FAQ
Anna’s Art Classes
Who can take Anna’s art classes? Are they only for kids or adults?
Anna’s classes are open to all ages and skill levels. She teaches children as young as 7, teens, adults, and even seniors. Families often join together, making art a shared experience. Whether you’re a beginner, homeschooler, or an experienced artist looking to refine your skills, Anna tailors each lesson to your needs.
Do I need prior art experience to join?
No experience is required. Every class is designed to meet you where you are. Beginners learn step by step without pressure, while more advanced students receive the guidance to elevate their technique and expand their creative expression.
Are the classes online or in person?
Anna offers flexible options depending on your location and preference. Online classes are hosted live, making them accessible worldwide, while in-person classes provide hands-on learning in a supportive studio environment. Both formats deliver the same high-quality instruction.
How long are the classes, and how often do they meet?
Classes are typically one hour per week, with some specialized programs running longer or in multi-week sessions (such as the Fundamentals of Drawing or Bargue Drawing Course). Students can choose between shorter introductory courses or more extended programs for in-depth learning.
What materials do I need, and are they expensive?
Most classes require only basic, affordable supplies like pencils, pens, paper, or starter paint sets. Anna provides clear supply lists and adapts lessons to what you already have. As you progress, she recommends optional higher-quality materials, but the focus is always on learning technique, not buying expensive tools.
I feel nervous about my art skills—what if I’m not good at drawing or painting?
This is one of the most common concerns, and it’s exactly why Anna teaches. Her classes are designed to build confidence, break down fear of mistakes, and reconnect you with the joy of creating. Many students who started out saying “I can’t draw” now proudly display their work and continue creating.
Can homeschoolers use Anna’s classes as part of their curriculum?
Yes! Many homeschooling families use Anna’s art classes to meet educational requirements for art. The classes are structured, skill-based, and engaging, making them perfect for homeschool portfolios and student growth.
How much do classes cost, and do you offer trial lessons?
Individual classes are typically $25 per lesson, with options for longer courses and introductory sessions (like the five-week Fundamentals of Drawing). This allows students to try a class before committing to a full course. Anna also offers guidance on which class is the best fit for your goals
How much do classes cost, and do you offer trial lessons?
Yes. Anna has extensive teaching experience and a strong professional background, which allows families using the Step Up for Students Scholarship (and similar education funding programs) to receive reimbursement for her classes. She provides all the necessary invoices and documentation to make the process simple, and her resume and qualifications meet the requirements for art education funding. Parents can confidently choose Anna’s classes knowing they align with educational standards and can be reimbursed through Step Up.
Fundamentals of Drawing
Do I need any prior drawing experience to take this class?
Many people worry they’re “not artistic enough” or don’t have any background. The truth is: no prior experience is required. This class is designed especially for beginners, teaching you from the ground up—starting with how to see form, line, value, and proportion. Even if you haven’t drawn since childhood, you’ll progress step by step in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.
What materials will I need (paper, pencils, erasers, etc.)?
You don’t need expensive supplies to start. A good drawing pad or sketchbook, a set of pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, maybe 6B), a kneaded eraser, and a ruler or straight-edge are enough to begin. As you progress, we’ll introduce better quality paper, blending tools, and varied pencil grades. I always encourage students to use what they have and upgrade gradually—the learning is in the technique, not the tools.
How often should I practice between lessons to see improvement?
Consistent practice is key. I recommend at least 15–30 minutes of drawing on days you don’t have class. These incremental exercises—value sketches, contour drawings, gesture lines—reinforce skills and accelerate progress. Even small, consistent practice sessions make a big difference over weeks.
Can I take this class if I’m older / an adult, or if my child (homeschooler) wants to join?
Absolutely. This course is designed for students of all ages—kids, teens, adults—even seniors. The teaching pace adjusts to individual needs. Many families take it together: mom, the kids, grandma, etc. The principles of form, shading, and visual perception apply universally. If your child is advanced, we can adapt assignments; if you’re older and coming back to art, we’ll meet you where you are and help you grow with confidence.
Scratchboard Art Class
What is scratchboard art, and how does it work?
Scratchboard is a unique art medium where a smooth black surface is scratched away with sharp tools to reveal a white clay layer underneath. Instead of adding lines like in drawing, you remove them, which creates dramatic contrast, incredible detail, and the illusion of texture and depth.
Do I need any drawing experience to take a scratchboard class?
No prior experience is required. Scratchboard is excellent for beginners because it’s easy to see results quickly, and it’s equally valuable for advanced students who want to refine their skills in detail, shading, and textures. Anna’s one-hour lessons are designed to support artists of all ages and levels.
What tools and materials do I need for scratchboard?
