The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey’s Studio School, located in Summit, NJ, offers classes and workshops for artists of all ages and skill levels. Taught by experienced teaching artists, our programs span painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and more—providing a supportive environment for learning, exploration, and creative growth.

WINTER SEMESTER 2027

Teen Drawing & Painting Classes

9162 NEW! The Pencil Path: Introduction to Drawing (ages 13–17)
Instructor: Jodelle Reed-Devaney
Mondays, 4 – 6 PM
This drawing class invites students to look closely and discover the joy of drawing without the pressure of creating a “perfect” picture. In each class, students will begin with a gesture drawing to shake off creative apprehension and get comfortable with putting pencil to paper. Through playful exercises such as blind contour, continuous-line drawing, negative space, drawing from observation, texture, and pointillism, students will learn to truly see the world around them while developing confidence in their own creative voice. Each class offers a chance to put technology aside, engage their hands and minds, experiment with different ways of drawing, and discover that art is less about getting it right and more about observing, exploring, and having fun.
10 session(s): 1/4 – 3/8
Tuition: member $377, non-member $407
Materials fee: $52

9016 Cartooning & Character Design (ages 13–18)
Instructor: Doug Baron
Tuesdays, 6 – 8 PM
Join artist Doug Baron, creator of Sugar Ray Finhead, to learn the ins and outs of cartoon drawing, character design, inking techniques, and coloring with watercolor. Students will work on simple and effective techniques for creating their own character concepts. Master a unique style of creating cartoon, anime, and comic book art!
10 session(s): 1/5 – 3/9
Tuition: member $377, non-member $407
Materials fee: $52

9061 Oil Painting for Teens (ages 13–17)
Instructor: Andrea Gianchiglia
Thursdays, 4 – 6 PM
Unleash your creativity with oil paint! Students will learn how to use the traditional favorite medium of the masters while diving into color theory, brush handling, layering, wet-on-wet, grisaille, dry brush, and more with a variety of subject matter. Explore vibrant techniques in a fun, supportive environment.
10 session(s): 1/7 – 3/11
Tuition: member $377, non-member $407
Materials fee: $52

9105 Creative Perspectives in Graphite & Charcoal (ages 13–17)
Instructor: Joel Tidey
Saturdays, 12 – 2 PM
In this exciting basic drawing course, students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of representational drawing based on line, tone, volume, and composition. Basic drawing is really about learning to observe and to think critically. This class will be working from both reference photos and still life setups. Students will be working with various subjects from portraits to landscapes and beyond. Students will gain the confidence needed to use their imagination to express their ideas in a permanent form. This is a great course for those who will need to build a portfolio for college entrance. Students will need to purchase their own supplies to bring to each class. Please review the materials list for this class online.
10 session(s): 1/9 – 3/13
Tuition: member $377, non-member $407

9107 Introduction to Oil Painting (ages 13–17)
Instructor: Joel Tidey
Saturdays, 2:30 – 4:30 PM
Oil paints have been a classic medium for centuries because of their luminosity and ease of use. Learn the foundation skills of painting in oils in this introductory course. We will cover the basics, including blocking in a composition, color mixing, value studies, and proper handling of materials. Students should wear clothes that can get messy. Students will need to purchase their own supplies and bring them to every class. Students can review the materials list for this class online.
10 session(s): 1/9 – 3/13
Tuition: member $377, non-member $407