Accomplished Artist Studio — Attraction in Sandy

I have been attending Accomplished Artists Studio for oil painting classes for over a year now, and I am nothing short of impressed. Their meticulously curated curriculum focuses on building a strong foundation in both oil painting and drawing. Not only have my painting skills improved tremendously, but my drawing skills have as well. I didn’t truly understand the importance of strong drawing skills until I joined Accomplished Artists Studio.

The curriculum includes a variety of study paintings, each designed to emphasize a specific oil painting concept. This approach really accelerates the learning process. Color theory lessons and exercises are also woven into the program, giving you a well-rounded artistic education.

Since joining, I’ve explored a wide range of oil painting techniques, substrates, and drawing styles—things I likely wouldn’t have discovered on my own. This experience has broadened my artistic knowledge and inspired me to keep experimenting and maintain an open mind. The studio also offers classes in other painting mediums.

If you want to upgrade your artistic skills or are unsure where to start, enjoy structured learning while celebrating your wins along the way, I highly recommend meeting Susie and Gill. They are both wonderful teachers who know exactly how to bring out the...

Update (March 2024): The genius of Susie's academy classes is that she isn't cranking out a bunch of artists who draw or paint exactly like she does - quite the opposite, in fact. Her lessons and assignments focus on helping students stretch in ways they might never try otherwise, while still maintaining their own voice. The assignments adapt fantastically well to each student's style, ability, and interests, while teaching important art and design concepts. This technique keeps students engaged and moving forward because they are genuinely enjoying what they are working on. This is no cookie cutter art class!

Original review (2020): Susie is an amazing teacher who shows by example that there's always room to learn and grow. She is constantly taking art workshops herself and taking her newfound knowledge back to her studio to share with her students. She's positive, encouraging, and kind, and will help you succeed in anything you set out to try. Her private lessons are wonderful, as well as the group classes. I've made some dear friends there. Also, Susie is very careful about following covid safety protocol, so I feel completely safe coming. It's nice to have a place that's stayed open - kind of like an anchor through all the uncertainty of 2020 and whatever this year decides to throw at us....

We moved here about 2 years ago from Minnesota and I started looking for my peeps. I'm an aspiring artist who works in several mediums, but wanted to try my hand at watercolor. Along came Susie and Gil Bytheway with their Accomplished Artist Studio and I was home. I've been a student here now for about a year, and although I have had experience in the art world, I have learned so much from these classes. Their teaching style and friendly atmosphere are so conducive to give and take, you can't help but improve. The most important lesson I'm learning (and it is a process!) is that I don't have to make a "pretty picture" every time. Even if my attempt isn't exactly wall-worthy, I've still learned something valuable. I'm not afraid to "make a mistake" - there's no such thing. Only experience. The class critiques of our work are so informative and supportive, even with pieces that you might feel are failures, you come away seeing redeeming elements in them and can't wait to maybe try something new. My association with the Studio has given me a sense of confidence I sorely needed. I enjoy the weekly challenges and eagerly look forward to our next class. Thank you, Susie, Gil and the...