The Fundamentals of Drawing & Painting

I really enjoyed this class. It’s been a very long time since I’ve done any drawing let alone charcoal but Raphael made it a fun learning experience. Never once did he make me or anyone else feel like they did wrong. We learned about mark mapping & proportion with our subject as well as creating value, scale and shadowing by blending charcoal. I liked the size of the class, 5 or 6 students, Raphael’s one on one with everyone and the workspace really felt like an art studio with many easels, artwork and quotes. Everyone attending was friendly and interested in each others work. I look forward to taking more classes in the future.

Raphael's Fundamentals of Drawing class was an exceptional experience thanks to his personalized instruction and unwavering encouragement, creating a truly inspiring learning environment. The unique studio ambiance further enhanced the journey, making every session a delightful retreat into creativity. I wholeheartedly recommend this class to anyone seeking to grow their artistic skills in a supportive and engaging setting!

Really enjoyed the 3 week course. Raphael is a great artist & teacher. I didn’t have much experience with charcoal before but learned a ton and felt great about the piece i worked on in the class. Learned a lot about proportions and identifying values & shadows. Would definitely recommend!

Raphael is an exceptional art teacher! His classes are a perfect blend of skill-building and artistic exploration. He possesses a deep understanding of various art techniques and has a knack for explaining them in a clear and engaging way. What's more, his lessons are enriched by his vast knowledge of art history. He effortlessly weaves in fascinating insights about the origins of these techniques and the historical context in which they were developed, giving us a deeper appreciation for the art we create. What sets Raphael apart is his ability to nurture individual talent. He takes the time to understand each student's unique strengths and interests, providing personalized guidance and encouragement. He fosters a supportive and inspiring classroom environment where everyone feels comfortable experimenting with their art. Beyond technique, Raphael fosters a true understanding of art. He encourages us to think critically about the art we see and create, to analyze its meaning and impact. He opens our eyes to different artistic styles and movements, helping us to develop a well-rounded perspective. Raphael's passion for art is contagious, I highly recommend Raphael to anyone seeking to ignite and develop their artistic abilities, unlocking their creative potential. He is a truly gifted teacher who makes learning an enriching and enjoyable experience.

This class is a wonderful space for anyone who enjoys art and wants to begin working on their drawing and painting skills. Raphael is an amazing teacher who really understands beginners and knows how to approach them and their way of thinking. He's super knowledgable about the history of art, and it's just a pleasure being in the space that he's created. Before taking Raphael's classes, I did some sketching at home, but without actually being familiar with any drawing techniques, so I've taken 5 or 6 classes in this studio. In the beginner class, Raphael focuses on composition (which is super helpful because knowing how to start a drawing can be really difficult), shading (values/tones/what it means to give shape to an object and that erasing is also a part of painting), what an iterative process creating art is, and simply how to approach/understand/appreciate a work of art. Raphael encourages different mediums such as charcoal and pastels, neither of which I'd been exposed to before - it's been great learning how powerful both of these are. Also, the class takes place in an atelier filled with so many paintings, which I find really cool.

I took this class for a mental break from my job, and it ended up being a wonderful choice! The class is informative, and Raul was very helpful and encouraging throughout the process. You will learn a lot and expand your artistic knowledge in a very relaxed, easy-going environment.