Absolutely no drawing experience is required before enrolling in a Beech Tree Studio “Learning to Draw” class. Almost everyone, however, no matter what their level of expertise, begins with the graphite pencil curriculum to either learn the fundamental skills of drawing, master the technique of blending and building value, or brush up on the basics they learned years ago. Strong drawing skills are highly recommended before beginning the “Introduction to Colored Pencil” curriculum, which builds on the foundation of what is learned in the “Learning to Draw” class. If you’ve had a lot of drawing experience already, you are welcome to jump right into color. Likewise, if you have already had quite a bit of colored pencil experience, you may work exclusively on your own independent project, receiving guidance as you progress. Every level of experience is represented in every class time slot, so register for whichever class time is most convenient for you.

Each class caps at 12 students. Although the class has multiple artists, guidance and instruction are conducted one-on-one. We do NOT all work on the same project at the same time in a step-by-step format.

Yes, but not right away. If you are learning how to draw, I have plenty of work for you to do before we begin to apply your skills to a project of your choice. By week 2 or 3 you will need your reference approved and printed on photo paper- NOT photocopied on paper! Most people prefer to spend their hours drawing on something that has meaning to them. I like to help you determine what reference photo would work well, and if we need to adjust the composition at all. There are many free photo apps out there to search for cool reference photos. Some of them are Unsplash, Paint My Photo, and Pixabay.

Although the class has multiple artists, guidance and instruction are conducted one-on-one. We do NOT all work on the same project at the same time in a step-by-step format.

That depends on the size of your project, its level of complexity, and the time you are able to spend working on your project outside of the studio. You WILL, however, have all the “tools” to complete your project on your own if you have not finished it in class.

Everyone moves at their own pace. We roll with your level of comfort and ability.

Each class session runs for 5 weeks, 3 hours each week (15 hours total).

We understand that sometimes there are time conflicts, such as a doctor’s appointment or a planned vacation. You are more than welcome to make up a missed class in a different time slot in your chosen studio location. For instance, if you miss your Tuesday AM class to take your dog to the vet, you may come to the Wednesday class instead sometime during the 5-week session. Make-up classes must be taken during the current class session. Those who are making up a class will receive their individual instruction after the current class members have been attended to.