Drawn2Art Los Altos — Attraction in Los Altos

As someone who attended these drawing classes as a teenager with prior art experience, I have to say, I found the experience disappointing and frustrating. The structure of the program feels rigid and impersonal, with little to no regard for individual skill levels. Regardless of your background or ability, everyone is placed at the exact same starting point, following a predetermined course based solely on age rather than experience.

When I joined, no one asked to see my previous work or even inquired whether I had drawn before. I was immediately given a basic drawing assignment that felt uninspired and, frankly, one of the dullest creative exercises I’ve done. While I won’t necessarily criticize the drawing techniques themselves, the way they’re taught left a lot to be desired.

Each class is led by a single teacher overseeing around ten students. The instruction model relies on the teacher slowly rotating around the room, offering feedback one student at a time. This causes massive delays; often you’ll finish a simple step in minutes but have to wait up to an hour before being allowed to move on. For example, drawing one eye might take ten minutes, but then you’re stuck waiting until the teacher gets around to approving your work before you can even begin the next eye. It creates a stop-and-go environment that stifles any creative flow.

The lessons follow a very strict, step-by-step outline that’s more about completing a formula than actually learning how to draw. While I respect a commitment to precision and structure, this system lacks flexibility and doesn't seem to adapt to different learning speeds or styles. What could easily be done in one session is stretched unnecessarily over five or six.

In short, this might be helpful for absolute beginners or young children who’ve never held a pencil before. But for anyone with even a bit of experience or a desire for more dynamic, individualized instruction, I’d recommend...

my children have been receiving fine art instruction from drawn2art since 2008, and we have had nothing but the best experience. we have seen the school grow from one classroom studio to three, with a deeply talented staff of teachers and administrators. my children have only had 2 different teachers in the last 7 years, which demonstrates the quality and dedication of the staff. the school has also been very flexible with class times and has explored opening special class times to accommodate our schedule. my children have developed vast fine drawing and painting techniques, as well as a deep-seated love and appreciation for art. no other school combines quality art instruction with skilled, personable instructors like drawn2art does--we will...

I cannot say enough good things about Drawn2Art Los Altos! There are so many art schools for kids in this area but Drawn2Art has my vote. Robin and her staff are so lovely. My 8-year-old daughter attended three weeks of camp and came home every week with different projects and heaps of new skills. I was pleased to see her applying the new techniques she’d learned to her art at home while maintaining her own aesthetic. The instructors are talented and amazing with kids. The studios are clean and welcoming. We will be...