Program · Ages 6–12 · ⭐ Most popular

5-Week Foundations

A real introduction. A real curriculum. A real beginning.

Ages 6–12 · 5 weekly sessions · 60 minutes each · From $550
The right starting point for kids who want to seriously begin learning art. Five weeks of structured curriculum covering drawing fundamentals, color theory, and beginning painting — taught at your home by Elena Marmol.

The 5-week curriculum

Each week builds on the previous one.

This isn't a series of unrelated craft sessions. It's a structured curriculum.

  1. Week 1

    Lines, Shapes, and Seeing

    Drawing isn't about being good at art. It's about learning to see. We start with the basics: how to hold a pencil, line variation, shape recognition, and observational drawing. Your kid will draw real objects from observation — a cup, an apple, their own hand.

  2. Week 2

    Value, Light, and Shadow

    Three-dimensional drawing. How light hits objects, how shadows fall, how to make a circle look like a sphere. By the end of this week, your kid's drawings will start to look real, not flat.

  3. Week 3

    Color Theory

    The actual color wheel. Primaries, secondaries, complements. How colors mix, how warm and cool colors feel different. Your kid won't just know that blue and yellow make green — they'll understand why certain combinations feel happy, calming, or dramatic.

  4. Week 4

    Watercolor

    A full session in watercolor. Color blending, layering, how water and pigment behave. Watercolor is forgiving and rewarding — most kids discover they love it.

  5. Week 5

    Acrylic Painting + Final Project

    Real acrylic on canvas. Building on everything from weeks 1–4, your kid creates a finished painting they're genuinely proud of. They sign it like a real artist.

What's included

  • Five 60-minute weekly sessions, taught at your home
  • All supplies for every session — paper, pencils, watercolors, acrylics, canvas, brushes
  • Curriculum designed by a credentialed art educator (Master's in Art Education, University of Seville)
  • One make-up session if you need to reschedule
  • Final portfolio of all work created over the 5 weeks
  • Brief written progress note at the end of the program
  • Optional Spanish-language instruction at no extra cost

Pricing

Travel within 15 miles of West LA included. Beyond: $2/mile.

Most popular

1-on-1

$550

$110 per session

5 sessions · 1 student

Inquire

Sibling pair

$700

$70 per session

5 sessions · 2 students from the same family

Inquire

Small group (3–5 kids)

$900

$45 per session

5 sessions · co-op or friend group

Inquire

Payment options: pay in full, or split into 2 payments (50% to start, 50% by Week 3).

Real outcomes

By the end of 5 weeks, your kid will:

  • Draw a recognizable object from observation
  • Understand and use the color wheel
  • Have a working watercolor and acrylic technique
  • Have a portfolio of 5+ finished pieces
  • Know what they like (most kids discover a preference for one medium)
  • Have the foundation to continue with the 8-Week Skill Builder or Semester Studio

Who this program is for

Best for ages 6–12. For ages 13+, consider the 8-Week Skill Builder or Teen Portfolio Intensive instead.

Especially great for:

  • Kids who loved a birthday party and want to keep painting
  • Kids who draw constantly at home and want to actually learn
  • Parents looking for an enrichment activity that's developmental, not just entertainment
  • Families exploring whether art lessons are a good fit before committing to a longer program
  • Spanish-immersion families who want bilingual instruction

Frequently asked questions

Why 5 weeks?
It's the shortest program where real skill development happens. 1–2 weeks isn't enough for techniques to stick. 5 weeks gives kids time to absorb fundamentals, practice them, and see their own progress.
Can we extend if it goes well?
Yes — most families do. The natural next step is the 8-Week Skill Builder or rolling into Semester Studio. We talk about it in week 5.
What if we miss a session?
One free make-up session is included. Beyond that, missed sessions aren't refunded but we'll work with you to keep momentum.
Do we have to do the same time each week?
Strongly recommended. Consistency helps kids build skills and treat art like a real subject. We can flex by 30–60 minutes if needed; full reschedules require coordination.
Can siblings join partway through?
Better to start fresh. The curriculum builds on itself, so jumping in at week 3 misses foundation. If you have a younger or older sibling who wants to start, schedule them their own program.
Is this in your home or ours?
At your home, in almost all cases. Elena travels to you. For sibling groups or co-ops, sometimes one family hosts the whole group — that's fine too.
Can I sit in?
Absolutely. Many parents do, especially in the early weeks. Some kids focus better when parents are nearby; others prefer to be left alone. Whatever works for your kid.
Do you provide progress updates?
Yes — at the end of week 5, you get a written note covering what your kid worked on, where they showed growth, and recommendations for what to focus on next.
Can the program be in Spanish?
Yes — fully, at no extra cost.
Are supplies safe for kids?
All paints, brushes, and materials are non-toxic and kid-safe. Let us know about specific allergies in advance.

Start your kid's first program

Book a free 15-minute consultation. We'll talk about your kid's level, schedule, and goals — then design the program around them.

Or reach out directly: elenamarmolbaena@gmail.com · (747) 329-0774