Art For Adult Beginners
Our engaging classes, kind teachers, and innovative curriculum will develop your artistic confidence - in an atmosphere filled with laughter and joy! We know everyone can make art with encouragement and excellent instruction. That includes you!
Gail’s Progress
Gail joined “Start Drawing” because she wanted to draw her beautiful golden retriever Ceilidh. Look at the progress she made in just a few months! Now think for a moment. What would you like to draw?
Mark’s Progress
Mark joined “Start Drawing” to make art with other people in an encouraging and supportive place. He also wanted to draw more accurately and confidently. Look how his skills developed with just three months of instruction and practice!
At Slow River You Will Find:
Our Topsfield, MA Studio:
Visit our beautiful studio at 17 Main Street in Topsfield! Just two minutes from Route 1 and convenient to all of Essex County, we have two large, light-filled classrooms, an art gallery and enough room to host community events. Our gorgeous studio feels more like a retreat center than a typical school.
Our Online Classes:
If you live outside the Boston area, join one of our online classes! You can expect the same interactive lessons and friendly community, all in a format you can take with you anywhere. We have students from across the US and across the world joining our classes each week. You can be one of them!
Testimonials
“I was blown away by my experience with Slow River. Honestly, the best art classes I’ve ever taken. The instruction is excellent, and my skills have grown so fast. Jess has a way of teaching that helps you overcome any inhibitions and be in the mindset of curiosity, play and growth. Her teaching goes beyond just how to apply medium, she guides you through a process of connecting deeper with life and what is around you. I always leave feeling better after art class.”
“Every time I venture out for some sketching with the folks at Slow River Studio, I leave feeling refreshed, encouraged, and inspired. It is the highlight of my week. Everyone is made to feel welcome, regardless of skill or artistic experience. ”
“I’ve taken two classes so far, and plan to take as many as I can. Welcoming, supportive, fun, inspiring and educational. I have never taken any art classes before this but have always loved being creative. Slow River is all about empowering anyone to try, anyone to create and express, with no judgement and no pressure. You’ll learn from the instructors but also from the others in the classes. I would recommend this to everyone - and I have! :-)”
“Slow River Studio offers a very supportive environment for beginners - the first thing you will learn is that you don’t have to pay any attention to that voice in your head that says you’re no good - in fact, you can give it a name and tell it to go have a cuppa, because you have your artwork under control and its “assistance” is not required, thankyouverymuch! ”
“Jonti is such a warm, charming, magical human being and teacher!”
“The evenings I get to spend at Slow River Studio feed my soul. Being with people who are experimenting, learning, and laughing together is so much fun and takes my attention to things completely separate from the stresses of life. Thanks for adding this to my life.”
“I love this class. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would get so much from this class. Jess has a way to make you feel at ease even though you don’t know what you are doing. The atmosphere was easy going and you could feel free to ask questions. You can progress at your own pace. There is no pressure if you don’t have time to do the homework. Very relaxed atmosphere.”
“You’re like my personal trainer helping me get those creative muscles pumping again! 😁”
“Jess is a wonderful teacher. She breaks down each task into digestible pieces and reinforces her lessons with compassion, humor and encouragement. She makes the process of learning a joy with no perfection or shame. She is a learner with us. She is a delight , a true teacher and loves her students for their individual efforts and process.”
“I really can’t put into words what you have given me… I think it is called joy... I have learned so much in an incredible environment with two wonderful instructors. Thank you!”
Follow Us On Instagram and Facebook
