Atelier Dojo,

4704 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78702

"As both a student, and an art model here, I find this to be one of the best places in Austin to build art skills that translate (with practice) to being able to draw things from life more easily. The foundations classes are well-placed, and the instructors are patient, professional, Ave offer quality feedback in a way that's encouraging. I LOVE taking classes and coming to the open drawing/painting sessions. (You don't have to be a student to come to the open sessions). There's plenty of room, good lighting, and better temperature control than other places where I've previously drawn live models."

"I've enjoyed all three classes I've taken at Atelier Dojo since they opened this past summer. The instruction has been first rate. It's also a great way to be immersed in a group of others who are either learning a craft for the first time or who have been doing it for years. Though I've been in visual communication for a long time, I'm new to painting and drawing. I've learned so much even in talking to other more seasoned students of the methods taught here. I've also dropped in for open studio. If you don't have access to a live model, this is a wonderful way to go and they offer open studios a few times a week. Atelier Dojo is a great place to whet your creative appetite and keep feeding it!"

"This is simply the best place I have found in Austin to learn how to do figure painting/drawing/sculpture. The instructors are internationally renowned and teach a combination of old world methods from European masters to modern methods of painting. Each instructor has had decades of experience, some with experience from the European ateliers while some have forged their own career path in the world of painting. They all have a different style and I recommend learning from all of them if you can. There are figure painting/drawing open studios several days a week with a live model, which is something that is hard to find in Austin. Whether you are a beginner hobbyist, or someone who is looking to refine their skills to become a professional, this is the place for you."

"Atelier Dojo is an awesome resource for beginner and experienced artists alike. Founded by some of Austin’s most reputable contemporary painters, Dojo provides the ideal studio space for any artist to gain academic drawing and painting instruction. I have taken several classes with the instructors on staff, and also plan on taking workshops with scheduled guest artists in the near future. I highly recommend Dojo to any artist who is serious about learning the skills and techniques of today’s master painters."

"I can't say enough good things about Atelier Dojo. I had been looking for something like this in Austin for a while now and I'm so glad it is available. The classes are long enough (eight weeks), and the instruction detailed enough, to really see improvement. And the ability to attend open figure drawing sessions throughout the week is invaluable. The set up for the sessions is great - space, lighting, easels, models, etc. - and the folks that run the sessions are all friendly and incredibly helpful. I would recommend Atelier Dojo to anyone looking to improve or practice their skills and connect with a friendly community of Austin artists."