what we teach
drawing, painting + creativity:
At Art Academics we teach all drawing and painting media and subject matter. As our student you can totally be in control of what you want to learn---we've got you!
Do you want to learn to oil paint---or maybe just want to learn it all? Whatever your drawing and painting goals, we are here to help you succeed. We support those that already see themselves as artists as well as those who are just trying something new.
In our small group classes, we will teach you the skills to get the job done while also encouraging your creative spirit.
yes you can!
Students learn patience, gain self-esteem and develop faith in themselves through creative problem solving. They also learn to trust in their unique ideas. Young students get to explore, develop neatness and learn how good it feels to make amazing art. Teen students get to express themselves, build portfolios and learn to master art techniques. Adults get time to relax, make friends and become masterful in any medium.
how classes work:
We offer 3 ways to study with us in 2020: Group Zoom classes, private in-person lessons (coming soon) and custom-made Youtube Tutorials. We took a long time testing out our new offerings to get them up to the standard of student-led instruction that guides our studio.
Our group classes offer real-time feedback while our YouTube tutorials show you the whole process allowing you to rewind or fast forward as much as you need. We will live demo with you on any project, in any drawing or painting medium. In-person private lessons will offer everything our old classroom offered except for the other students.
To sign up or to ask questions, email us at or use our contact form.
Our in-person group classes will begin again when everyone can feel safe.
online safety:
It is important that all of our students and teachers feel safe using Zoom with us. We stay on top of all Zoom updates and every session that we host has security to keep strangers out: Specific class-time Registration and the Waiting Room.
pricing:
$80/month for weekly group Zoom classes - save $80 off our normal prices!
$60/month for two custom YouTube tutorials, 10 minutes each
$100/month for both weekly Zoom classes and one YouTube tutorial
A la carte pricing
$40 per 10-minute custom YouTube tutorial
$40 for group class drop in
$60 for private 1-hour Zoom session
Scholarship students only pay $40/month for group classes.
Orchids in oil pastel by Joseph age 8
our vision:
We hope to share the joy of art with as many people as possible. We are committed to providing high-end experiences to students of all levels and backgrounds.
instructors:
Art Academics classes are taught by professional artists who also happen to be passionate and caring teachers. They bring with them their own education and real-world experience, but to make sure they can teach anyone at any level, they are given specialized training in teaching before they enter the classroom.
about the founder:
Valerie Lewis started Art Academics to provide small classes with lots of one-on-one attention - for everyone. With over 17 years of teaching under her belt, she found herself frustrated by the gap between the level of care her private students received versus what she was able to provide teaching larger groups at kids art schools. There had to be a better way -- and Art Academics was born.
Valerie's passion for teaching is rivaled only by her own creative work. In 2014 she was named Best Visual Artist by the OC Weekly. She received her BFA in Painting at CSUF but is a constant learner. Valerie was a recipient of the Florence Millner Arnold Grant and the Joanne Blankenship Memorial Art Award.
scholarships:
Scholarships are available to all students based on financial need and commitment to art.
For the rest of 2020 our application process will be much more relaxed. You will be instantly approved if you show proof you or your partner are on unemployment, or if receiving benefits like CalFresh, or if your health insurance is CalOptima or Medi-Cal. Just send an email with a picture or mail a copy to us.