The basics include scratchboard panels (black-coated boards) and scratching tools like nibs, knives, or styluses. Anna guides you step by step on which tools to start with, how to hold them, and which techniques (hatching, cross-hatching, stippling) to use to create fur, feathers, hair, or skin textures.
Can you add color to scratchboard art?
Yes! While many pieces remain striking in black and white, scratchboard can be enhanced with colored inks or watercolor washes. This adds a whole new layer of creativity and drama to your work. Anna introduces optional color techniques once you’re confident with the basics.
Pen & Ink Drawing Class
What will I learn in a pen and ink drawing class?
You’ll learn foundational pen and ink techniques including hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and contour lines. These methods help you create shading, depth, and texture with nothing but a pen. By the end, you’ll understand how to use line work to bring objects, animals, and scenes to life.
Do I need expensive pens or paper to start?
No—pen and ink is one of the most accessible mediums. Beginners can start with affordable drawing pens (like Micron, Staedtler, or even ballpoint pens) and smooth drawing paper. As you progress, you may want to experiment with different inks, nibs, and papers for varied effects.
Is pen and ink difficult for beginners compared to pencil drawing?
While it can feel different because pen and ink has no erasing, that’s part of the fun. You’ll learn how to plan your drawings, build textures gradually, and even turn “mistakes” into creative details. It’s an excellent medium for both beginners and advanced students who want to build precision and confidence.
What types of projects will we create?
Students create a variety of projects including animals, still life, landscapes, and imaginative scenes. Each project is designed to practice new techniques and showcase your ability to create detail and contrast. Finished drawings often look bold and expressive, even with simple tools.
Acrylic Painting Class
Is acrylic painting good for beginners?
Yes! Acrylics are one of the most beginner-friendly mediums because they dry quickly, are easy to layer, and can be corrected if you make a mistake. At the same time, they offer advanced techniques for blending, texturing, and glazing, making them perfect for all levels.
What supplies do I need to start acrylic painting?
You’ll need basic materials such as acrylic paints, brushes, a palette, water container, and canvas or acrylic paper. Anna provides guidance on budget-friendly starter kits as well as higher-quality supplies for students who want to invest in their art.
How is acrylic painting different from watercolor or oil painting?
Acrylics dry much faster than oils, allowing for quick layering, and they can mimic watercolor effects when thinned with water. They are versatile, vibrant, and durable, making them an ideal choice for artists exploring painting for the first time.
What types of projects will we create?
Students complete bold, colorful paintings inspired by nature, still life, abstract designs, or personal imagination. You’ll learn blending, highlighting, and layering techniques so you can confidently express your ideas on canvas and walk away with finished pieces you’ll be proud to display.
Colored Pencil Drawing Class
Are colored pencils good for beginners?
Yes! Colored pencils are one of the most beginner-friendly mediums. They’re affordable, easy to use, and require no messy setup. At the same time, advanced artists use them to create photorealistic drawings with depth, texture, and vibrant color.
What techniques will I learn in this class?
You’ll explore shading, layering, blending, burnishing, and color mixing. Anna also teaches how to create textures like skin, fabric, glass, leaves, and fur—all with colored pencils. These techniques allow you to go beyond basic coloring and produce polished works of art.
Do I need special colored pencils or paper?
You can start with any set of colored pencils and sketch paper. However, higher-quality brands like Prismacolor or Faber-Castell and smooth drawing paper make blending and layering easier. Anna will guide you in selecting supplies that fit your goals and budget.
What kind of projects will we do in class?
Projects range from everyday objects to realistic animals, plants, and portraits. Each lesson builds on the last, so you’ll gradually move from simple exercises to finished artwork you’ll be proud to display.
Bargue Drawing Course
What is the Bargue Drawing Course, and why is it important?
The Bargue Drawing Course is a classical art program developed in the 19th century by Charles Bargue and Jean-Léon Gérôme. It was designed to train artists in the academic tradition, focusing on precision, proportion, and disciplined observation. Many of history’s greatest artists, including Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso, studied this method.
Who should take the Bargue Drawing Course?
This course is ideal for advanced students, serious beginners, or anyone who wants to build strong technical drawing skills. It requires patience and discipline, making it perfect for artists who want to elevate their work to professional or academic standards.
What skills will I gain from this course?
You’ll learn to accurately copy Bargue plates, training your eye to see shape, line, angle, proportion, and value with absolute clarity. These skills strengthen your ability to tackle any subject—portraits, figures, still life—with confidence and precision.
How is the Bargue course taught, and how long does it take?
The course is taught through structured one-hour lessons, where Anna guides you step by step through each plate. Students work at their own pace—it can take weeks or even months to complete, depending on your level of commitment. The focus is not speed but accuracy, patience, and mastery.