The main focus of the teaching programs is learning to see better, the basis for good realistic drawing and painting.


Students work on their own project at their own speed. Drafting tables are separated to promote better focus. The choice of media includes watercolors, pencil, colored pencils, pastels, oil pastels, pen and ink and acrylics. A large photo reference file is available with everything from animals, landscapes, people to cartoons. Reference material from home is encouraged. Students should draw and paint what is of interest to them. From here, guidance towards better drawing and color theory, is a more enjoyable adventure.


Karen Jerome Skillins has been in her Needham, studio for over twenty two years. She is the illustrator of numerous children’s books, winner of major art awards and an exhibitor in national and international exhibitions. Teaching is also a passion and the studio has been a place for creative minds to expand for over twelve years.


The art programs are for ages 9 to 16. The class size is between five and eight students. In good weather, bikes can be locked to the railing out front.

Workshops 2012

FEBRUARY
February 20th or 21st through Friday the 24th, Tuesday through Friday, 
with an  add-on option of Monday February 20th.
Choose from four two-hour sessions: 
9am-11am    11am-1pm    2pm-4pm   
Monday (add-on optional) times: 10am-12pm or 12pm-2pm 
For more information, refer to the February Vacation Workshop link.
MARCH
Monday, March 12th through Friday, the 16th and/or
Monday, March 19th through Friday, the 23rd.
There will be one class time 11 to 1pm each day Monday through Friday. The time could be altered to 10 to noon if all agree. 
The cost is $175 per student for 5 days, $162 per student for two family members, or for both weeks. 
For more information, refer to the March Vacation Workshop link.
APRIL
April 16th or 17th through the 20th, Tuesday through Friday 
with an optional “add-on” Monday, April 16th. 
Choose from four two-hour sessions: 
9am-11am    11am-1pm    2pm-4pm   4:30pm-6:30pm
Monday add-on option times: 10am-12pm     12pm-2pm 
For more information, refer to the April Vacation Workshop link.
SUMMER / JUNE
The workshops are two hours per day, Monday through Thursday, with the add-on option of Fridays, or ‘Just Fridays’!
Summer Workshops begin on the following dates:
June: 6/4,  6/11, 6/18,  6/25
For the first two weeks of June, (maybe the first three weeks), the last class of the day is at 3pm rather than 2pm . Some come as an after school class that meets for four days.  This may be the same for the week starting 6/18 if school is still in session.
July: 7/2,  7/9,  7/16,  7/23,  7/30
The week of July 2nd is a tricky week with the 4th of July on a Wednesday.  There will be no add-on day this week.  The workshop would skip the fourth and run through Friday.
August: 8/6,  8/13,  8/20,  8/27
Classes time options:
9:00am - 11:00am,  11:00am - 1:00pm,   2:00pm - 4:00pm   
Friday, the optional add-on (or just Fridays) times: 
10am - 12pm or  12pm - 2pm
For more information, refer to the Summer/June Vacation Workshop link.