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.

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.

Fast Sketching & Observational Drawing Class

This dynamic class is designed as an essential supplement to our curriculum, project-based, and portfolio programs.

Students alternate between fast-paced sketching sessions and focused observational studies, training both speed and accuracy while sharpening visual awareness. Through a wide range of drawing materials and subjects, students build stronger fundamentals, improve confidence and fluency, and accelerate overall skill growth. This class strongly supports long-term artistic development and prepares students for advanced work and future portfolio success.

Class time: Sunday SUNDAYS 4-6PM with Instructor: Nenad Zarić

All currently enrolled US Arts students receive 10% off when adding this class to their existing package.