Course Schedule: 

Mondays

• 3 pm – 6 pm 
• 7 pm – 10 pm
• Instructor: Dale Dyer

Tuesdays

• 7 pm – 10 pm 
• Instructor: Dale Dyer

Sundays

• • 3 pm – 6 pm 
• Instructor: Eddie Nino 

Pricing Per Month: (new students)

• $185 – 1 class per week 
• $370 – 2 classes per week
• $550 – 3 classes per week 

*Students must register for a specific day(s) of the week 

Open Studio Add On: 50$ month for unlimited studio access during open studio hours

This Program is designed for: All Levels

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Course Description: 

Learn drawing and painting through a traditional, observation-based approach. In this class students will build a strong technical foundation by working from life (both still-life and with a live model) 

New students begin with still life, focusing on the disciplined study of fundamental forms: the sphere, cube, and cylinder. Through careful observation, measurement, and rendering of light and shadow, students develop the visual language needed to understand structure, proportion, and value. This stage is considered the groundwork of all representational drawing and painting, and all students are expected to engage deeply with it before progressing.

Once a foundation is established, students move into the figure room to apply these principles to the human form. Working from a live model, they learn to translate their understanding of form, proportion, and gesture into increasingly complex compositions. Instruction is individual and tailored to support both beginners and more advanced students, with an emphasis on developing a clear, personal way of seeing.

The class is structured to operate across both rooms simultaneously, with the instructor guiding a group of still-life students alongside those working from the figure. This allows for a range of entry points and preferences, while maintaining a cohesive, atelier-style learning environment. Students who prefer to remain focused on still life are fully supported in doing so.

Over time, students will have developed a deeper understanding of form, gained confidence working from observation, and established a strong technical base for further study in drawing and painting.

Material List: Students are expected to bring their own materials for this course. Easels and storage space will be provided. Please see the recommended material list here. 

Instructor Bios:

Eddie Niño is a Colombian-born realist artist and experienced art educator based in Norwalk, Connecticut. Specializing in portraiture, landscape, and still life painting. He trained at the Grand Central Atelier and The Art Students League of New York, studying with renowned contemporary realist artists and instructors such as Harvey Dinnerstein, Jacob Collins, and privately with Andrew Reiss.

For over 15 years, Eddie has taught drawing and painting to students of all ages and skill levels throughout Connecticut and New York. His classes emphasize strong foundational skills, observation, creativity, and a deep appreciation for traditional artistic techniques.

Eddie’s award-winning work has been exhibited in galleries across the Northeast, and he has participated in numerous public art projects, exhibitions, and published in the book: Classical Life Drawing Studio.

 

Dale Dyer is an American realist painter and dedicated art educator based in the Northeast. His work focuses on portraiture, still life, and landscape painting, grounded in careful observation and a deep respect for traditional techniques. He has trained extensively in classical drawing and painting methods, studying with leading contemporary realist artists and refining his practice through years of studio work.

With over a decade of teaching experience, Dale has worked with students of all levels, helping them build strong foundational skills in drawing and painting. His teaching emphasizes observation, craftsmanship, and developing a personal visual language rooted in classical principles.

Dale’s work has been exhibited in galleries and group shows across the region, and he continues to balance his studio practice with a commitment to arts education.