Advanced Studio & Portfolio Development (grades 6+)
Advanced art instruction, portfolio development, and guidance for serious young artists
Voted Best Art School in Nassau County 10 Years Running. Explore painting, drawing, watercolor, mixed media, digital art, and more.
Fine Arts Training for Serious Young Artists
A year-long studio program for motivated students in grades 6–12 who want to move beyond classroom art and develop the technical skills, creative thinking, and confidence needed to grow as artists. In a small studio environment, students receive individualized mentorship from accomplished artist and educator Lenore Hanson while developing their skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, and portfolio development.
Who it’s for?
For students who want to take their art to the next level…
- Move beyond school assignments and develop advanced skills
- Build the technical foundation needed for stronger artwork
- Receive individualized mentorship from an experienced artist
- Develop a body of work for AP Art, portfolios, and future opportunities
What you will develop
- Advanced Drawing & Observation Skills
- Painting Technique & Visual Expression
- Composition, Design & Creative Thinking
- Artistic Voice & Independent Ideas
- Portfolio-Ready Work & Critique Skills
The Studio Experience
- Small Class Sizes – Focused instruction and meaningful individual feedback
- Expert Mentorship – Guidance from accomplished artist and educator Lenore Hanson
- Professional Studio Training – Learn the foundations and practices of serious art-making
- Individual Creative Direction – Develop work based on each student’s interests and goals
- A Community of Young Artists – Learn alongside motivated students who are committed to growth
Inside the Studio
learn from an exceptional mentor
Lenore Hanson
With more than 30 years of teaching and mentoring young artists, Lenore Hanson knows how to help students move beyond simply making art to thinking and working like artists. Her extensive experience allows her to recognize each student’s strengths, identify areas for growth, and provide the individualized guidance needed to help them progress with confidence.
Unlike traditional classes where everyone follows the same lesson, Lenore tailors instruction to each student. Whether refining drawing skills, mastering painting techniques, developing a personal style, or preparing a portfolio for AP Art or college admissions, students receive thoughtful critiques and expert mentorship that meet them where they are and challenge them to reach the next level.
As the former Director of Studio Practices and College Portfolio Preparation, Lenore has helped students earn acceptance to leading art schools, receive scholarships, and build the skills needed for long-term artistic success. More importantly, she creates a supportive studio where motivated teens learn to think critically, take creative risks, solve visual problems, and develop the confidence to create their strongest work.
Fall Schedule
Ready to get started this Summer? There are classes and spots still available. Click here to learn more about Summer Classes.
Drawing: The Foundation of Every Artist
Students strengthen observation, proportion, composition, and value through studies in portraiture, figure drawing, still life, and plein air work. Drawing skills become the foundation for painting, sculpture, design, and portfolio development.
* An optional Life Drawing with Live Model session for students enrolled in Drawing or Painting who want to strengthen observational skills, anatomy, and portfolio development
DAY: Wednesdays, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
DATES: Sept 16 – Oct 21
PRICING: Member $595 / Non-member $630
Painting: Developing Technique & Artistic Voice
Students build on their drawing foundation while developing skills in color, composition, value, and technique. Through painting, students learn to create more thoughtful, expressive work and develop a stronger personal style.
DAY: Thursdays, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
DATES: Sept 17 – Oct 22
PRICING: Member $595 / Non-member $630
Sculpting: Thinking Beyond the Canvas
Students explore form, texture, space, and structure while transforming ideas into three-dimensional artwork. Sculpture encourages experimentation, creative problem-solving, and the freedom to think beyond traditional boundaries.
DAY: Saturdays, 10:00 – 1:00 PM
DATES: Sept 26 – Nov 7 (no class Oct 31)
PRICING: Member $595 / Non-member $630
Figure Drawing: Classical Training for Serious Artists (with a live model
Figure drawing is one of the most important foundations of fine art training. Working from the live model, students develop observation skills, anatomy, proportion, gesture, and structure — skills that have formed the foundation of fine art training for centuries. Recommended for students preparing portfolios.
* Contact us to learn more
Portfolio Development & Private Consultations
An art portfolio is a requirement for applying to college for fine art, design and architecture. It may also be used as a supplement to your college application, expanding on your creative intelligence. We work with students to develop and refine their portfolio for submission to college. Personally geared to a student’s direction and inspiration, work is developed and progress assessed through regular meetings. College choices are investigated and goals are set to meet deadlines. Closer to college submission, work is refined and selected. After the work is photographed, students will be guided through writing descriptions of their work and an artist essay. A letter of recommendation is provided upon request.
Private Consultations
Students and parents are invited to meet with Lenore Hanson, for an evaluation of their work and discussion of their goals. Lenore Hanson has thirty years experience as Director of Studio Practices at Huntington Fine Arts working directly with students in Drawing, Painting, Sculpture and College Portfolio development. To make an appointment, email or call our office to coordinate availability.
Exceptional Instruction. Accessible to All.
As a nonprofit arts organization, The Art Guild is committed to providing professional-level art education at an accessible price. Students receive experienced instruction, individualized mentorship, and a serious studio experience in a supportive creative community.
Scholarships are available for students with financial need. Please reach out to learn more.