Creative Development

(ages 4-8)

Kids at this stage have an abundance of imagination and it is crucial to let them be bold and free in what they create. At the same time, we focus on developing strong foundation skills.

Our instructors are well trained in balancing these two qualities of unrestricted creativity and structured technique. We use positive encouragement, demonstration, and guide students to always do their best. This nurtures their confidence and develops the right habits of great workmanship, leading young kids to believe in themselves as artists. According to many parents, our twofold balanced method is how we differ from other art schools, preparing them for higher level illustration.

Core Illustration & Painting

(ages 9-18)

This course will excel students from beginner to advanced through continuous practice with essential techniques that develop the foundations for every artist. Join anytime, classes are weekly and continuous for the long-term.

Mediums taught to all students:

Graphite pencils
Charcoal
Color Pencils
Watercolor
Acrylic paints

Project based classes

Each student works on their own project and teachers will guide them according to their individual style and level. Students have opportunity to choose what they like and will build drawing and painting skills while exercising their creativity to the fullest. Advanced students can develop an original portfolio.

Sample student work:

Curriculum Based classes

Students will follow a set curriculum to build fundamental art skills step-by-step with the instructor. They will learn how to create 3-dimentional form, depth and perspective, landscapes in a variety of atmospheres, apply color theory, and the study of light and shadow. New session starts on the 1st week of September each year.

A sample from instructor (Halleck Cui) for Curriculum Based Training:

High School Portfolio Program

for college prep (ages 14-18)

Portfolio programs are designed specifically for a high school student to guide him/her through a more incremental process of skill and portfolio development and creation over an extended period of time. In the following classes and workshops, we will guide students to build a strong portfolio for college application for art related majors or as an extra curriculum for non art majors, such as computer science or STEM or any other major, and/or AP studio art portfolios. Portfolio program includes the weekly classes, Figure drawing workshops, still life workshops(see our workshop page), Summer Intensive speed drawing and Painting classes, Summer boot camps(See our summer programs page). Please email us to schedule a free initial meeting.

Gateway to your dream college

College application counselling- art related major

In this program, we work with students to choose colleges which best fit student’s interests and permeance, work on portfolio plans according to the college’s portfolio requirements, help students to develop theme and meaning in their portfolio, meet deadlines.

If you are interested or have any questions, please email us at office@usartsd.com and set a meeting for a free initial meeting with our portfolio coordinator.

Digital Media

[ages 12+] Creating computer graphics with industry standard tools in making fantasy, sci-fi, and surreal images and animation. This course offers beginner and advanced classes for Photoshop illustration, photo manipulation, and animation.

A one hour Computer Basics class provided to cover all technical preparations. Email office@usartsd.com to request before the beginner’s first day.

Classes will be held online during Covid-19 pandemic.

Photoshop Class - Beginner

Summer Session: 06/11/2023 - 08/27/2023

Fall Session: to be anounced

Class time: to be anounced
(Classes will be held online and in-person)

Students will learn the basics of digital illustration and photo-manipulation techniques with Adobe Photoshop. The class will cover how to use the different tools and functions while applying traditional art theory to create interesting and beautiful pieces. 

What to Prepare:

1.      Students are required to use their own laptop to work on with Adobe photoshop subscription installed before class starts (subscribe to the $9.99 Photography(20gb) plan).

2.      Students are also expected to use their own drawing tablet. If you do not already have one, the recommended model is: Amazon.com: One by Wacom Small Graphics Drawing Tablet

Photoshop Class - Advanced

Advance:

Monday 6:30pm -8:30pm,

Sunday 4 pm - 6 pm, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
(Ongoing weekly class - you can join anytime. Classes will be held online or in-person)

The advanced course will guide students through creating industry-level digital painting with the use of graphic design concepts for more complex and compelling illustrations. Projects include fantasy and sci-fi character illustration, environments, animals, surreal imagery, app icons, and more.

Animation - Beginner

To be annunced

Students will learn the basics of 2D animation done in Photoshop. We will introduce the most useful fundamentals that will allow you to later animate in any format such as motion graphics or 3D animation.

Animation - Advanced

To be announced

Students will continue growing their skills by engaging more complex scenes with more sophisticated movements, refined subtitles, complex backgrounds, and more integration of storytelling.

Chinese Painting

A timeless art form and a fun way to learn about Chinese culture

Students in this class will be introduced Chinese brushes   (毛笔), ink (墨汁) and rice paper (宣纸). They will learn to paint two main Chinese painting styles - GongBi (工笔) and XieYi (写意).

Class time: Sunday 2pm -4pm for age 9 year old and up, and Adults.

Self-Supply materials required: Rice paper, brush, black and colored ink, flower color mix pallet. Can be purchased from USARTS.

Comic Book Illustration

Explore the many dimensions of comic book art

Students will design & produce their own characters as well as established characters from pop culture. We will also explore perspective, anatomy, sketching, storytelling, and color theory. Students will use a variety of tools and media to achieve their specific projects week to week.