The Compass Atelier — Local services in Kensington

I went through the Compass Atelier three year program for oil painting with Glen Kessler and could not have been more pleased and impressed. The program is masterfully designed and organized to take you step-by-step through all the fundamental elements you need to learn to be an accomplished artist. There is just no comparison to usual art classes, of which I had taken a few.

There is a building-block approach that begins with drawing in various media and then into painting a full range of subjects from landscape to still life to figures. You grow into your familiarity with tonal values, color wheel and color mixing, perspective, and all the other fundamentals, as well as in your selection and handling of art materials.

Glen is a fantastic teacher. He combines knowledge and enthusiasm and an infectious, affirmative "can do" attitude that really inspires your learning process. I am sure this program jump-started my painting...

I am a graduate of this three year program and I will state that in my opinion, it is the best program out there for aspiring fine adult artists of all levels of experience. It encompasses the basics of drawing through ,the techniques of the Old Masters and to the advanced new techniques of today. It includes building an ecorche model, color theory, plein air study, understanding perspective, and the opportunity to become a Copyist at the National Gallery of Art and so much more.

The Teacher/Artist, Glen Kessler, a well known Maryland artist, who has an incredible talent for instruction developed this program over his many years of teaching at the Collegiate level.

The best testimony over all is that the artists who have graduated from this Program have sold paintings in local shows and Galleries around the the Metropolitan D. C. area and have an amazing feeling of being able to create such beautiful...

Glen Kessler’s love of painting and teaching shine through every class and workshop he presents at The Compass Atelier. His enthusiasm is contagious! Glen has the uncanny ability to connect with, guide, and inspire every student, regardless of their skill level or experience. A superb painter as well as teacher, Glen’s instruction, demonstrations, and critiques are invaluable. But perhaps his greatest gift to his students is his ability to help them discover and navigate their own personal art journeys. On top of all this, Glen is a genuinely nice person who cares about each individual student. Glen and The Compass Atelier are the total package for anyone seeking to begin or further their...