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Adult
Fri, Mar 14, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
1:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Glen K.
Class Experience
Art has the power to give visual voice to our deepest thoughts and feelings. Training is needed to master that voice. In this class students of ALL experience levels (from absolute beginners to gallery-exhibiting artists) learn how to master their craft.
Working from photographic sources provides beginners a clearly defined goal to hone their drawing and color mixing skills. More advanced artists will find themselves able to deepen their image-making power as we discuss why and how we choose to translate the photographic source into a work of art.
Compass Atelier founder, Glen Kessler, runs this 6-session weekly course throughout the year. Many students find the community and continued growth become a reason to stay on board for years. Whether you are new to art, looking to take your work to the next level, or just want to find a community of like-minded people to enjoy making something alongside, you will love this class.
Other Things To Know


Up to 2 weeks prior - full refund
8-14 days prior - full refund, minus $20 fee
1-7 days prior - half refund, minue $20 fee
Day of or after - no refund
What To Bring
SUPPLIES
Paints – Gamblin Artist Grade (37 or 150mL)
- Alizarin Crimson*
- Quinacridone Red*
- Permanent Orange*
- Hansa Yellow Light*
- Phthalo Green*
- Phthalo Blue*
- Ultramarine Blue*
- Ivory Black*
- Titanium Zinc White*
- Dioxazine Purple*
- Quinacridone Magenta*
Brushes
- Rosemary & Co – Compass Atelier Starter Kit † or Plaza Georgetown series brushes in an assortment of filbert, flat, and round sizes 2-8
- Rosemary & Co – Compass Atelier Blending Kit † or an assortment of ‘sable’ brushes
- Oval Mop Brush (Princeton Select ¼”, 1”)*
- Filbert Grainer (Princeton Select ¼”, ¾”)*
Other Necessities
- New Wave Posh Palettes (12” x 16” gray glass)*
- Masterson StaWet Palette Boxes (blue top)*
- Quart or gallon of GamSol*
- Silicoil jar (glass jar with metal coil inside)*
- Palette knife (Liquitex Small Knife #1)*
- Sketchbook (any size or style)*
- Palette scraper
- Assorted sizes of canvases or canvasboards
- Container for supplies
- “The Painter’s Compass Color Wheel” (available at The Compass Atelier Store & Plaza)
- Wet erase marker (available at Staples or The Compass Atelier Store)
- Paper towels (blue shop towels highly recommended) (not available at Plaza)
- Bar of Ivory soap (not available at Plaza)
ALL supplies marked with a * can be purchased in a bundle through Plaza Artist Materials at discounted prices. For pick up at Rockville store only:
https://www.plazaart.com/the-compass-atelier-painting-kit
ALL supplies marked with a † can be purchased in a bundle through Rosemary & Co Brushes:
https://www.rosemaryandco.com/index.php?route=product/search&filter_name=compass
Reviews for Compass Art Center
4.9 out of 5
Based on 33 provider ratings
Melissa P.
Feb 25, 2025
Loved:
My granddaughter is still in the class. She loves trying new things, making art friends, and working with the instructor.
Improvements:
Nothing
Winter 2025 - Adventures in Drawing & Sculpture (11 classes)
Location: Compass Art Center, Young Masters Art Studio | Instructor: Svetlana Belenkaya
Marcela Y.
Feb 15, 2025
Loved:
My daughter absolutely LOVES this class. Few students in class and she is learning so much from her instructor, who she said is patient and amazing. She is also learning from the other students who are equally dedicated.
Winter 2025 - Drawing Dragons and Mythical Beasts (11 classes)
Location: Compass Art Center, Young Masters Art Studio | Instructor: Mary Scuka
Jessica R.
Feb 9, 2025
Loved:
The children learning new art technique
Improvements:
The instructor does not do a very good job leading the children through a lesson. It's hard to follow her or know what she expects.
Winter 2025 - Arts and Dots Drawing (11 classes)
Location: Compass Art Center, Young Masters Art Studio | Instructor: Nancy Raymond
Response from Compass Art Center
We're so sorry that your experience is not consistent with our usual reviews. We work very hard to remain a 5-star school so we will take your feedback very seriously. Thank you for your candor. Mary Scuka (owner and Director)
Phu V.
Aug 7, 2024
Loved:
It’s very organized
2025 - Wonders of Summer Art Camp (half day)
Location: Compass Art Center, Young Masters Art Studio | Instructor: Nancy Raymond
Emily R.
Nov 20, 2023
Loved:
Great class size and individual attention. My son loves coming home with a new project every week.
Fall 2023- The Amazing Road to Drawing (in person)
Location: Kensington Art Studio | Instructor: Mary Scuka
Compass Art Center Location
Compass Art Center, Compass Atelier 2
10335 Kensington Pkwy, First Floor, Kensington, MD 20895
Meet your Instructor
About Compass Art Center
Compass Art Center is the home to THREE incredible studio art schools: The Compass Atelier (adults), Stone Branch Art Program (teens), and Young Masters Art Studio (children and tweens).
The Compass Atelier has served the Washington, DC area for over a decade with the highest caliber art instruction for adults looking to start their artistic journeys or take their hobby to a professional level. Year-round weekly classes, visiting artist workshops with some the country's top artists, and their revolutionary 3-year Master Artist Program are available for anyone to enroll.
Stone Branch has helped teens maximize their artistic ability through incredible lessons and near-one-on-one guidance. Middle schoolers have attained acceptance to magnet high school art programs and high schoolers have gotten into every top art school and university in the country through Stone Branch guidance.
Young Masters offers exceptional drawing and painting classes for children ages 5-12. Our lesson plans are developed according to the student's age and skill level. We limit the size of our classes to 8 or fewer, allowing our instructors to provide personal attention for every student. Most of our instructors are professional artists who bring their knowledge and expertise to every class. We foster creativity and imagination in all artworks to ensure students build confidence in addition to skill.