01
Drawing foundations
Line, shape, proportion, value, texture, and the habit of truly seeing.
Explore the curriculumFine art instruction · Upland, California
A quieter place
to become an artist.
Small-group drawing, painting, and mixed media instruction for young artists—personally taught by professional artist Olya Marino.
7–14Student ages
4–8Students per class
1Dedicated teacher
One teacherThoughtful attentionReal growth
Our philosophy / 01
More than a finished project
We teach young artists how to see.
Art education should do more than fill an afternoon. It should sharpen observation, develop patience, and give students a language for making thoughtful creative choices.
At Olya Marino Art, every lesson connects technique with understanding. Students learn why something works, receive individual guidance, and build skills they can carry into the next work—and the one after that.
Artist · Educator · MentorMeet your teacher
Every class is taught by Olya.
Parents are not choosing a generic program. They are choosing a relationship with a working artist who knows when to demonstrate, when to ask a better question, and when to let a student discover.
Olya brings professional standards into a warm, encouraging setting. With only a handful of students in each class, she can notice the small things: a grip that needs adjusting, a concept that deserves another explanation, or a young artist ready for a greater challenge.
More about Olya and her approachWhat students study
Foundations first. Possibility always.
A progressive curriculum gives students the structure to improve and the freedom to make work that feels like their own.
02
Painting & color
Color relationships, brushwork, layering, and intentional decision-making.
Explore the curriculum03
Mixed media
A thoughtful expansion of materials, composition, and visual voice.
Explore the curriculum
The learning method
Technique becomes confidence.
01
Observe
Slow down and notice relationships, edges, light, and form.
02
Understand
Learn the principle behind a technique—not only the steps.
03
Practice
Build confidence through guided repetition and useful feedback.
04
Create
Apply new skills with increasing independence and personal voice.
Small by design
The difference is in
the attention.
In a class of approximately four to eight students, no one disappears into the room. Olya can adapt the instruction, give specific feedback, and let each student progress without turning the class into a race.
- Individual guidance in every session
- Calm, focused studio culture
- Age-appropriate challenge without pressure
- A clear path from foundations to advanced work
For charter school families & administrators
A serious arts partner, ready for the conversation.
We welcome conversations with local charter schools seeking thoughtful, small-group fine art education for their families. Clear program information is available for vendor review.
Charter school information