Art workshops -- online or in LA

February 14, 2024 1:03 PM

Looking for inspiring, incredible art workshops, either online or in the LA area. Any recommendations?

I see plenty of workshops out there, but I'm hoping for recommendations from people who have actually taken the workshop and left feeling energized and inspired! Maybe you have a favorite teacher? It could also just be an art "experience." I'm interested in all areas: watercolor, drawing, clay, fiber arts, natural dyes, collage, sculpture, hat making, book making....anything!

posted by hellochula to Education (7 answers total)

Best answer: Sorry I don't have a personal recommendation for you, but I did bookmark this list from the LA Times last year.
posted by BlahLaLa at 4:55 PM on February 14 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I have taken several classes via Sketchbook Skool, and I really liked them all. I've also taken one class from Ian Fennely, and I liked it a lot too. Sketchbook Skool is better for being exposed to lots of different styles and techniques, while Ian Fennely's class was great for learning his specific style.
posted by OrangeDisk at 5:58 PM on February 14

I have a personal recommendation for a fairly serious teacher of realist drawing and painting. He used to teach at the art students league in nyc. He doesn't have a website but if you, or anyone else , is interested you can memail me and i can share info to get in touch. I have studied with him off and on since many years, very inspiring traditional attelier style instruction with slide lectures on history included as well : )
posted by elgee at 7:10 PM on February 14

Ok this is a bit out there, and it may very much be Not Your Cup Of Tea, but here goes. I took a totally fascinating and inspiring small bird taxidermy class at Prey Taxidermy in Los Angeles. Allis Markham is the owner and she's a complete delight, with a deep love and respect for the natural world. She started her career in museum taxidermy, and still has a close relationship with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. Taxidermy is very much an art, and the class was challenging and fun.
posted by JuliaIglesias at 11:09 PM on February 14

Best answer: This one is sold out but I will always recommend people take a sign painting class or workshop. I took one years ago when I lived in LA, subsequently did another while I lived in San Francisco, and I'm taking one next month now that I live in London. It's just... so practical and technique-focused that, if you're like me, you'll surprise yourself at how creatively fulfilling it is no matter what you're into. Sign painting is a trade, so you'll get value out of any class, but look for a shop that does brisk business and see if they're offering courses. I would tell you to go to New Bohemia in SF but it's been too long for me to know which LA shops are thriving. It won't be hard to find out, though! If you look through NB's connections on Instagram I'm sure you'll find some leads.

I'm a toxicologist, by the way, not a creative professional. That saddens me sometimes, and I combat that sadness by taking classes that jolt me into doing what I can to keep up a sketchbook habit. I've been toying with the idea of taking a Procreeate class or two over the summer, because I just got an Apple pencil and am blown away at how responsive it makes digital art. But first, this sign painting class will help me get back into the routines of controlled hand motions and layout and on and on and on.

Good luck in your search!
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 5:21 AM on February 15 [3 favorites]

My friend Mark Muscarello teaches beginning wheel throwing at AMOCA in Pomona if you've ever wanted to try that. He is a lot of fun and the classes are usually a great mix of folks of all backgrounds and ages.
posted by pantarei70 at 5:14 PM on February 15

I'm not sure if this comment is kosher, but in case anyone is still reading this thread: I signed up for a class at New Bohemia based on late afternoon dream hotel's suggestion!
posted by too bad you're not me at 9:04 AM on February 22 [1 favorite]