Now forming small-group classes for grades 3–8

Upland, California

Olya MarinoFine Art Studio
InquireJoin the interest list

Classes · Grades 3–8

Skills for today.
An artist’s eye for life.

Small-group classes that build technical ability, creative confidence, and a more thoughtful way of seeing the world.

Join the interest list
Olya demonstrating a still life drawing to a small class

The class format

4–8students, approximately
3–8grade levels
UplandCalifornia studio

Current schedule

Current class opportunities

Small groups are added thoughtfully as space becomes available. Join the interest list to ask about placement, program details, or charter school participation.

Private-pay families are welcome.

Fall 2026 includes 14 weekly studio classes. Course costs and payment details are shared privately after an interest form has been submitted and reviewed. Charter school enrollment is not required.

Interest list open

Foundation

Grades 3-5

MeetsTuesday 10:00am-11:15am

DatesSeptember 8-December 15

Designed for students in grades 3–5, this class builds foundational art skills through lessons on the elements of art and hands-on projects. Most materials needed for classwork will be provided for use in the studio. Optional take-home art kits will be available for an additional cost. Before the first day of class, accepted students will be invited to an open studio session. Families will receive the date, time, and other details in advance.

Join the interest list for this class
Interest list open

Foundation

Grades 6-8

MeetsTuesday 12:45pm-2:00pm

DatesSeptember 8-December 15

Designed for students in grades 6-8, this class builds foundational art skills through lessons on the elements of art and hands-on projects. Most materials needed for classwork will be provided for use in the studio. Optional take-home art kits will be available for an additional cost. Before the first day of class, accepted students will be invited to an open studio session. Families will receive the date, time, and other details in advance.

Join the interest list for this class
Interest list open

Foundation

Grades 6-8

MeetsWednesday 10:00am-11:15am

DatesSeptember 8-December 15

Designed for students in grades 6-8, this class builds foundational art skills through lessons on the elements of art and hands-on projects. Most materials needed for classwork will be provided for use in the studio. Optional take-home art kits will be available for an additional cost. Before the first day of class, accepted students will be invited to an open studio session. Families will receive the date, time, and other details in advance.

Join the interest list for this class
Interest list open

Foundation

Grades 3-5

MeetsWednesday 12:45pm-2:00pm

DatesSeptember 8-December 15

Designed for students in grades 3–5, this class builds foundational art skills through lessons on the elements of art and hands-on projects. Most materials needed for classwork will be provided for use in the studio. Optional take-home art kits will be available for an additional cost. Before the first day of class, accepted students will be invited to an open studio session. Families will receive the date, time, and other details in advance.

Join the interest list for this class

The elements of art

Seven elements. A strong foundation.

Students learn how line, shape, form, space, color, value, and texture work together through clear instruction and hands-on projects.

01

Begin with a mark

Line & shape

Students explore how lines can show edges, movement, and feeling, and how shapes become the starting point for drawings, paintings, and designs.

  • Contour
  • Direction
  • Shape
  • Pattern
02

Create depth

Form & space

Students learn how artists make flat images feel three-dimensional by using form, proportion, overlap, and positive and negative space.

  • Form
  • Depth
  • Proportion
  • Positive & negative space
03

Light meets color

Value & color

Students practice seeing light and dark, mixing colors, and using contrast and color relationships to make artwork clear and expressive.

  • Light & shadow
  • Color theory
  • Contrast
  • Color relationships
04

The look and feel of a surface

Texture

Students explore how different materials and marks can show how a surface looks or feels, from smooth and soft to rough and patterned.

  • Real texture
  • Implied texture
  • Mark-making
  • Surface detail
A student developing a still life drawing with color

Technique gives creativity something to stand on.

What parents can expect

A class with intention from beginning to end.

  1. 01

    A clear teaching objective

    Every session is built around an artistic idea or technique, not merely a themed project.

  2. 02

    Demonstration and guided practice

    Olya makes the thinking visible, then supports students as they apply it themselves.

  3. 03

    Useful individual feedback

    Students leave knowing what improved, what to keep practicing, and what they are ready to try next.

Questions, answered

Before you join the list.

Does my child need prior experience?

No. New students can begin with foundational instruction, while students with experience are given grade-appropriate challenges based on what Olya observes.

How are students placed?

Grade group provides a starting point, but readiness matters too. The interest-list conversation helps Olya understand experience, confidence, and the kind of challenge that will be most useful.

Are materials included?

Most materials used during class are provided. Some projects may require families to purchase a few additional supplies. Parents will receive a clear supply list and instructions before those materials are needed.

Will students have work they can do at home?

Yes. Students may choose optional take-home work that builds on what they are learning in class. Parents may also purchase a take-home art kit prepared by Olya with the materials needed for these additional projects.

Can families pay privately?

Yes. Charter school funding is not required. Private-pay families receive the program fee and secure payment instructions after a seat is offered.

Can charter school funds be used?

Vendor participation depends on each charter school’s process and current approval status. Olya welcomes administrator conversations and can provide program information for review.

Class schedules & program details

Be first to hear as new small groups are formed.

Schedules and start dates are listed above. Program fees, materials fees, and payment instructions are shared privately after a student is offered a place.

Join the interest list