Drawing & Painting Classes for Children & Teens
Small-group studio classes in Kensington, Brooklyn (near Ditmas Park & Windsor Terrace)
Build confidence, creativity, and strong artistic foundations through drawing and painting in a thoughtful studio environment.
Fall 2026 Enrollment Now Open
AGES 8-11 & 12-17
Two age groups with age appropriate approaches.
SMALL GROUPS
4-6 students per class for individual attention and support
MATERIALS INCLUDED
All drawing and painting materials are provided
BEGINNERS WELCOME
No prior experience needed. All levels are welcome.
PORTFOLIO SUPPORT
Guidance for art high school and college portfolios available.
⚲ Kensington, Brooklyn - Near the F at 18th Ave / B/Q at Newkirk Plaza
Learning from a Working Artist
Students learn in the studio of practicing painter Dov Talpaz, gaining exposure to drawing, painting, composition, observation, storytelling, and material exploration.
As a working artist, I bring real studio practice into the classroom while encouraging students to discover their own visual voice.
What Students Explore
Why Observation Matters
I have always found drawing to be a form of meditation.
The focus and attention it requires bring us into the present moment, into what is directly in front of us, whether observed or imagined. In a world shaped by distraction and constant mental noise, drawing can become a way to slow down.
Especially for children and teens, drawing offers a space for focus, patience, imagination, and quiet confidence. Observation and life drawing ask us to really look: to notice relationships between shapes, shifts in light, rhythm, and structure.
Alongside developing foundations in drawing, painting, composition, and learning to really see, my hope is that students also experience making art as a space for curiosity, sustained attention, and confidence.
A Thoughtful Studio Experience
Students learn through close observation, drawing, painting, and experimentation in a supportive artist studio environment. Rather than step-by-step crafts, students build confidence through sustained looking, making, and individualized guidance. Each student works at their own pace while developing strong artistic foundations in a thoughtful and encouraging environment.
Drawing
Observation, proportion, light, form, composition, drawing from life and imagination
Painting
Acrylic, watercolor, collage and mixed media. Color and expressive painting techniques.
Portfolio Development
Portfolio preparation for art high schools, college applications, or strengthening artistic skills.
STUDENT WORK
Students build confidence through close looking, making, and individualized guidance.
“My son came home excited to draw again.”
Watercolor Still Life
Student, age 8
Colored Pencil Still Life
Student, age 11
Observational Drawing
Adam, age 12
A thoughtful studio where students build confidence, focus, and strong artistic foundations.
What Parents & Artists Are Saying
“Dov is a wonderful painter and an excellent teacher. He is patient and talks about art as if it were magic, while also emphasizing the fundamentals so students can achieve what they imagine. I’ve known Dov for many years and can say he is the perfect person to be teaching art to young people.”
Barbara Grossman
Artist & Teacher
“Our son was accepted into excellent art programs at both Frank Sinatra School of the Arts and LaGuardia High School. Thank you for helping him develop his portfolio.”
Parent of a teen student
“My son usually has a hard time sitting for long stretches, but during class he became deeply engaged in observational drawing and stayed focused for an hour and a half. He genuinely enjoyed drawing the still life.”
Parent of an 11-year-old student
“Thank you for your time, patience, and thoughtful guidance. Our daughter had a wonderful experience and came home genuinely excited about drawing. It was clear she felt both supported and engaged throughout the class.”
Parent of a teen student
Program Details
After School Classes:
A thoughtful introduction to drawing and painting focused on observation, creativity, and building confidence.
Ages: Primarily ages 8–11
Group size: 4–6 students & Private lessons available
Class time: 3:30-5pm
Materials: All materials included
School pickup available from PS 139. School pickup available from PS 139. Pickup from other nearby schools may also be possible; please inquire.
Late Afternoon Classes:
Projects tailored to students' interests and experience, with portfolio support available for interested students.
Ages: Primarily ages 12–17
Group size: 4–6 students & Private lessons available
Class time: 5:30-7:00 pm
Materials: All materials included
Placement is based on age, experience, and availability. Students may be placed in the group that is the best fit.
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Classes are offered in small groups of 4–6 students and are designed to provide individualized attention while allowing students to learn alongside a consistent group of peers. Private lessons are also available.
Classes run throughout the school year, beginning in September and ending in June.
The year is divided into two semesters:
• Fall Semester: September–January
• Spring Semester: February–June -
Semester enrollment is recommended and offers the best value.
• Full Semester (approximately 18 classes): $750 (best value)
Other enrollment options are available:
• Three-Month Enrollment (12 classes): $560
• Monthly Enrollment (4 classes): $200
• Drop-In Class: $60
• Free Trial Class AvailableClasses follow the NYC public school calendar. Classes do not meet on school holidays, school breaks, or half days.
Students enrolled for a semester receive priority placement and benefit from a consistent group experience, allowing skills and projects to develop over time.
After school class sessions end at 5:00 pm. Pickup is available until 5:15 pm.
Late afternoon class sessions end at 7:15 pm. Pickup is available until 7:30 pm.
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Families interested in fall enrollment are invited to complete the registration form. Submitting the form helps reserve a place in the appropriate age group and schedule while classes are being finalized.
Please contact Dov at email dovtalpaz@gmail.com with any questions or to discuss scheduling and enrollment. To reserve a place or schedule a free trial class, complete the registration form here.
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Regular attendance helps students build skills and participate fully in the group experience.
If a student misses a class, one make-up class per semester may be arranged, subject to availability in another age-appropriate class.
Please provide as much notice as possible if your child will be absent.
Make-up classes cannot be guaranteed, and missed classes are not refundable.
If a class is canceled by the instructor, a make-up class or tuition credit will be provided.
Meet Your Instructor
Dov Talpaz is a professional painter and teaching artist based in Brooklyn.
He studied at the New York Studio School for Drawing, Painting & Sculpture and has taught drawing and painting to children, teens, and adults.
His classes emphasize observation, creativity, and individualized guidance in a supportive studio environment.
READY TO LEARN MORE?
Parents are welcome to reach out with any questions. I'd be happy to speak with you, answer questions, and help determine whether the class is a good fit for your child.
School pickup from PS 139 is available. Please inquire about pickup options from other nearby schools.