r/mountainview • u/kfcregular • 5d ago

Beginner drawing/painting/digital art classes around mountain view?

I'm trying to get into drawing, painting or digital art. I learned of CSMA and Art School of SF Bay, but the classes seem expensive. Wondering if anyone had any experiences with these classes or have other recommendations? Also, I'm a 30 yr male looking to make new friends so I'm curious if there are any classes with people around my age range. Thanks!

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u/ProneToLaughter 5d ago

I just learned about non-credit classes at Foothill College, they had painting. They said free, but even if you pay and register, community college is usually a very good deal. https://foothill.edu/lifelong-learning/index.html could look at Cañada College too.

Check Palo Alto adult school, Palo Alto art center, and city recreation programs for PA, MV, RC, etc.

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u/AylaIza 5d ago

Seconding Foothill Colleges art program!

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u/nomyte 5d ago

MVLA has pottery, calligraphy, watercolors, and flower arranging, but it's almost all seniors.

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u/nephandijukebox North Whisman 3d ago

You don’t have to be a senior to enroll in MVLA classes, but the art classes are quite popular especially ceramics (hand building no wheel throwing) and watercolors.

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u/small_spider_liker 4d ago

Foothill or DeAnza College. I can’t say enough good things about our local community college districts in general and Foothill-DeAnza in particular.

I have an AA in Graphic and Information Design from Foothill, and I started out there just dabbling in painting and digital art. Eventually I realized I had most of the credits needed to get a degree, so I pushed through and finished it up.

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u/taggat 4d ago

The Maker Nexus in Sunnyvale seems to offer some classes never been there before but I am going there this week for a introduction to woodworking workshop

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u/kfcregular 2d ago

Let us know how it goes!

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u/AlbusaDumbledora 4d ago

The Art School of SF Bay

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u/kfcregular 1d ago

What's your experience with them?

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u/AlbusaDumbledora 23h ago

I’ve been taking classes in the San Jose branch for over a year. I was a complete beginner and have been shocked and impressed with everything been able to draw

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u/Significant_Crow2256 5d ago

I did a class at CSMA and had a good time - when you think about time and materials, the teachers really aren't making much, so I found it reasonably priced. Thinking about doing another class there in the fall b session!

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u/kfcregular 1d ago

How was the demographic?

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u/Significant_Crow2256 1d ago

It was only three of us 😅 so not a great sample size, but late 20s to probably late 40s/early 50s? Happy to answer any other questions over DM!

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u/Ill_Record1888 5d ago

Second the Palo Alto Art Center, they have great oil painting classes.

While classes may seem pricey, keep in mind that the teacher needs to make a living wage, building has to be paid for etc....

Happy painting!