what we teach
drawing, painting + creativity:
Art Academics' boutique classes are offered over Zoom and in-person private lessons. Zoom class is limited to 5 students, private lessons are limited to 3. Smaller classes allow us to teach each student uniquely and meet them where they're at. We are art coaches, personal trainers, support staff---whatever a student may need.
We provide instruction in all drawing and painting media, any subject matter and in any style. 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.
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:
Our classes are 3 weeks on, 1 week off every month. If there happens to be a 5th week that month, it will be a freebie. This means that we will meet 3 times on Zoom or in our studio for private lessons. The week that we are off, an in-depth and customized tutorial will be created and posted on YouTube. Each student will be emailed with a link to access this unlisted content.
During Zoom class, teachers work on whatever you are working on, showing you all the techniques you need. Rather than one lecture that everyone watches and follows along with, we teach more like personal trainers -- but for art! Students will be looking at their own projects the majority of class and will only need to watch their screen when the teacher wants to show them what's next. We will demo live and answer all the questions you have about your project, as well as those questions you didn't yet know you wanted to ask.
One week a month, students will follow a video tutorial that teaches basics like color theory or portraiture and will share their work in class the following week.
Your first class is always free to try!
Our in-person group classes will begin again when everyone can feel safe.
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.
As for private lessons, temperatures will be taken, masks will be worn and all materials will be sanitized and will only be used once every 24 hours.
monthly pricing plans
$160/month for regular group Zoom classes
$120/month for Children's Zoom class
$300/month for weekly in-person private lessons
3 people are allowed to share one private lesson spot at no extra charge.
March students can use their credit any way they would like.
a la carte pricing
$40 - 30 minutes of private feedback*
$40 - one YouTube Tutorial**
$80 - one in-person private lesson**
*Feedback session can be via Zoom or phone call
**Adding these à la carte items to a monthly plan saves $20
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 and later was profiled in Orange Coast Magazine. 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.