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Best Art Classes In Los Angeles

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(credit: istockphoto)

Mastering art of any type typically takes time to develop. However, this creative endeavor's finer points can be hurried along through classes that help avid students get acclimated to the basics. That said, the Southland is ripe with formal places to go to pick up tips and methods that help you conquer everything from oil paintings to sculptures to carvings to wearable art. Consider the following five venues led by experts who take this kind of work seriously while offering upbeat moments in the process.

Clara Berta Fine Art
(credit: Daniel Sliwa Photography)

Clara Berta Fine Art
120 E. 8th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(818) 692-0465
www.clarabertafineart.com

What could be more fun and educational than an evening experimenting with mixed media? And by mixed media, at least in this case, we mean everything from different kinds of paints to multitudes of ordinary items, like string and random pieces of paper. Clara of Clara Berta Fine Art is an avid and gentle instructor who will bring out the very best of your abilities while not making you feel in the least inadequate. This artist and teacher is privy to many gifts, nurturing new artists being just one of them.

Ann Bridges Art Studio
(credit: Ann Bridges Art Studio)

Ann Bridges Art Studio
3875 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(562) 547-8978
www.annbridges.com

Looking to dabble in acrylics? Anne's place is a good starting point, especially because this Angeleno works her magic in a very inspirational outpost: The penthouse of an old Hollywood edifice thriving in creative Koreatown. This artist and teacher is one of the city's best, able to not only show and tell about her chosen work, but also guide the uninitiated in such a way that he or she can't wait until it's time to go back for more lessons.

The Unincorporated Life
(credit: The Unincorporated Life)

The Unincorporated Life
1150 N. Western Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 655-0515
www.theunincorporatedlife.com

Finding your footing in the functional art world is a great quest for the creative family, and learning to make fashion statements through this form of expression is boundless. From screen printing fabric to learning how to drape like the best of the professionals, group and private classes are available at this Hollywood outpost located near Hollywood Forever and oozing with inspirational ideas for days.

Related: Best Art Galleries in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art
(credit: Holly M./Yelp)

Los Angeles Academy Of Figurative Art
16926 Saticoy St.
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(818) 708-9232
www.laafaa.com

For a more formalized push into the art world, choose this Valley-based outfit that operates similar to any other esteemed academic programs. Full-time students will be accredited when studies are done, but if you do not want to make such a solid commitment (at least at first), register on a class-by-class basis to gain exposure to some of the best art instruction Southern California has to offer. Two and three day workshops are great ways to gain experience and criticism on how to create everything from charcoal portraits to still life studies using oils.

Susan Manders Art Experience
(credit: Susan Manders Art Experience)

Susan Manders Art Experience
11830 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 506-7804
www.susanmandersartclasses.com

All manner of creativity is inspired by Susan Manders, a veteran artist who loves to kick things up a notch in her classroom. For instance, consider her shoe art project in which everyone who participates makes that thing you typically wear on your feet into a sculptural wonder you'll want to sit on a shelf lit from above. Whether you're new when it comes to creating art or you've been doing so for years, Susan can bring out the best in you and your abilities with her tried-and-true methods, employed in more than two decades of teaching about the finer things in life.

Related: Best Art Walks in Los Angeles

Los Angeles freelance travel writer Jane Lasky, contributes to publications such as Travel + Leisure, Vogue and Esquire. Her weekly sojourning column ran in 40 newspapers for 20 years. Jane is anything but an accidental tourist and always travels with her pillow. Check out her articles on Examiner.com.

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