Berkeley Painting Club2121 Bonar St., Berkeley California (Strawberry Creek Park)rene@renesmith.net  Instagram


Berkeley Painting Club - Studio Intensive
Studio Art Intensive is for students who are focused and committed to developing their art in a more intensive studio environment. Students build technical skills while experimenting, developing their own ideas, and taking on increasingly independent projects. Small classes allow for individual instruction, feedback, and plenty of time to create.

The course focuses on figure drawing, portraiture, painting, and independent projects. Students work from live models and photo references to strengthen observational drawing skills and explore proportion, form, gesture, and composition. Painting projects explore color, composition, and technique using Golden Open Acrylics, a slow-drying acrylic that allows for extended working time and advanced painting techniques. Independent projects give students the opportunity to pursue their own ideas with one-on-one mentoring and critique.

Studio Art Intensive is a place for students to work deeply, take creative risks, and develop their own artistic direction, whether they’re exploring art for themselves or beginning to build a portfolio.

All drawing supplies are provided. Students will need their own set of Golden Open Acrylics and brushes, which they may bring from home or purchase through the studio.

Ages 13-17Tuesdays 5-7pm 

Early Fall Session: Prorated Start Sept 8-Oct 6  - 5 weeks $250 Register
Late Fall Session Oct 20-Dec 8 - 7 weeks $350 Register
The late fall session is open to both new and continuing students: continuing students will build on earlier work and develop longer independent projects, while new students will be introduced to the techniques and approaches used in the class.  No class Nov 24 for Thanksgiving Week


Studio Art Intensive is taught by Berkeley Painting Club founder René Smith, a practicing artist with an MFA in Painting from Tyler School of Art. René has taught painting and drawing at the undergraduate and graduate level, as well as portfolio preparation at Tyler School of Art and Moore College of Art. Her teaching experience includes Temple University in Rome, Chiang Mai University in Thailand, and St. Thomas Aquinas College in New York. She continues an active studio and exhibition practice in the Bay Area.  
.