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Program · Ages 8–14

8-Week Skill Builder

When your kid is ready to take art seriously.

Ages 8–14 · 8 weekly sessions · 60–75 minutes each · From $880
A deeper program for kids who've outgrown casual art classes. Eight weeks of focused skill development covering drawing from observation, watercolor mastery, acrylic technique, and the start of personal artistic style.

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The 8-week curriculum

Three movements: foundation, medium, project.

  1. Week 1

    Drawing Foundations Review + Diagnostic

    We assess where your kid is and adjust the program accordingly. Strong drawing kids spend less time on basics; newer kids get extra grounding.

  2. Week 2

    Drawing from Observation

    Still life, hand studies, portraits in graphite. Real observational technique — the foundation everything else builds on.

  3. Week 3

    Composition and Design

    Rule of thirds, focal point, balance, negative space. The principles that separate "a drawing" from "a composition."

  4. Week 4

    Watercolor Technique

    Wet-on-wet, dry brush, layering, color mixing in watercolor. A full deep dive into a medium most kids fall in love with.

  5. Week 5

    Watercolor Project

    A complete watercolor painting from start to finish. Landscape, still life, or portrait — kid's choice.

  6. Week 6

    Acrylic Foundations

    Different from watercolor. Brush technique, layering, color mixing in acrylic.

  7. Week 7

    Acrylic Project (Part 1)

    Begin a major acrylic piece — chosen by the student, with composition guidance from Elena.

  8. Week 8

    Acrylic Project (Part 2) + Critique

    Finish the piece. Sign it. Real critique session — what worked, what to grow into.

What's included

  • Eight 60–75 minute weekly sessions, taught at your home
  • All supplies for every session — paper, graphite, watercolors, acrylics, canvas
  • Two make-up sessions if you need to reschedule
  • Mid-program progress note (week 4) + end-of-program portfolio review (week 8)
  • Final portfolio of all work created over the 8 weeks
  • Optional Spanish-language instruction at no extra cost

Pricing

Travel within 15 miles of West LA included. Beyond: $2/mile.

Most popular

1-on-1

$880

$110 per session

8 sessions · 1 student

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Sibling pair

$1200

$75 per session

8 sessions · 2 students from the same family

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Small group (3–5 kids)

$1500

$45 per session

8 sessions · co-op or friend group

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Payment options: pay in full, split into 2 payments, or 4 monthly installments.

Real outcomes

  • Strong observational drawing fundamentals — proportion, value, perspective
  • Confident watercolor technique with multiple finished pieces
  • Acrylic painting fundamentals and a major finished acrylic project
  • Real critique experience — talking about their own work and others
  • A portfolio of 8–10 finished pieces with breadth across mediums
  • Foundation for Semester Studio or independent practice

Frequently asked questions

Is this the right program for my kid?
Best for kids 8–14 who've completed the 5-Week Foundations OR have been doing art seriously and are ready to deepen their technique. If your kid is brand new to structured art, start with the 5-Week Foundations program first.
What if we miss a session?
Two free make-up sessions are included. Beyond that, missed sessions aren't refunded but we'll work with you to keep momentum.
What's the difference vs. Semester Studio?
Skill Builder is structured curriculum across 8 fixed weeks. Semester Studio is 12 weeks with cohort dates, a personal-project arc, and deeper portfolio development. Most kids do Skill Builder first, then graduate into a Semester.
Can siblings share?
Yes — sibling pair pricing is in the pricing section. Most effective when siblings are within 2–3 years of each other.
Do you provide progress updates?
Yes — a mid-program written check-in at week 4 and an end-of-program portfolio review at week 8.
Can the program be in Spanish?
Yes — fully, at no extra cost.

Available across Greater Los Angeles, including Santa Monica, Brentwood, Mar Vista, Venice, Culver City, Pacific Palisades, Playa Vista, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Hancock Park, Hollywood, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Echo Park, Atwater Village, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Burbank, Calabasas, Pasadena, South Pasadena, Altadena, and La Cañada Flintridge. See all areas →

Ready for the next step?

Book a free 15-minute consultation to make sure this program fits your kid's level and goals.

Schedule Consultation

Or reach out directly: elenamarmolbaena@gmail.com · (747) 329-0774