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Program · Ages 7–15 · Cohort

Semester Studio

A full semester. A real portfolio. A real artist beginning.

Ages 7–15 · 12 weekly sessions · 60–90 minutes each · From $1,300
The premium recurring program. Twelve weeks of structured curriculum across drawing, painting, and mixed media. Real critique, real portfolio development, real artistic growth.

Fall cohort

September – November

Spring cohort

February – April

Inquire About CohortSee Pricing

The semester structure

Twelve weeks. Three movements.

  1. Weeks 1–4

    Foundations and Drawing

    Observational drawing, value studies, perspective, composition. A real grounding that serves everything else.

  2. Weeks 5–8

    Painting and Color

    Watercolor and acrylic deep dives, color theory in practice, finishing real paintings across multiple mediums.

  3. Weeks 9–12

    Personal Project

    Each student designs and executes a major personal project — a series of pieces, a portrait series, an abstract exploration. They develop their own voice.

Final session: portfolio review and critique — a real conversation about what your kid made over 12 weeks, what's working in their style, and what to focus on next.

What's included

  • Twelve 60–90 minute weekly sessions, taught at your home
  • All supplies — drawing, watercolor, acrylic, mixed media
  • Three make-up sessions if you need to reschedule
  • Mid-semester written progress check-in (week 6)
  • Final portfolio review and critique (week 12)
  • Personal project documentation — a finished body of work
  • Optional Spanish-language instruction at no extra cost

Pricing

Travel within 15 miles of West LA included. Beyond: $2/mile. Enrollment closes 2 weeks before cohort start.

Most popular

1-on-1

$1,300

$108 per session

12 sessions · 1 student

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Sibling pair

$1,800

$75 per session

12 sessions · 2 students from the same family

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Small group (3–5 kids)

$2,400

$40 per session

12 sessions · co-op or friend group

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Payment options: pay in full, split into 3 payments, or 4 monthly installments.

Frequently asked questions

When are cohorts?
Fall cohort runs September through November. Spring cohort runs February through April. Enrollment closes 2 weeks before each cohort start. Limited spots per cohort: 4–6 students for 1-on-1, more for group formats.
Why a cohort instead of rolling enrollment?
A cohort means students work alongside others on parallel timelines, see each other's progress (in group sessions), and get the energy of a structured studio. Rolling enrollment is fine for shorter programs; a semester benefits from cohort cohesion.
What if my kid hasn't done the 5-Week or 8-Week first?
Not required. We do a pre-enrollment consultation to assess whether Semester Studio is the right fit. Some kids come in fresh; others build up from shorter programs.
Can my kid miss sessions?
Three make-up sessions are included across the semester. We work hard to keep the cohort cohesive, so consistent attendance is best.
Do you cover portfolio prep?
Semester Studio's final movement is a personal project that doubles as a portfolio cornerstone. For dedicated portfolio prep (LACHSA, OCSA, college applications), see Teen Portfolio Intensive.
Are mid-semester start dates available?
No — semester is cohort-based. If you miss the enrollment window, the 8-Week Skill Builder is rolling and a strong bridge until the next semester opens.

Available across Greater Los Angeles, including Santa Monica, Brentwood, Mar Vista, Venice, Culver City, Pacific Palisades, Playa Vista, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Hancock Park, Hollywood, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Echo Park, Atwater Village, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Burbank, Calabasas, Pasadena, South Pasadena, Altadena, and La Cañada Flintridge. See all areas →

Reserve a cohort spot

Cohorts fill up — especially fall. Reach out early to lock in your kid's spot for the next semester.

Schedule Consultation

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