris knows art and he knows how to teach it. If you think you know art, come here and you'll learn how to take your skills and talent to the next level. I've taken classes and workshops from some very fine instructors, but Chris is hands-down the best. read more

No way there are that many good reviews...Chris is not only arrogant but down right obnoxious to people. I witnessed him be impatient and put down people. He masks his comments as humor but he can be nasty. He thinks himself quite the intellectual but he is 99% hot air. My regret is that I did not speak out in defense of people.He does like to pick on people that need a lot of assurance. He is-plain and simple-a bully. He is more interested in your money. His attitude and willingness to help seem to improve right before the tuition is due for the next session. You will learn. His methods are rooted in classical drawing. Lots of hard work but you will get out of it what you put in. The content of this program is top level...but the instructor a piece of work. If you can out up with this man yammering on about himself, his accomplishments, his believes, his life, his trails, his successes, his million dollar schemes and be able to wade through to the handful of "gold nuggets" then go for it (you just might not need therapy but you may well be driven to drink:)) read more

After seeing the 2 star review from a dissatisfied student, I wanted to share my perspective as one of the long term students. To be fair, I've had some of the same thoughts at times. I was already proficient with pencil and charcoal when I came into the program, and wondered when I would get to start painting. It is a little bit of a let down to know you won't be painting for a while. What I discovered throughout those first few months was that it is about learning to make ART, not just about learning to execute with a particular medium. When I say 'learning to make art,' I mean two things here. First, learning techniques that will help you make your work look more realistic and direct the viewer around the composition. Second, you learn the perhaps more important skill of taking control of the message of your work, understanding how to take the tools at your disposal and use them to communicate emotion and the story behind the work. This is not something that comes easily or cheaply- you are developing so many things at once, and this learning journey is one of the most challenging I've ever been through (and I have an engineering degree from Ga Tech :) ). I've been in the class for 3 years and can say that I'm not done learning everything Chris has to teach. I found Chris's class after searching for years. I took watercolor and oil painting classes at my county art center, and even did some community education classes offered at SCAD. I always felt like they were a waste of money- at the end I didn't know any more about color theory or even how to hold the brush or work with paints. In Chris's class you learn how to use your tools professionally and practically from day one. Even though I thought I was good at drawing when I came into the class, my skill level now is a LOT higher, and I have sold some commissioned works. I know how to apply color theories, how to make objects look realistic, use different blending techniques and make the viewer move around my picture and figure out how to express myself in the work. This is the hard stuff- not the medium itself. That's why I continue to pay him every two months, because there's still more to learn. All that being said, this class isn't for everyone. I don't mean to say that some people can't learn to paint, rather that it is a lot of hard work, and it can be easy to get frustrated - I have certainly had a few moments. It is definitely geared towards a long-term commitment, but the results can be spectacular. I feel like Chris gives you both the technical skills and creative discipline to take your work as far as you can go- many professional artists have come out of his class and I hope to be among them. read more

I have learned so much from Chris. I never thought I could draw and paint like I can now. Chris breaks down the steps and makes drawing then painting make sense. His color theory is the best I have seen. His knowledge and experience are the best in the art world. He has added abstract painting to his offering which has been very fun. I never knew how to use all the different types of medium. I was afraid to try. He and Jodette hold your hand and have done all the experimenting and vetting. read more

I have taken art classes in several places around town and have found this studio to be the best at breaking down the drawing and painting process in doable steps. This center is for the person who is willing to put in a little bit of work on the front end so their paintings some months down the road will showcase their talent. This is not Sip and Stroke or even a community art class as Chris really will ask you to be patient and take your time learning the basics. I will be camping out here for a while. So much fun! read more

I have experienced many art classes and I believe Chris to be one of the best teachers in the country. It is a step by step process with each exercise building on top of each other. With each exercise you learn a new concept. It makes it easier learning in the beginning with drawing, then when you do your first oil painting you have less to think about. I have now almost completed the program, well into oil painting, I feel that I really have a great understanding of what I am doing and how to make art without just copying a photo. I am painting at a higher level than I ever dreamed. read more

If you want to learn how to express yourself artistically, Chris di Domizio's Art Center is the place to go. I have taken art classes in Georgia and several other states, from colleges, art centers and workshops. The logical, comprehensive program presented by Chris and his staff is not the same thing that you have heard from your other art teachers. This program can really work for you, whether you possess a great talent, or just a great desire to create art that expresses your view of the world. read more

Our 10 year old daughter has been in an afternoon drawing/painting class since school started this fall (1 full semester). We are more than pleased. Our daughter literally leaves class skipping, she enjoys it so much. Her instructor is wonderful, and has helped our daughter create some remarkable paintings and drawings. Her work has included pencil (grays and colors) drawings and oil and acrylic painting. She has really been inspired and asked for her own easel, canvases and acrylic paints for Christmas. We look forward to continuing in this marvelous program. read more

I have been coming on and off through the years and can tell you this program from my first class until now has done everything I needed it to do for me. I am a very slow learner, that said, I have also been able to sell paintings for up to $15K because of the principals this teacher instills into every lesson. It takes as long as you want to get what you need from this class. The time you take is up to you. I wanted to like what I paint when I look at my finished products and Thanks to Chris I do normally like what I see when I complete a painting. I will return for more classes although I have completed the program there is no reason to ever stop. He even offers open studio which gives you an opportunity to paint along side other artists for a small fee. I can not say enough positive about this class. The class is always full of artists from all walks of life, everyone is welcome. I have a very good eye for art and can honestly say Chris is doing a very good job teaching what he has learned through the years, there is allot of great art coming from his students. You will not find this to be a paint it in a day kind of a class, he is actually teaching his students how to make art, not junk that winds up on the shelf at the Goodwill. I can honestly say when you know more what you are doing, you will like what you are painting. After reading some of the less than positive comments it becomes obvious there are people looking for a quick fix to learning how to paint. To become a Doctor, you don't go for quickie classes and get a practice full of happy patients. If you want to go forward with the desire to make beautiful art, this is the only school in our area that will actually teach you what you need to know to develop your practice in academic art. read more

Chris is a wonderful art teacher, and I have learned so much about the skills and talents that go into creating a true artist from him. I completed advanced painting and art history classes at a major university in 2004: I thought I was good both at understanding how to create an excellent painting and recognizing why artists are recognized as great. I was wrong. With Chris, you develop the skills you need through drawing exercises that directly relate to how you paint. When you paint, you learn by studying and copying the masters in addition to creating personal art. In his presentations, you learn what to look for in the masters. In addition to the classes - which are definitely worth the cost - you can join him and his wife on visits to art galleries, for plein air sketching and painting, and for live model sessions at no cost. He also takes groups to Italy to study and paint! As a result, several students in my classes are now painting commissioned portraits. Many are exhibited in galleries. Chris is unique and very much worth your time and effort! read more