My 8 years old has been taking Saturday morning classes with Mr Doug. She really enjoys every class and always brings back masterpieces! Mr Doug is a truly amazing with children. He is passionate about teaching young artists. Mr Doug is also a nice person to chat with, always patient with everyone. read more

My 12-year-old has been taking art classes with Doug for several years now. There was the lost COVID stretch, of course. To give you a sense of how much my kid loves this art class, I'll say this: There were precisely two things she missed the most during COVID, and that was going to Disneyland and Doug's Sunday morning art classes. Doug is really knowledgeable--I did art reviews at the Rhode Island School of Design for a while, so I have a sense of elements that make up art. Doug knows this really well, and this allows him to help people develop their art. Because he can break down what makes art, he can demystify the process for his students. Doug's intelligence really shines through when he helps his students focus on technique. Doug is also incredibly terrific with kids. He's not some dictator or sergeant. He gives gentle advice (again, advice that is *really* smart), and he knows how to push, how to inspire, and how to let a kid's imagination run. He's patient and calm, and he smiles and laughs. This is a person who really does love art, and he wants to share that love with others. Dropping my kid off at Doug's place, I see kids who are younger, teens, and adults. He has a capacity to speak to each of these age groups. It's impressive, and we're really appreciative that our kid gets to attend his classes. read more

Doug's Sunday morning art classes are really great at bringing out the artist within the kids in attendance. He has an artist-centric way of teaching water color skills, allowing each child to develop their own style while learning how to use water color to express their creative ideas. There are no wrong ways to express yourself - only ways the children can improve on what they have created. He's a master at helping children discover their hidden creative talents. Highly recommend his classes to children as young as 5 years old. read more

D. Minkler's art is playful, presenting scenes and characters that are both thought provoking, and often comical and cartoonish provoking laughter. read more

Our 10 year old son has been taking Doug's classes regularly for at least 6 months now. He LOVES them!!! Doug offers a space that is supportive and filled with diverse energy and abilities. He has taught our son about many aspects of portraiture, water color, adding color to a sketch and thinking about foreground and background while giving our son a sense of freedom and autonomy in making his work his own. Doug is an awesome art teacher and human, in general! I highly recommend his classes! read more

Doug teaches small drawing classes in his backyard studio for ages 6-adult on Sundays. Students learn realistic and expressive drawing, cultivating confidence in drawing and experimenting with uniqueness. Taught with Doug's unique sense of humor, supportive and clear instruction, and a commitment to the craft of drawing, these classes are enjoyable and affordable for all. read more

I brought my 9 year old to Doug's art studio, because he needed a safe place to express himself and grow his artistic skills. Being my 3rd son, I've had my kids in a variety of art classes over the years. This was the right fit for us, due to being structured at each kid's own pace, with more freedom of choice, and a warmer less academic environment. My son totally loved this class and looked forward to it each week. Doug was encouraging, kind, and inclusive of all types of artists and styles. He helped my son grow his technique and approach. He produced really nice, frame-worthy pieces. I totally recommend this class for kids who need a more independent, less formal, small-group approach. read more

My daughter has been taking art classes with Doug for 3 or is it 4 years now for as long as he has been teaching at his current location. At first my daughter Des did not appreciate taking classes every Sunday she wanted for awhile to be doing anything but taking an art class on that day. (she was 9 when she first began, now 12.) I have to really hand it to Doug for keeping her interest and helping her to see that her transforming stick figures, now actually looking like real people, have been an incredible developmental tool for my daughters creativity and outlook on life. She would not tell him this but everywhere she goes she carries her drawing book, pencils and colored pens. Her drawings are a great gift that Doug has given light to. Something that I as a parent would not have been able to give. If you're interested in an excellent art class off the beaten path by a truely master art worker of these times send your kids to Doug, better yet join them... You won't be disappointed! Lisa Wetmore Berkeley, ca. Feb. 2012 read more

My 12 year old son has been attending Doug's Sunday morning class for 2 years. Doug is a patient, wise and incisive teacher who gives a small lecture at the beginning of every class before letting his students free to draw for the reminder of the class. Throughout the class, he'll pepper each student with small suggestions and critiques but never in an overly critical fashion. It's suitable for both students who are just starting to love drawing to advanced students looking to hone their drawing techniques. You only pay for the classes you attend, so it's risk free to try the class a look without a big commitment. read more

My daughter Maya when to this class a few years ago and loved it. Doug is and amazing teacher and artist. I sat in on a few classes and a teacher myself (I'm from Europe) I can feel how much Doug love and listens to his students, this kids. I highly recommend the class. read more

Doug is a talented and patient art teacher. Our 11 year old daughter has learned a great deal and done beautiful work in his classes and loves going. We are so grateful to have been connected to Doug. read more

My 13 year old son attended Doug's Sunday classes for a few months. I've sat in his instructions -- and he does a great job giving instructive lessons and allowing kids to run off with their own ideas. I wish I had him as an instructor when I was my son's age! read more

Doug Minkler is a great teacher. His patience, appreciation without judgement, and teaching style create a wonderful place for his students to practice their craft. Not only did I see my daughter improve, I noticed it in other students as well. I highly recommend this unusual, kind and unpretentious teacher! read more

My son was in Doug's classes for years. He doesn't like to be told what to do and Doug was great about urging him on to participate in some of the lessons such as in proportion, or in drawing hands, but when he was on a roll, Doug stepped back to let him focus on whatever was inspiring him. My son had his "eyes" theme for awhile, and Doug "got" that this was a way he was engaging with art at that time. Over the years, my son's been able to draw what he wants to draw. Wish I had that ability! Highly recommended. read more

Our 13-year-old son has been taking drawing with Doug for 3 years, and has enjoyed it immensely. Doug is skilled at getting our son to challenge and stretch himself by asking questions, not telling; suggesting ways of thinking about the particular piece, not directing; offering authentic accolades, not empty praise to spare feelings. Our son has been with Doug through formative years where he has dropped other extracurriculars (guitar, swimming, chess, skateboarding) and has on his own chosen to stick with drawing. We credit Doug with fostering in our son a joy of drawing. Our son has enjoyed being able to experiment with a variety of pencils, water colors, and brush pens. In his own words: "Doug is relaxed, positive, and helpful." read more

Fabulous art class for kids/teens/anyone on Sunday mornings in Berkeley, California. Taught by master political artist Doug Minkler in his studio, the class is creative, imaginative, and fun. read more

Our son has been drawing with Doug for the last few years in this great class. Doug has an incredible way with kids. He is straightforward, encouraging, and a professional artist. He challenges the kids to grow artistically, relate to each other as a community (i.e., learn from each other), and value themselves as artists. Our son has been both challenged to learn new skills, and appreciated for what he naturally brings to the table. We love Doug's teaching! He has given our son a set of skills and a creative outlet that we think is invaluable. This class is a gem. read more

If you are looking for an imaginative art class with an amazing teacher in Berkeley, look no further. Doug puts an incredible amount of energy into each class, making sure his students develop creatively. He is the kind of art teacher the students will always remember. My child loves the class and returns home with some real artistic gems! Fantastic! read more