Fundamentals of Drawing & Painting

I really enjoyed this class! It's super approachable even if you have very little prior experience but appeals to all levels of artists. The class itself felt very intimate and casual, everyone is very friendly and judgement-free. I found learning the fundamentals extremely valuable, teaching concepts like mark mapping and value in a way where anyone is able to improve iteratively. Raphael, the teacher, makes drawing feel more like a step-by-step science rather than magically producing something impressive, which makes it a lot less daunting. I was impressed at how far I had come even in just a few classes, being able to produce a highly detailed piece that I could proudly show off to friends and family. I never thought I could see such a dramatic improvement in such a short time. Highly recommend to anyone who has an interest in art but doesn't know where to start or how to improve.

I absolutely loved this class! I’d for years wanted to take a class to help me improve on my sketching and learn some basic techniques. I love to draw, sketch, watercolor and now I feel like I have some real skills to create. Raphael is a superb teacher, very personalized instruction and so talented and lovely. I’ll be taking more classes with him in the fall. Wonderful experience

Great class and even better teacher. I progressed so much in just 3 classes. I would recommend to anyone who wants to start drawing.

This class has been such a refreshing creative outlet. I had no formal training and barely drew before, but after just 3 sessions I am pleasantly surprised at what I created. Rafael creates a calm, supportive space and teaches practical techniques like mark mapping, scaling with reference points, and breaking down shapes—which made drawing feel approachable and fun. I also loved how he brought in artist references and bits of art history for inspiration. Highly recommend for anyone looking to reconnect with their creativity, no matter their starting point.

10/10 and this class is quickly becoming one of my favorite parts of the week! It has a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to focus and have fun at the same time. Everyone is friendly and supportive which makes the whole experience feel welcoming. Raphael is a great instructor giving personalized feedback and guidance no matter your skill level. I learned how to map out shapes using mark-making techniques and build form through light and shadow. One of the highlights for me was the quick sketching exercises, where I spent 10 minutes each drawing different objects with charcoal. At first it was intimidating, but it really helped me get more confident and comfortable with the process. I’m currently working with colored pastels and excited to see where that leads. If I could only take one art class, this would be the one.

I enjoyed the class, the instructor gave us personalized instruction, and I was happy to learn from a professional.

Raphael's "Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting" workshop has been an absolutely fantastic and enriching experience, and I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone looking to build a strong artistic foundation or rekindle their passion for art. From the very first session, I felt I was in a space where I could genuinely learn and grow. What I particularly enjoyed was the supportive and encouraging environment Raphael cultivates. He has a wonderful way of making complex concepts accessible and provides individual attention that makes you feel seen and guided, regardless of your initial skill level. I always felt comfortable asking questions and experimenting, which is so crucial for learning. The other students were also a joy to learn alongside; everyone was enthusiastic and respectful, creating a really positive and collaborative atmosphere where we could appreciate each other's progress. In terms of what I learned, the workshop was incredibly comprehensive. Before this, concepts like accurately measuring proportion felt daunting, but Raphael's methodical approach and clear demonstrations made it click. The exercises on mark mapping were a revelation, helping me to truly see the shapes and relationships within a subject. A significant portion of the workshop focused on learning and working with charcoal, which was new to me. Raphael expertly guided us through understanding the value scale, showing us how to achieve a full range of tones from the deepest blacks to the lightest grays. His instruction on different techniques for blending with charcoal was invaluable, allowing me to create smooth transitions and a real sense of three-dimensionality in my drawings. I now feel much more confident in my ability to observe and translate what I see onto paper, especially concerning light and shadow. If you are considering this workshop, you will absolutely learn core drawing principles in a practical, hands-on way. Raphael doesn't just tell you what to do; he shows you and explains the "why" behind each technique. For anyone wanting to grasp the essentials of drawing, from initial sketching to creating depth with charcoal, this workshop is an outstanding investment in your artistic journey. I’m leaving with a much stronger skillset and a renewed enthusiasm for creating art.

I am a beginner and was looking forward to learning from a professional. In class we received personalized attention and instruction from Raphael and that helped me gain further knowledge of drawing.

I had no drawing experience prior to taking this course. Raphael is a great teacher and introduced me to concepts like measuring proportions, mark mapping, value scale. He broke things down in a way which was easy to understand, taught me to look at lines and lighting which was tremendously helpful. I was able to draw a still life using charcoal and pastel which even I am proud of. Usually my mind is distracted by many things, but when in Raphael’s class I am able to totally concentrate on drawing which he refers to as active meditation, so true! Raphael walks around and pays individual attention to each student, and has us look at each others work, which sounds daunting but actually is a fun experience. Since this class I’ve been sketching and looking at everything in a different light, becoming more observant and noticing much more details. I highly recommend this class!

Raphael is amazing, never thought I could draw anything this beautiful. He really provided perfect guidance!!!

The class was such a delight. We were treated to not only an introduction on the fundamentals of drawing but also the history and theory of art and why it matters. Raphael is a wonderful teacher. Would highly recommend !

Raphael is such an incredible instructor. He assesses your current skill level (even if at 0 skill) and adjusts his guidance accordingly. Although in a group setting, it feels very personalized and tailored to each student. I feel invigorated to do more art in my free time and look forward to continuing learning under Raphael's guidance. Truly would give this 6 stars if that was an option. I was looking to learn how to blend colors and understand the fundamentals of a drawing/painting so that I can grow my skill set to feel confident enough to call myself an artist. In just 3 sessions, I do feel that confidence! Couldn't be more grateful for these sessions, they are FABULOUS!

This was a fantastic fundamentals of drawing & painting class. The class can be very personal, where you're taught at your skill/experience level so it doesn't ever feel like you're "behind" others. Also, just learning the mark-mapping technique alone made a huge improvement in my drawing which was great. Excited to continue going!

This class was amazing! I took the three-class session, and I honestly can't believe the painting I was able to create after only three days of instruction. The instructor is so great — kind, honest, and very knowledgable. I entered this class knowing nothing about charcoal and pastel, and I left with a painting that I actually feel so proud of! Thank you!

This class is a fun way to start drawing, or to return to it if you feel out of practice. Raphael, the instructor, is a talented artist and talented teacher. He gives each student personalized instruction, understanding your strengths or interests. And he patiently and kindly answers your questions and shows you ‘how-to’. I learned to become comfortable with using charcoal for drawing and pastels for painting. He teaches techniques such as composition, mark mapping, measuring proportion, erasing, and blending. The welcoming art studio environment is the opposite of a stuffy classroom. There is no pressure, and everyone’s effort is taken seriously. Raphael is a really smart, interesting person – throughout the class we talk about art, history, philosophy, music. I have learned much more than just drawing technique. He’s a great storyteller, and his sense of humor keeps us laughing. Within just a few sessions my skills totally improved! I am inspired to keep drawing. This is the best art class I’ve ever taken!

Raphael's art class is fantastic! We worked with charcoal and pastels throughout the three week course. What makes the class so great is how personalized Raphael's teaching style is. He would come around to each of us, give tailored feedback, and offer tips specific to where we were struggling. That kind of one-on-one attention made such a big difference, and I could really see my skills improve over the three weeks. I learned so much about drawing techniques and left the class feeling inspired and eager to continue. Beyond his teaching skills, Raphael is a fantastic storyteller with an engaging personality that makes the sessions not only educational but also incredibly fun. His enthusiasm and humor created a lively and welcoming environment that made me look forward to each class. I came away feeling excited and inspired to keep drawing. If you’re thinking about taking an art class, I can’t recommend this one enough!