Kidsart

 Kidsart is devoted to teaching skill-based fundamentals. Students, ages 4 - 12, teens and adults, begin by using drawing mediums and then move onto painting. Students receive extensive instruction in the use of each painting medium, including color-mixing, painting techniques, and the proper use and care of materials. Simple step-by-step instruction avoids frustration, and makes learning enjoyable for all ages!

     Kidsart's philosophy is "creativity follows mastery," and that a strong foundation of artistic skills will enable students to eventually follow any artistic path they choose. In the same way that the great Masters became proficient in classical drawing and painting first, so do our students. Instruction, coupled with practice, will bring about an independent and confident artist.

     Beginning, intermediate and advanced students no longer experience boredom or frustration, as they are taught from individualized, written programs according to their personal abilities and proficiencies (taking into account personal interests and special needs). This allows students to move ahead at their own pace. Classes are held year-round for consistency and steady advancement. This enables students to be given the artistic “tools” and skills they need to create and appreciate art for the rest of their lives.

  Ed Warren, Art Director, Director of Curriculum Development, and master teacher, started on his artistic path at the age of six years old. From his early youth, drawing and painting filled his days. As an adolescent he painted murals on the walls that adorned his family's home, and in high school he earned himself an "A" in a difficult science class by drawing anatomy charts for the teacher to use as teaching tools. In high school, he also exhibited his work, won painting awards, designed sets for his high school's plays, and designed and executed sets for UNESCO.
 Throughout his adolescence he sketched at the Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. He earned a Bachelor's degree in art education, and a Masters of Fine Art degree from Rutgers University.

    In 1986, Ed and Sher Warren combined their talents, and opened the first KidsArt/Drawn2Art studio. Sher created an entire organizational structure to support the rapid growth of multiple art studios and a large school Enrichment program. Since that time, as COO, Sher works closely with Co-Owners, Studio Directors, and Managers to enhance the many KidsArt/Drawn2Art programs that reach a wide population in southern and northern California and the state of Washington.

We charge a flat rate for the month. Flat rate covers coming once a week (4 classes in the month). All materials are covered.

One house class (one a week) Flat Monthy Rate = $100

One and a half hour class (once a week) Flat Monthly Rate = $148.00.

My name is Lauren and I run the Kidsart Pasadena location. I, myself, was a student at Kidsart from 1991 - 1998. I was hired in 1999 to work as a studio assistant. I was trained over the next couple years and worked as a subsitute for the Los Angeles Kidsart area. At the age of 21 I moved to New York to study illustration at the School of Visual Arts. After college I moved back to Los Angeles and started running the Pasadena location. I have now been the studio manager for 11 years.

  I am well versed in pastel, charcoal, watercolor, acrylic and oil paint. I cover all ranges of subject matter from landscapes, to still lives, figure, perspective and art history. I have worked with students to build portfolios when applying to high schools and college. 

 It depends on what you are looking for. If there is a specific medium you are interested in then make sure that teacher has experience working with that medium. Someone who is a marvelous oil painter may not know how to teach watercolor properly. Each medium has its own rules and methods. 

   If you are looking to build a portfolio find a teacher that knows how to make a plan and follow it. Also, one that cares about the individual personality of the artist because it is important to build a portfolio that is consistent and has a voice. 

    What they really want to get out of the class. If this is a teenager we are talking about, then they need to think about what they are planning on pursuing after high school. If the student is leaning towards animation then they need a lot of figure drawing ( perferebly action poses ) and strong perspective skills. If the student will be studying the fine arts, then the foundations need to be reviewed and perfected. If the student is leaning towards design (which covers anything from graphic design, to fashion, product, architecture...etc). then composition and color theory should be the main focus.